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Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18947, 17 May 1933, Page 5

HAMILTON SCHOOLS

DENTAL CLINIC MEETS.

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES.

At the annual meeting of the Hamilton Schools’ Dental Clinic Committee last evening the chairman (Mr H. M. Baker) presided over a full attendance of members.

The annual report stated — The dental treatment of children attending the schools attached to the Hamilton group has been systematically carried on during the year. The number of schools under treatment at the commencement of the year \yas 19, and other schools admitted during the year numbered nine, making a total of 28 in the Hamilton groups. The number of financial patients under treatment during the year was 1047. There were also 63 children who received free treatment, making a total of 1110. Of these numbers 436 attended Hamilton East clinic and 674 Whitiora clinic. These figures show a small increase on the previous year’s patients. The nature of the work done was as follows: Fillings, (permanent and temporary teeth) 5500, extractions 976, miscellaneous 2199, total operations 8675, total attendances 4002. Fees fop Period.

The fees, paid for the period amounted to £lB4 11s, against £.225 15s the previous year. The difference in this connection is made up by the reduction in the fee from 4s to 3s 6d, and the fact that a greater percentage of children during the past year received free treatment. The balance in hand at the commencement of the year amounted to. £l3O 14s 3d. The total receipts for the period ended March 3l amounted to £333 2s 7d, and the total payments £2OB 8s '2d, -leaving a bank balance of £124 14s sd, whilst the actual income for the period amounted to £lB7 Is 4d and the expenditure £lßl 19s sd, leaving a profit on the year’s workings of £5 Is lid. It will be seen from these figures that had the committee reduced the fee as was suggested at our last annual meeting we would have made a loss on the year’s workings. The clinics have been maintained in a good state of repair,

regularly cleaned, and kept In a sanitary condition. Three full-time nurses have been employed during the year.

The thanks of the committee are due to'school committees and teachers for their valuable co-operation in the collection of the fees, and parents are urged to facilitate the collection of same by making prompt payment, as it must be borne in mind that the services Rendered by this committee, school committees and teachers are voluntary, and without the loyal support of parents the benefits of the service could not be maintained. The report and balance sheet were adopted as read. Votes of thanks to the chairman (Mr Baker) and the secretary (Mr H. W. Fisher) for their work during the past year were carried with acclamation.

Mr Baker was re-elected chairman and Mr Fisher secretary for a further term.

Messrs A. G. Downes, W. Holden and A. Graham were elected (with the chairman and secretary) as a subcommittee to deal with important business between the committee meetings. ■ There was a discussion on the decrease in the number of children receiving treatment, and members were reminded that children, even though they were under school age, were eligible for treatment on the payment of the fees. The question of the lateness of the fees being paid was also discussed, and it was recommended that in future fees must be in on the day the closing day is announced.