modified or even overcome.

"I wish to emphasise the fact that those thorough medical
examinations should be repeated in the case of all children at
regular intervals, as in this way alone can a proper physical
standard be maintained, and deviations from the normal detected
promptly and in many cases cured before the sufferer is aware of
their presence.

"How often in examining our adult patients do we find them much
surprised when they are told and convinced by actual proof that all
their life they have depended on one eye only! This fact, of
course, they sometimes accidentally discover for themselves, and
come with the statement that the eye has suddenly gone blind. In
the majority of these cases the weaker eye is useless, and the
possibility of making it of any use is, at their age, practically
_nil_."

FOOTNOTES:

[16] Cf. _Special Report on Educational Subjects_, vol. ii.

[17] Cf. _Report on Elementary Schools of Berlin and Charlottenburg_, by
G. Andrew, Esq.

[18] Cf. Appendix, pp. 62-65.

[19] _Report Royal Commission on Physical Training_ (_Scotland_), vol.
i. (Neill & Co,. Edinburgh).

CHAPTER VII

THE RELATION OF THE STATE TO EDUCATION--THE FEEDING OF SCHOOL CHILDREN

A much more important and far-reaching question than that of the State
provision for the medical examination and inspection of children
attending Public Elementary Schools is the question of whether, and to
what extent, the State should undertake the provision of school meals
for underfed children.

Of the existence of the evil of under and improper feeding of children,
especially in many of our large towns, there is no doubt. The numerous
voluntary agencies which have been brought into existence to cope with
the former are sufficient evidence that the evil exists and that it is
of a widespread nature. Again, the high rate of infant mortality amongst
the children of the lower classes is largely due to ignorance on the
part of parents of the nature and proper preparation of food suitable
for children. Further, the social conditions under which many of the
poor live in our large towns is a contributing cause of this improper
feeding. In many cases there is no adequate provision in the home for
the cooking and preparation of food, and in others the absence of the
mother at work during the day necessitates the children "fending" for
themselves in the provi