H.—3l.

Diphtheria Immunization. Immunization against diphtheria was carried out in several districts. In the South Auckland district an intensive campaign was carried out by Drs. Turbott and Deem, 3,652 children being inoculated. From Whangarei Dr. Cook reports that Whatatiri and Maungatapere Schools were immunized. In Gisborne 394 school-children and 72 pre-school children were inoculated. In Auckland also immunization was carried out by Dr. M. Wilson. Dental Caries. This is a defect over which School Medical Officers are still showing concern. Although the dental clinics are still doing excellent remedial work, the incidence of caries remains disappointingly high. Some parents make a splendid effort to preserve their children's teeth, but in other cases they fail to take advantage of the dental-clinic treatment, although the clinics are easily accessible. When the importance of correct and adequate diet is appreciated by parents, and when the conservative treatment undertaken by the Dental Division is available throughout the Dominion, our figures for the incidence of caries will show great improvement. Dr. Champtaloup writes : "It is common to find neglected secondary caries (arising after the clinic age). The provision for this is inadequate, and conservative treatment is usually impossible to obtain . . . It is sometimes difficult to arrange for treatment, but available services are frequently inadequately utilized. There is need for stimulation to secure treatment in post-clinic cases." Sanitation and School Buildings. All School Medical Officers remark on the improvement in school buildings, sanitation, and equipment. Nevertheless, while appreciating the difficulties which School Committees and Education Boards have to contend with, the cleanliness of some class-rooms still leaves much to be desired. It is difficult for children to be taught the fundamentals of hygiene if the condition of the class-room is not up to the required standard. Acknowledgment. The Division of School Hygiene wishes to express appreciation to the Education Department, Mental Hospitals Department, Education Boards, School Committees, and teachers for valuable co-operation. Elizabeth Gunn, Director, Division of School Hygiene.

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