HEALTH OF SCHOLARS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 259, 30 October 1913, Page 4

HEALTH OF SCHOLARS.

AND MEDICAI. INSPECTION.

VALUABTaE. BIT. , NEEDS MOE-TFJCATIOX.

At last meeting of tup Auckland Education Board a. deputation of headmasters, whiie supporting the principle of medical inspection of (Scholars, said too much of tue work was thrown on the headmasters, who were not only not. fitted for it. but were too busy with legitimate teaching work to spare the time.

The matter was sent to a special committee, consisting of the chajrmau (Mr. G. J. Garland). Mr. A. B. Harris, and Mr. li K. Mulgan (chief inspector), who submitted a coniprehecsive report to the Board yesterday.

While empliaeising the value of a.ud necessity fur medical 'inspection, the committee considered the present methods were in need of modification.

Summarised, the committeeV; opinions are: — (1) That the details of the present system of medical inspection should be amended in the direction of lessening the work done by the teacher, and increasing or modifying that done by the medical inspector. (2) That teachers' duties ill connection with medical inspection should be confined mainly to noting defects and general weakness appearing amongst the pupiU under their care, and to reporting to the mpdieal inspector during his visits to the schools. (3) Tliat, in order adequately to carry out the necessary and important work of medical inspection a greater number of medical inspectors' is needed. (4) That provision should be made for t*e treatment of pupils whose parents or guardians are either unable or unwilling to incur the necessary expense.

The report tras adopted, and it was decided to send a. copy to the Depart" »«*, and the Auckland branch ofThe .New ZeaJand Educational Institute.