H.—3l

" Primary Schools (3,755)— Per Gent. " Normal . . .. 11-3 "X . . . . 37-1 37-1 per cent, palpable^] I; g x • • ■ ■ per cent, visible j 88 ' 7 ? er Cent " totaL " Higll School (310) — Per Cent. " Normal .. .. Nil. "X .. .. 32-6 32-6 per cent, palpable^ "XX .. .. per cent, total. " XXX 3-vj P er ceir ''- Vlsl 'w e j " Comparing findings for primary schools in 1934 with those of 1933, I find a definite increase in the incidence of thyroid enlargement. , Normal. Palpable. Visible. Total. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. " 1933 .. .. .. 23-2 35-8 42-0 77-8 " 1934 .. .. ..11-3 37 • 1 51-6 88-7 " The increase is mainly in the two-plus class, that in the three-plus clas» being lower —1-3 per cent, as against 2-05 per cent. (1933). " Figures for the high-school girls appear to be high. Taken in comparison with primary schools, bearing in mind the physiological factor, and the higher age, this is not more than one might expect. The main incidence falls in the two-plus class, only 3-2 per cent, being larger. These latter were all classified as small. It is possible that at a later age a certain proportion of these enlargements will be less. " While working on the coast area near Opunake, I noted that the percentage of children with no enlargement appeared to be higher. Examination of the returns shows this to be correct. At Pungarehu, Opunake, and Rahotu the incidence of enlargement was lower and fell mainly in the palpable class. These schools are close to the coast, and there is a good sprinkling of Maoris. Pungarehu in particular, where 30 per cent, were normal, is composed largely of Maoris." Domestic Course for Girls just leaving School. During the year Dr. Gunn put forward a proposed scheme for the better training of girls for domestic occupations. The object of the scheme is to secure improvement in the social standing of domestic workers by means of a system of co-ordination of the training received in the technical school with actual practice in the home. Dr. Gunn reports : " I have with Mr. Hancox, Principal of the Palmerston North Technical School, drawn up a list of subjects necessary, and an influential committee of twelve ladies has been formed who seem most enthusiastic. It is hoped to get girls now entering the technical school to take up this special domestic course. The course suggested is that the girls should have two years as full technical-college pupils, taking a special domestic-science course. In the third year these girls are to go out to homes, selected by the committee, and do their practical work under the guidance of a mistress. Afternoon or evening classes should be taken at the technical school, the girls to have the full benefits of such school in classes, games, and amusements. In the fourth year the domestic work will be more advanced and the girls will receive higher wages. The committee have agreed to take an interest in these girls, who, if considered suitable, will be taught to specialize in some particular branch of work. I think a very successful scheme can be elaborated and made practical; but, of course, very little can be done until we get the girls who have had their first two years at the Technical College Domestic work." Publications. With the valuable co-operation of Dr. Baker McLaglan a pamphlet " Simple Hygiene " has been prepared, affording a basis of instruction to pupils in primary schools, including Native Schools. It is hoped this will be suitable for use also in Junior Red Cross circles. A small pamphlet " Hints on Nutrition," outlining general principles of dietetics and giving simple suggestions with regard to daily food lias been prepared with the co-operation of the Home Science School, Dunedin ; Miss Shaw, Christchurch Technical College ; Miss Rennie, Wellington ; and of Mrs. Johnstone, Mount Cook Cookery Centre, Wellington. Special Investigations. Besides the survey of physical measurements quoted above, considerable time has been devoted to examining children and interviewing parents with the object of obtaining information of value to the Division of Dental Hygiene in an investigation into the cause of the widespread dental caries found in New Zealand. The Division of School Hygiene wishes to express appreciation to the Mental Hospitals Department, Education Department, various Education Boards, School Committees, and teachers for valuable co-operation. A. G. Paterson, Director, Division of School Hygiene.

39