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56
I am pleased to think a great change is coming over the public
opinion of this country. Formerly all efforts were spent in improving
the general surroundings of the individual, and drains, with their stinks
and sequelae, engaged the attention of all; to-day the school teacher
and his work are recognised as equally potent for good as that of the
health official, and the general opinion of the Medical Officers of Health
that children should not go to school before 6 or 7 years of age is the
outcome of this.
In the last week of February, Measles showed itself in the Coppermill
Road Infants' School and 16 children were said to be away from
that cause.
On March 4th, 67 were away, and on the 8th I received a letter from
the Superintendent Officer, Mr. Jones, that only 393 children were
present and that 142 others were away suffering from or due to Measles
in the home. The average attendance of the school was 519.
I considered the matter carefully, but did not see my way to advise
closure ; however, the Education Committee did so on the 10th March,
and on Mr. Liddiard's application I advised re-opening in seventeen
days.
In May, Measles were prevalent all over the district and 3 per cent.
of the children were absent from this cause. After attaining its
maximum in June, a decline set in in July, followed by the holidays in
August, and on reassembling in September only 37 cases were said to
be away from this cause.
In March the Schools of the Central District were mainly affected.
In April ,, „ „ Central, E.C., E. and N.W.
In May „ „ „ S.W., E.C., C., E. and W.C.
In June „ „ „ W.C., E.C., S.W., S., C., E. and N.W.
In July „ „ „ S., N., N.W., C., E.C., E. and W.C.
Throughout the year the Infants' Schools were mainly affected.
Whooping Cough, like Measles, was present throughout the year,
but did not rise to any particular maximum save March and July.
In March the St. Saviour's and Markhouse Road Infants' Schools
were mainly affected. Out of a total absence of 136, 109 were from
these Schools. In July these Schools were practically free, and
Queen's Road and Gamuel Road were mainly affected.