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45
EXAMINATION OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
Pressure of other work has prevented this being done
systematically, but it is highly desirable that every school should
be thoroughly examined, at least once or twice a year. In most
of those visited the subject of ventilation did not appear to receive
the attention it deserves, closed windows being the rule rather than
the exception.
A wise Legislature fixes the minimum amount of air-space in
a common lodging-house at 300 cubic feet, while in a Public
Elementary School the average air space per child is only 120
cubic feet, often less. This is very inadequate. The air in a
class-room is foul within 5 minutes, unless some inlet for fresh air
is provided. In a foul atmosphere neither good health nor good
educational results are possible, for it is difficult to get knowledge
into brains rendered dull and sleepy by carbonic acid poisoning.
Carnelly recently investigated the results in 3 schools, after
the installation of improved methods of ventilation, as compared
with 15 schools badly ventilated.
The increase in passes was as follows:—
Reading 95.6 to 99.6
Writing 90.4 to 97.8
Arithmetic 84.2 to 92.4
Grant earned 19/6 to £1/1/8
The necessity for the constantly open window is, therefore,
obvious, not only from a hygienic, but also from a pecuniary
point of view.
Several physically or mentally defective children have been
examined and reported on. The provision of a centre for the
instruction of these children has been mentioned, but their number
at present is small.
Much additional work might and should be done, if time or
more help were forthcoming. At present it is impossible
D