CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1921, Page 6

CHILDREN’S HEALTH

MEDICAL INSPECTION,IN SCHOOL. A PARENT’S PROTEST. (From Our Manaia Correspondent.) As a result of a complaint by a parent in regard to the manner in which a medical inspection was carried out, the Manaia School Committee has passed a resolution on the subject, to be forwarded to the Minister for Education. Mr. O. T. Parry waited on the committee, and said he wished to protest against the methods employed by Dr. Elizabeth Gunn in the course of her medical examination of the children. On a recent occasion, he stated, his little daughter had been partially undressed before a class of boys and girls. Previously, he had written to the headmaster, stating his desire that the child should not be examined. The headmaster (Mr. C. Hewlett) explained that he handed the letter to Dr. Gunn, who declined to consider it, and proceeded with the examination. Mr. S. J. Bennett criticised the partial undressing of children and explaining their physical defects before a mixed class, as had been reported. Such a practice tended to make the children nervous, and they were liable to be taunted by their, fellow pupils who had heard the remarks of the doctor. After a lengthy discussion, in which it was generally admitted that Dr. Gunn was a skilful and painstaking officer, the following resolution, moved by Mr. S. J. Bennett and seconded by Mr. A. J. Andrews, was agreed to: “That this committee is of opinion that the medical examination of children should not be conducted in the presence of boys and girls together; that all information as to physical defects should be given to the parents, and not to the children themselves; and that, whilst approving of dental inspections, this committee objects to the manner in which the children’s teeth are removed by the inspector. A copy of this resolution to be sent to the Minister of Education.