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During the year 154 boys and 97 girls were admitted, and
165 boys and 48 girls discharged. The discharged cases are reinspected
a few months after leaving the Institution, to see if the
improvement is maintained. All candidates for Fyfield have their
teeth put in order, and any necessary operation on the throat performed
prior to admission.
Improvement as a rule shows itself soon after admission,
owing no doubt to a better regime of hygiene obtaining than
exists at their homes. A local practitioner, Dr. David, is called
in for emergencies or sudden illness, when they arise.
Out of 201 cases sent for re-inspection following their discharge
from Fyfield, 40 did not attend owing to various reasons.
Out of the 161 examined, 129 showed continued improvement,
whereas 32 had had inter-current ailments, and their present condition
was not considered so satisfactory.
The following is a brief account of the daily routine at the
School:—
The children rise at 7 a.m., wash, clean boots, and are served
with breakfast at 8. Then comes inspection, and any necessary
attention by the nursing staff. From 9.10 to 11.50 a.m., and
from 2.40 to 4.35 p.m. the children attend classes under properly
qualified teachers, conducted in classrooms specially constructed
for open-air school work. These classrooms are capable of being
opened to the air on three sides, and are fitted with a hot water
heating system for use in very cold weather. Under suitable
conditions classes are often held outside in a meadow or under
the shelter of some trees.
Dinner is served at 12, and this is followed by the "Rest" of
1-J- hours, which is taken on a special chair in the large open-sided
rest-room, under the supervision of one of the nurses. The children
are bathed twice a week, and great attention is given to the
cleanliness of the teeth and personal hygiene generally.
The food served is ample in quantity and of the best quality,
and includes fruit and fresh vegetables brought daily from the
school gardens.
On arrival at the School each child is well and comfortably
clothed, the outfit including good boots or shoes, woollen underclothing,
woollen jumpers, flannel suits for boys and blue gym
frocks for girls, and, for winter use, heavy reefer overcoats.
There is a large playing field where cricket, football, netball,
and other games are played ; while on winter evenings entertainments
are given, and indoor games and a good library are made
use of.
After a light supper the children retire to the dormitories
about 8 p.m. and, as a result of a busy day under healthy conditions,
are soon sleeping soundly.
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