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13
Schools.
All the public schools, and several private schools, have
been inspected, and such recommendations as I have made
have been carried out, or are in progress. As regards the
elementary schools, there was a deficiency in closet and
lavatory accommodation, below the standard laid down in
the Code. In addition to this the schools were all of them
too full, and 1 am glad to see the new school is rapidly
approaching completion. Children when learning require
plenty of light and air, expensive articles which the public
must make up its mind to pay for, if they wish the children
to take full advantage of the education, and grow into
healthy men and women.
The Grammar School has been thoroughly overhauled, and
I think it is now in a satisfactory condition.
Several private schools have been put into a better sanitary
condition, but the carrying out of these improvements in
some of the older houses is very expensive, and compulsory
powers are not as extensive as I should wish.
Now that the electric light is available, the question arises
whether it would not be advisable to commence afternoon
school somewhat later during the winter months, so that the
scholars might get fresh air and exercise during the better
part of the day. I believe they would learn all the better
for this advantage, if it could be arranged.
Dairies.
The dairies and milkshops have been inspected and found
to be fairly satisfactory. In some cowsheds there has been
found to be not sufficient air space for the number of cows.
These people have been warned and will be further dealt
with if necessary. Purveyors of milk are very numerous,
and their shops have been, with one or two exceptions, found
to be satisfactory.
Slaughter Houses.
These places are mostly in crowded parts of the town, and
although complying with the regulations are far from
satisfactory. It is to be hoped that when the Borough is
extended, that a public abattoir under proper control will be
established. It would be worth the while of opponents of