Story: Body shape and dieting

Being examined by the school doctor

Being examined by the school doctor

In this 1947 photograph, Michael Evans, a pupil at West End School, Palmerston North, is examined by the visiting school doctor, Dr Talbot. Michael's mother, Betty Evans, and a nurse look on. By the late 1940s all New Zealand children had a medical examination on entering school and were seen again in standards 2 and 6 as a preventative health measure. Prevention rather than cure was reinforced by the 'guide to good eating' poster on the wall. This photograph was one of a series assembled by the Prime Minister's Department to attract British migrants by showing the good living conditions and benefits available to New Zealand families. 

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Palmerston North City Library
Reference: 2010P_A175-67-1_004186

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How to cite this page:

Caroline Daley, 'Body shape and dieting - Average heights and weights', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/41390/being-examined-by-the-school-doctor (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Caroline Daley, published 5 Sep 2013