THE HEALTH OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12974, 29 November 1907, Page 3

THE HEALTH OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.

» (PBBSS ASSOCIATION , TELEOBAM.) AUCKLAND, November 28. A Conference was held lost night, between a number of the members of the medical and teaching professions, regarding the medical inspection, of school children. A scheme propounded . by Dr. Mason, Chief Health Officer, received general support. Dr. Purdy, I District Health Officer, said that his j original scheme was for 1000 children to be examined in Auckland, and the results compared with those obtained in southern centres. The support- received, however, enabled fiOOO children to be examined. JVlr Bagnall, chairman of the Education Board, aaid the members welcomed any movement tending to an improvement of the conditions under which school children worked. Dr. Mason emphasised the fact that though examination was optional, teachers were doing a large amount of work, and it -was proposed to take some of this off wieir shoulders. With respect, to tne reported carelessness of parents, he pointed out that it was hot always want of care; but parente did not ccc a child under the same conditions ac the teacher did. His idea was that J four inspectors should be appointed for New Zealand, and their whole time occupied. Ten or twelve per cent, of., the«i27,OQo children- afctenjiing the schools of the Dominion, were below the average standard of health. Theae should be set aside for a medical officer to see. He expressed his;pleasure at the support accorded >to the scheme, and anticipated good results.