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The grosser bony deformities so often found in older lands associated with rickets are rarely seen in New Zealand, but less evident manifestations diet and regime are frequent. It is fortunate that in this country we cannot altogether escape, however we seek our pleasures in stuffy rooms or dark, ill-ventilated places of entertainment, those powerful and beneficial agents for promoting healthy growth—sunlight and fresh air. For tho preventionjofjdefect it is essential that the class-room should offer hygienic conditions — e.g., good lighting and ventilation, suitable furniture, &c. Another contributory factor in poor physical development is the use of incorrect clothing and footwear. It is a common thing to find from six to eight layers of tight garments constricting the chest even in a child whose legs are scantily protected from cold. Shoes which are too tight or too short, or which have heels so high as to prevent correct body-balance, are very harmful. Clothing should offer adequate protection, but should not prevent the most absolute freedom of movement. Physical Culture. —Physical drill and organized games are of great benefit to children suffering from postural defect. Dr. Irwin reports that selected children were given special exercises for flat feet in Dunedin Hospital with good results. The value of swimming as an exercise is recognized increasingly. The numerous teachers who devote hours taken from their own leisure in order to encourage interest in outdoor occupations and sports deserve our sincere thanks and admiration. One of the most satisfying observations is to see the delicate, nervous, self-conscious only child of anxious parents react to a good school environment, and become transformed into a cheerful, casual youngster happily absorbed in concerns not immediately related to himself. For many of these " highly trung " children school is literally a salvation. Organized School Lunch. —It is satisfactory to note that there is an increased amount of attention given by teachers to the supervision not only of the character of the school lunch but also to the manner in which it is eaten. The custom of arranging for a supply of hot cocoa for children who lunch at school is excellent. In an increasing number of instances the teacher arranges that this meal shall be eaten under supervision, and with as much regard to the amenities as possible. An excellent opportunity is then afforded the conscientious teacher for practical education in dietetic matters. Nutrition Classes. —For the benefit of children suffering from subnormal nutrition, nutrition classes have been established in two or three schools of the Wanganui and Auckland districts. The daily regime of children in these classes is supervised, special attention being given to the kind of food eaten, amount of rest taken, time spent out-of-doors, and so on. Results so far appear to be promising. Health Camp. —The annual health camp conducted by Dr. Gunn at Turakina, Wanganui district, was again a marked success. The great improvement in physical and mental vitality of the children composing it is always a striking example of the benefit to be derived from a simple routine which provides those facilities for health previously mentioned—fresh air, sunlight, correct food, rest, and exercise. The educational value of such camps is great, not only to those who participate in them, but to all who have an opportunity of noting the effect of such treatment upon the children. Conditions of the Teeth. —Dental caries exists in 68-98 per cent, of children. Only 4-74 per cent, of children have perfect sets of teeth. So much has been written about this subject that reiteration should be unnecessary. Reports of school medical officers stress repeatedly the importance of diet in relation to dental caries. To develop strong jaws and well-spaced teeth exercise is necessary. To keep the teeth in a healthy condition a considerable amount of food at every meal should be given in a form requiring vigorous mastication. The meal should always be finished with a cleansing food, such as fruit or vegetables — e.g., apples, celery, lettuce, &c. Care should be observed that no sweets or starchy foods should be taken last thing at night. Eating between meals is to be deprecated. The amount of sweets consumed is indicated by the yearly consumption of sugar per head, quoted above. School medical officers report that children living in institutions such as orphanages, where simple regular meals are provided, tend to have bettor teeth than have those living in their own homes. A short time ago a mother came to the Department with her two children —the elder, a boy of six and a half years, who, for family reasons, had been brought up since birth in an institution; the younger, a child of four and a half years who had always lived at home. The teeth of the elder child were perfectly sound, white, and well spaced. His little brother shows only a series of decaying stumps. On questioning the mother one found that the younger child had been improperly and too frequently fed, and had consumed sweets freely. Thus an institution may offer greater advantages. in certain respects than do many comfortable homes. Dr. Mecredy found in his investigations that 13-2 per cent, of Maoris (that is, full Maoris and halfcastes) show perfect teeth; that the jaws are broader and stronger among Maori children. A comparative return shows that Maori children average four carious or treated teeth per head, as against eight such in a white child. He considers this attributable to the less proportion of refined starchy foods, the higher proportion of vegetables, and the diminished consumption of sweets. Dr. Clark reports a large increase in tho consumption of whole-meal bread in his district, and attributes to this fact a noticeable improvement in the teeth of the children. Tooth-brush Drill. —Tooth-brush drill is carried out in the schools of the Wanganui and the Taranaki districts, and in scattered areas elsewhere. Dr. Wilkie reports its use in a few Auckland schools. There is no doubt that it ensures a higher standard of cleanliness than is, as a rule, otherwise attained, though many teachers succeed in achieving good results by a daily catechism of their pupils with appropriate remarks as to procedure, diet, &c. Denial Nurses. —The work of dental nurses is the subject of frequent favourable comment by school medical officers, and the extension of their activities is generally desired. There is no doubt that where a dental clinic exists a higher standard of oral hgyiene is found, not only in those classes Undergoing treatment but throughout the school.