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56
I have again to express a hope that the day may not be far
distant when a special school will be provided for our cripple
children; for the best of them the ordinary schools are not
suited, and for many others such schools are entirely out of
the question. The special consideration shewn to the crippled
children who do attend school by their teachers and classmates
is much to be commended, and is good for all
concerned. Five children were found to be too crippled to
attend school at all.
MENTALLY DEFECTIVE CHILDREN.
We are looking forward to the special school, for this
class of children, which is to be built on the site of Ashley and
Linden Houses, The Green. I hope that a strong "After
Care" Committee will be formed in connection with the
school, so that suitable occupations may be found for the
children on leaving, and their welfare continue to be
looked after. The State is realizing the necessity for doing
something for this class of the community so little able to
look after their own affairs, and, doubtless, special schools will
be but a part in a general scheme of legislation.
Five children were found to be unfit for school at all on
account of pronounced mental defect.
EPILEPSY.
Twelve children had to be excluded from school on
account of severe epilepsy. Two children suffering very
badly from this disease have been sent by the Education
Committee to Institutions for epileptics during the year.