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the poor of the densely populated districts. In order that such recreation
grounds may he of still further utility, it has been suggested—and with
this suggestion I fully concur—that every local hoard should he compelled to
provide an open space of about one acre which might he advantageously
planted with trees and shrubs. This space would not only afford the means of
healthy recreation, but it might be rendered available, under the pressure of
a severe epidemic, for tho erection of a temporary hospital for the treatment
of the sick poor of the district.
Proposed New School Board Schools.
It having been determined by the London School Board to erect schoolrooms
in different parts of the Metropolis, in which the children of the poor
will be congregated together in large numbers, many of whom will be found to
have their vital powers considerably below the healthy standard, it is therefore
of the utmost importance for the protection of their health, that the best attention
should be given to the ventilation, warming, drainage, provision for
personal cleanliness, and other sanitary arrangements in the buildings. For
this purpose, as the Board have not appointed a medical officer, they should
direct their Architect, during the progress of the buildings, to confer upon
these matters with, the Medical Officer of Health of the District, whose duty,
among other things, under the provisions of the 132 section of the Metropolis
Local Management Act, is to point out the most efficient modes for the ventilation
of schools, &c., so that the sanitary arrangements may be completed
simultaneously with the completion of the buildings.
The Benefits arising from Fresh Air, Exercise and Cleanliness.
In September last I availed myself of the opportunity which was kindly
afforded me to visit the training-ship, Goliath, which is moored off Grays,
Essex, where I saw the most striking benefits resulting from fresh air, good
food, regular exercise, personal cleanliness, and cheerful industry, in the boys
who are taken from the Forest Gate Industrial School, and who are in the
course of training for Her Majesty's Navy. These hoys are the children of
pauper parents, and were received into the Industrial School, at Forest Gate,
from some of the crowded and badly ventilated courts of the Whitechapel
District. The increase in the height, weight, and breadth of chest in the
boys is most remarkable. If this improvement in the physical condition of
the boys were the only benefit obtained by their living on board ship, and
being subjected to the discipline necessary for fitting them for useful service,
it would indeed be most valuable; but on observing the countenances of the
boys, I found that they had lost the usual peculiar expression of features so
common to that class from which the boys are taken; and instead of the
downcast and sullen look, there was observable an expression of intelligence
and cheerfulness; and I was informed that habits of self respect are soon
developed in each of them.