E.—l

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increasing interest and an active part in the work of medical inspection, and have rendered great assistance to the Medical Inspectors by the way in which they have kept the necessary records and made the preliminary measurements prior to the Medical Inspector's visit. In a number of cases the Medical Inspectors have been the means of securing better sanitary and hygienic conditions in the schools they have visited. The Education Boards have willingly followed up, with good effect, reports by the Medical Inspectors on the conditions of the schools affecting the health of the children. Speaking generally, it may be stated that the work of medical inspection of children is already bearing fruit, and that there is distinct evidence that in the short period during which the system has been in operation the physical welfare of the children of New Zealand has noticeably benefited. The essential duties of the Medical Inspectors of Schools may be briefly summarized as follows : — (1.) The routine medical examination of S2 pupils. (2.) The medical examination of all children in public schools suspected of suffering from some physical defect. (3.) Selecting and forming classes of children, requiring special corrective physical exercises under the physical instructors. (4.) Notifying parents of defects found in their children, and advising that the necessary medical or dental treatment be obtained ; seeing that such, cases are " followed up " by the School Nurses until some satisfactory result is obtained. (5.) Selecting cases for the Department's Homes for feeble-minded children. (6.) Co-operating with social agencies in obtaining assistance in cases where the unsatisfactory physical condition of children is due to poverty. (7.) Instructing training-college students and teachers and addressing and interviewing parents on matters relating to the physical welfare of children. (8.) Giving advice generally regarding the hygienic conditions of schools. The duties of the School Nurses include — (1.) Assisting the Medical Inspectors in the medical examination of schoolchildren. (2.) Advising and helping parents in the treatment of minor ailments and in matters of cleanliness, clothing, &c. (3.) Following up where necessary, by visiting the parents, cases that have been notified of physical defect, in order to ensure, if possible that the necessary treatment and care are obtained. Physical Education. The work of physical instruction has been considerably extended during the past year, chiefly as a result of the appointment of additional instructors. There are now ten instructors engaged in the work of training teachers in the principles and practice of the system, and of inspecting the work done by the teachers in the various schools. From all quarters keen appreciation is shown regarding the improvement in the physical condition of the children as the result of the establishment of this system some six years ago. At first it was necessary to organize large instruction camps in the various districts in order that teachers, by undergoing a fortnight's course of individual instruction, might have an opportunity of understanding the basis and the application of the system. During the past year numerous