SCHOOL CHILDREN'S HEALTH.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 29 March 1920, Page 4

SCHOOL CHILDREN'S HEALTH.

AN AUCKLAND ALLEGATION REFUTED.

Some time ago the Auckland branch of the New- Zealand Educational Instii ute was much exercised over a statement to the effect that an abnormal number of pupils attending schools in rite Auckland province were physically

icfective. The institute look the rirst ■ pportunity of asking the Auckland liducation Board to had out whcthei ihe statement was true, and if so. how the defects were caused and how they "inld be remedied. The Hoard thereupon took steps to obtain reports on tie subject from the senior inspector of schools (Mr E. K. Mulgun) and the medical inspectors (Drs. H. A. Davi'es and E. A. bands).

These reports, which htive T.ow been placed in the hands of the institute, all take exception to the general stute■uent that there arc an abnormal number of physically defective children in ihe district. After reviewing the conditions prevailing in regard to minor physical delects, such as decayed teeth, adenoids, enlarged tonsils, and impaired eyesight, Dr. Davies stales: "In conclusion, J. may say that I have had experience in England, America, and New Zealand. The New iZealand children have the finest physique of the three countries, and those in the Auckland province are second to none.'' Dr. Sands also disagrees with the allegation. "Such a sweeping slatcat," she says, "could only have been made 1.-y one lacking a full knowledge of the facts and without medical authoiity. There arc undoubtedly a large number of .minor defects, such as iecaved tcelh and the lesser disorders ■oiiimon to children, which it not cor■cc.i'd may become serious, but these ~c probal.iy not peculiar to the rbiliicu of the Auckland province, but ■omnion lo G.e whale Dominion." Respecting nervous children. Dr. .'.avies says: •'' There are more of these ihan there ought to Me. and it is largely dee to iiome-lite. Nearly el! the children ivho iire milkers and have long distances to go to school are .nervy. Many of the cases are pothetica in the extreme, and if i may express an opinion 1 should say it should be made illegal for any child lo do any farm work during s.chool life."