ngly fed, insufficiently rested child that most readily
develops physical deformity. The fatigued nervous system is expressed in
general bodily slackness. There is deficient muscular and ligamentous
tone. The typical faulty posture is thus acquired, with drooping head,
flat chest, wing shoulders, prominent abdomen. Vitality is depressed and
the bodily mechanism out of gear. The grosser bony deformities so often
found in older lands associated with rickets are rarely seen in New
Zealand, but less evident manifestations of faulty 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 the
prevention of defect it is essential that the classroom 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.

SEXUAL OFFENDERS IN NEW ZEALAND.

The Prisons Department has furnished the following return of
sexual offenders serving sentences in New Zealand prisons in 1924:
The total number of sexual offenders, 192; the total number of
sexual offenders born in New Zealand, 126; the total number of
sexual offenders born out of New Zealand, 66; the total number of
persons in the prisons serving sentences exceeding three months,
980; the total number of New-Zealand-born prisoners, 673;
proportion of sexual offenders--New-Zealand-born to total number
of New-Zealand-born criminals, 18.722; total number of prisoners
born outside New Zealand, 307; proportion of sexual offenders born
outside New Zealand to prisoners born outside New Zealand, 21.498.

TABLE SHOWING THE NUMBER OF SEXUAL OFFENDERS SENTENCED UNDER THE
RESPECTIVE HEADINGS IN NEW ZEALAND PRISONS AS ON 31ST AUGUST, 1924.

Carnal Knowledge and Attempted Carnal Knowledge. 30
Indecent Assault.