OPEN-AIR SCHOOLS
• [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sm,—No one could question the arguments put forward in your columns regarding the future of Open-Air Schools in this country.
It has to be remembered that the movement for Open-Mr Schools had for its fundamental object the repair of damaged health, and the growth of the movement is proof of both the, need for, and value of, such schools of recovery. Children admitted to such schools are those who by reason of physical defects are incapable of receiving proper benefit from in- struction in an ordinary Elementary School, but who are not incapable of 'receiving - benefit from instruction in a Special School. This outlook does not encourage a demand for Open- Air Schools for the general school population. _ The New Zealand movement strikes the right note : "Every School an Open-Air School."' But the public in this country will not be ready' for "Open-Air Schools for all" until it
ceases to regard them as schools for recovery, nor until the desire for cramming gives way to the desire for development of intelligence. Educationists and ethers can no longer claim that it is impossible to educate a child in the open air without distracting his attention.
I look forward with hope to the thne when we shall lead the world in open-air educational methods.—! am, Sir, &c.,
H. C. MULHOLLAND, School Medical Officer.
Swinton and Pendlebury Urban District Council, Council Offices, Swinton, Manchester.
[We are very glad to publish Dr. Mulholland's letter. Like him we hope that Great Britain will one day lead the world in open-air educational methods. We believe in the open-ait school for the well child, not only for the sick child.—En. Spectator.]
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