460 RfipoRT— 1903. 



should be cut ciff by a properly arr^,nged ventilatihg lobby. This part of 

 the school building should be thoroughly well lighted, so as to ensure its 

 being kept properly clean. Deodorants or disinfectants should not be 

 allowed, as they take away one certain and easy means of detecting any- 

 thing wrong. To prevent unpleasantness reliance should be placed on 

 perfect cleanliness. Frequent inspection by the principal is of the greatest 

 importance, as when these matters are left entirely to the school-keeper 

 it is not uncommon to find in schools otherwise splendidly equipped and 

 managed a very undesirable state of things. In planning a school great 

 care should be exercised as to the position of lavatories, &c. No windows 

 in the main building should overlook the approach to them. 



APPENDIX IT. 



Eyesight in School Children. 



The Sub-Committee appointed to inquire into the recorded investiga- 

 tions as to (A) the causes of defective eyesight in school childien, and to 

 give an account of (B) the conditions necessary for preserving the sight 

 in school life, reports as follows : — 



(A) The three principal jjreventaMe causes of defective sight in schools 

 are found to be — ■ 



1. Defective and flickering lighting of school buildings and rooms. 



2. Faulty positions of scholars with regard to light and with regard 

 to the work upon which they are occupied. 



3. Bad type of print and wi-iting, both in school books and upon 

 blackboards. 



To these may be added causes less under the control of the school, 

 though definitely affecting the child in its relation to school life, 

 namely — 



Defective nutrition ; 



Insufficient sleep and clothing, and home habits and conditions in- 

 jurious to general health ; 



Home lessons conducted under unfavourable conditions of light 

 position. 



(B) The three conditions necessary for preserving the sight in school 

 life are found to be — 



1. That the schoolroom and classrooms should be sufficiently and 

 steadily lighted, whether by daylight or by artificial lighting. 



2. That scholars should maintain correct positions in school, both in 

 regard to the direction of the light falling upon their work and correct 

 posture and with regard to the books or objects upon which they are at 

 work. 



". That the paper and type of all books used in school should be 

 appropriate. Blackboards should be properly prepared and placed, and 

 the writing upon them clear and of a suitable size. Slates of the ordinary 

 description should be abolished or replaced by others of a more modern 

 kind. 



