SCHOOL CHILDREN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2924, 30 March 1910, Page 11

SCHOOL CHILDREN.

! COMPULSORY MEDICAL INSPECTION. WELLINGTON, March 22. ! " The question of the compulsory medi- ! cal inspection of school children has from time to time engaged the serious attention of my board," remarks the chairman of the Education Board in his annual report submitted at the meeting this afternoon. " An examination of b«' .veen 300 and 400 children, conducted by two medical men of recognised standing, was undertaken. While the report shows that the physical condition of the children was on the whole good, there was disclosed quite a considerable number of cases of defect, preventable and remediable, but in many instances previously unrecognised. My

board is strongly of opinion that, both from humanitarian, educational, and ns-tional economic considerations, the establishment of a well considered State system of medical inspection of school children is highly advisable, even if it be begun on a very smail scale, until actual, requirement is determined by experience. My board is convinced that from the point of view of national efficiency it will cost less to undertake this work than not to undertake it. It' is found that the boards of the Dominion are in substantial agreement, and you are aware that the more progressive legislatures of other countries are in advance of New Zealand in this matter. The State Inspection, of schools has been undertaken in Tasmania, New South Wales, England, France, Argentine, Switzerland,; Japan, and other countries."