H.—3l
As these returns have just become available, their further analysis has not been possible, but it is hoped, when opportunity offers, to give fuller consideration to them and- to the other data obtained from the survey. Faulty Posture and Physical Deformity. Nearly all School Medical Officers refer to the prevalence of faulty posture. Dr. Anderson remarks Children exhausted with outside interests arrive at school tired and sit in poor attitudes over their morning work ; at interval, under existing conditions, they are massed together for approximately fifteen minutes' drill, irrespective of the numerous types of human build and of their physical condition. The futility of giving heavy exercises to a child whose brain is already exhausted by school work, or by want of sleep, is clearly pointed out by recent authorities. Discrimination should be exercised with regard to drill classes in our schools." In Dunedin where there is treatment provision at the general hospital for defects of this kind, Dr. Stevenson reports favourably upon the results obtained. The value of organized games, and especially of swimming, is emphasized by several School Medical Officers. With regard to physical deformities, Dr. Phillipps states : " The most noticeable deformity of New Zealand children —and of the people generally for that matter —is that of the jaws. It is rare to see well-shaped jaws, and the resulting deformity of the face is very noticeable in the population generally. The Maoris still have good jaws, and, although a Maori child may have bad teeth, nevertheless it is usual to find that the jaws are well shaped." Lists of cripple children were obtained in some areas by School Medical Officers at the request of the local Rotary Club in connection with the scheme now being inaugurated. Health Camps. The health-camp movement continues to receive increasing public support and appreciation, and each year new districts are to be congratulated upon the enterprise and enthusiasm shown by the establishment of health camps. It is impossible in this report to do justice to the excellent achievements of individual associations. Two newly established health camps are deserving of mention : The Southland Children's Health Camp Association constructed convenient and attractive camp buildings at Omaui Beach, between Invereargill and the Bluff, some fifty children being accommodated there during the summer holidays, with striking benefit to their physical condition. The South Canterbury Health Camp Committee utilized the Geraldine School and adjacent grounds for the efficient running of a health camp for some twenty children ; this was a most successful effort, and Mr. and Mrs. Ruston in particular, who supervised the camp, are to be congratulated upon the results obtained. Other well-known health-camp associations whose activities have been frequently recorded in previous reports continue to carry on efficiently and successfully. These organizations are now so well established in public esteem that it is unnecessary to do more than refer to them by name : The Community Sunshine Association, Auckland ; The Wellington Children's Health Camp Association ; the Sunlight League of New Zealand, Christchurch ; the Dunedin Children's Health Camp Committee ; the Bryant Home, Raglan ; the Waikato Children's Camp League. All these organizations owe much of their success to the interest and practical assistance given by voluntary workers, and to the generosity of the public. Particular mention may be made of Rotary clubs in various districts. Dr. Anderson states : " Our thanks are due to the Rotary Club in Dannevirke. This club has done much valiant work for the cause of our school-children in giving milk during the winter months ; also in sending cases to the Otaki Health Camp. The after-care of such children on their return from Otaki has been of particular value. The Hastings Rotary Club has been most helpful in sending children to camp." The Wellington Rotary Club has also given valuable assistance to the Otaki Health Camp. Tuberculosis. The total percentage of tuberculosis found in routine examination equalled 0-07 per cent, for European childern, of which 0-05 per cent, was pulmonary and 0-02 per cent, of other tissues. The incidence of tuberculosis among Maori childern is definitely greater, the total being 0-6 per cent, (pulmonary, 0-46 per cent., of other tissues, 0-14 per cent.). The work of supervision of tuberculosis contacts has been continued as far as possible. Records are to hand with regard to over 2,000 tuberculosis contacts throughout the Dominion. In nearly all areas School Medical Officers have maintained satisfactory co-operation with tuberculosis experts attached to sanatoria or hospitals, arrangements made for the examination of children suspected to be suffering or actually suffering from this disease. Many instances are quoted by School Medical Officers where this constant supervision and early treatment undoubtedly save children from becoming victims of tuberculosis. In outlying districts and where the school nursing staff is small, however, it is not possible to afford tuberculosis contacts such close personal observation as is desirable.
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