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the question of the introduction in Antigua of your scheme, and of provision being made for a grant to teachers, will be considered by His Excellency in Executive Council.

C. M. Martin, Esquire,

I am, &c.,

E. ST. JOHN BRANCH,

Colonial Secretary.

Inspector of Schools.

Enclosure 5 in No. 41.

69

into instruction of teachers in tropical hygiene. I recommend the formation of a class or classes at suitable places for the purpose; it would be sufficient as a begin- ning to give a short course of six to eight lectures. The subjects to be treated would be the simple and essential laws of health without undue scientific details; special attention to be paid to explaining and elaborating upon communicable diseases, and generally to keep within a fixed syllabus. I have been favoured with a copy of the syllabus referred to in the Colonial Secretary's circular, and think it well adapted for the purpose, though, in my opinion, the last section "Accidents " be, with advantage, omitted as more suitable to a course of lectures on First Aid."

I am willing to take my share in these lectures, as far as lies within my power, and make the attempt to interest teachers in hygienic functions which should rightly belong to them; I would suggest that Dr. Rat be asked to undertake the course in Nevis.

may

SIR,

(Circular. Leeward Islands. No. 718.)

1

Government House, Antigua, April 17, 1906. Colonial Secretary's Office, Antigua, April 17, 1906. (1) the Colonial Secretary's WITH reference to

letter, No. of the 13th (2) my February last, on the subject of the teaching of the rudiments of hygiene in the schools of tropical Colonies, I (1) have the honour

to enquire what action has been taken thereon and to enclose, for your consideration, copy of a letter* and enclosures which have been received from the Inspector of Schools on this subject.

(2) am directed by the Governor

I have, &c.,

(1) BICKHAM SWEET-ESCOTT,

(2) E. ST. JOHN BRANCH,

Governor.

Colonial Secretary.

His Honour

The Administrator,

April 18, 1906.

W. H. FRETZ.

SIR,

(St. Kitts-Nevis. No. 37.)\

Enclosure 7 in No. 41.

Government House, Antigua, April 27, 1906.

I BEG to acknowledge the receipt of Your Honour's despatch, No. 28, of the 20th instant, and to inform you that I approve the arrangements which you propose with the view of securing instruction in the schools of your Presidency in rural hygiene.

2. I appreciate Dr. Fretz's co-operation in this matter.

(1) The Administrators,

(2) The Commissioners,

Dominica and St. Kitts-Nevis.

Montserrat and the Virgin Islands.

Enclosure 6 in No. 41.

SIR,

(St. Christopher, Nevis. No. 28.)

Government House, St. Kitts, West Indies, April 20, 1906.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's despatch, No. 20, of the 17th instant, on the subject of teaching rural hygiene in the schools of this Presidency, and in reply to Your Excellency's request for information as to what action has been taken in regard to this question, I enclose, for Your Excel- lency's information, copy of a minute that I have received from Dr. Fretz in reply to one from me asking for his views. If Your Excellency approves, I propose to arrange classes as suggested by Dr. Fretz; the instruction given being on the lines suggested in the scheme of instruction drawn up by the Inspector of Schools, and transmitted with Your Excellency's despatch under reply.

His Excellency the Governor,

Leeward Islands,

Antigua.

I have, &c.,

ROBERT BROMLEY,

Administrator.

MINUTE from Dr. FRETZ to ADMINISTRATOR.

There seems to be no doubt that instruction of teachers is an essential pre- liminary to the instruction of scholars, any other means of teaching the children would be unduly expensive and not nearly so efficient; it, therefore, resolves iself

• Enclosure 3.

•

I have, &c.,

BICKHAM SWEET-ESCOTT,

Governor.

His Honour

The Administrator,

St. Kitts-Nevis,

Enclosure 8 in No. 41.

(Virgin Islands. No. 38.)

SIR,

Tortola, May 4, 1906.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, No. 1940/05/153,

of the 13th of February last, and No. 718, of the 17th ultimo, on the subject of the teaching of the rudiments of hygiene in schools.

2. I regret it has not been possible at present to take any steps to teach the rudiments of hygiene to the teachers in the schools of the Virgin Islands.

3. If I could find the time I should be willing to instruct the schoolmasters myself, but, unfortunately, the schools are so scattered that it would be impossible for any of the schoolmasters to attend, except the two stationed in Road Town.

4. I think it is important, however, that something should be done as the ignorance on such matters in remote parts of the Colony is almost incredible. Perhaps it would be possible for the Inspector of Schools to inform the Managers of the schools in the Virgin Islands that after a fixed date any newly appointed schoolmaster would have to produce a certificate of attendance on lectures of the proposed course before he could be recognised by the Department, and a suitable manual of hygiene given to the present schoolmasters.

The Honourable

E. St. John Branch,

&c., &c., &c.

I have, &c.,

ROBERT S. EARL.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

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