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7
The Education Acts.
I have periodically examined the public elementary
schools in the district, and I am pleased to observe that great
improvements have been made in the sanitary conveniences
attached to these buildings. Some of the playgrounds have
also been put into a much more satisfactory condition. The
ventilation and heating of the buildings also have been carefully
considered, and alterations effected much to the benefit of
teachers and children. The new desks provided in some of
the schools are not only an improvement for scholastic purposes
but also for physical development of the scholars.
Manual exercise if more extensively employed would also
be beneficial.
The new temporary public elementary school reflects
much credit upon the Council as the Education Authority.
Employment of Children Act, 1903.
I understand that it is intended to make bye-laws in
pursuance of this statute. These are in my opinion highly
essential as there are many children who are now engaged in
employment of "street hawking" or the delivery of milk and
newspapers and running of errands, &c., which course should not
be permitted to continue. A general bye-law throughout the
county would perhaps be the most efficacious manner of dealing
with the question.
Factory and Workshops Acts, 1901.
The total number of workshops as per register is 136,
including 38 domestic workshops, 18 retail bakehouses, 32
laundries, 38 other workshops, not including 26 workplaces.
With regard to cleanliness notices have been served under the
Public Health Acts in respect of 14 workshops and 10 domestic
workshops.
In one case where no sanitary accommodation was
provided for the persons employed notice was served to provide
suitable and proper accommodation, and such notice was at once