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seen by Dr. Cowie, and a certain number have obtained spectacles
after having visited one of the hospitals, through Councillor
Odell by means of the St. James' Samaritan Fund.
(l) Ear Disease.
Although the number of cases of discharging ears found
during medical inspection is comparatively small, reference to
the list of diseases seen at the School Clinic will give some
idea of the number that have been dealt with. Very few
indeed of these cases get medical treatment whatever, a little
perfunctory syringing with "boracic powder" being all that
is thought necessary, and the children are often seen with the
discharge dropping from the ears.
(m) Hearing.
Tests for hearing are carried out entirely by the whispered
test, in the case of the entrants facing, and in the case of all
other children with their backs turned so that no lip-reading
can take place.
(o) Mental Condition.
Table XXX. shows the number of children with the various
stages of mental incompetence.
It is to be hoped that prospective legislation will do something
to deal with the after-life of the children in the Special
School.
(p) Heart and Circulation.
Table XXI. shows the number of children found at medical
inspection during the year, with cardiac abnormalities.
Some of these cases are very difficult to deal with and
under better home circumstances several of these cases would
be better away from school, but taking everything into consideration,
and the well-ordered life and discipline which they
get in school, I feel that they are better off attending school
regularly than running the streets and, as happens in some
cases, being made to do the duties of a household drudge.
(q) Lung Disease and Tuberculosis.
During the year a considerable number of children, as
shown by Table XXII., have been under observation for chest
trouble, some of them for prolonged periods. Some, after
having been sent away for considerable periods, have obtained
a fresh start, but for the majority I see no prospect of doing
any permanent good until we have an Open-Air School.
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