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32
the purchase of physical training and organised games equipment
is proving insufficient in view of the present high cost of such
equipment, most of which is subject to purchase tax. It is hoped
that the Board of Trade will make some concession in the near
future on all sports and physical training equipment for schools.
The buying of all gymnastic and games shoes and clothing
became the business of the new County Supplies Officer during 1947.
Tottenham received an allocation of shoes and clothing, but
at the present rate it will be some years before it is possible to
ensure a full supply of all items. Gymnastics and games shoes and
clothing become worn out fairly quickly and the present rate of
supply does little more than replace the wastage.
Storage cabinets of steel wire construction have now been
ordered and should be installed in all schools needing them early
in 1948.
Halls and Playgrounds.
The many uses to which school halls are now put, seriously
handicaps the full implementation of the physical education programme.
Particularly is this the case where the hall is used for
school dinners. The setting up of tables and benches, the laying
of the tables and the clearing away afterwards, seriously curtails the
time available for physical training in the primary schools. This
is doubly evident at the present time, since because of the bad
conditions of the surfaces of many playgrounds, it is becoming
increasingly necessary to conduct physical training lessons indoors.
In addition, it is not possible to arrange for permanent markings
for minor organised games as the crumbling nature of the surface
destroys them almost at once.
Swimming.
The increased enthusiasm noted last year has been more than
maintained during 1947. This is reflected in the high number of
Middlesex County Swimming Certificates awarded for the year
ending December 31st. The totals were—
elementary certificates 612
intermediate 101
advanced 12