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64
SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
The majority of these are satisfactory. I intend during
the year to make a systematic investigation and inspection of
the Schools and hope to give a full report next year.
During the latter part of the year there was a severe epidemic
of Measles in the Infants' Departments of several Schools,
chiefly Fourth Avenue, Shrewsbury Road, Monega Road, and
Sandringham Road.
It was found advisable to close Fourth Avenue School
(Infants' Department) for three weeks, as the attendance fell
below 50 per cent., and every class was affected.
The School was disinfected and cleansed during the
closure. I did not think it necessary to close the other Schools,
but they were disinfected at the week-ends with satisfactory
results.
MEDICAL INSPECTION.
The erroneous idea prevailing in many quarters as to the
object and purpose of Medical Inspection appears to be rapidly
disappearing. There are not nearly so many objections as in
previous years, and many parents have shown great interest in
the examination of the children by being present and requested
advice on the physical fitness. Besides Medical Inspection for
physical defects, what is required is information regarding the
circumstances and environment of the childrfen concerned.
Also it is obvious that the chief value of Medical Inspection lies
in remedying the defects found.
This question has not up to the present time been seriously
considered by this Authority, but I intend to suggest that with
further assistance we may establish a School Clinic to treat
defects found as the necessary corollary to Medical Inspection.
To compile records may be of use from a statistical point
of view, but it is necessary for suitable treatment to be undertaken
to show that the money spent on inspection is well laid
out.