DELEGATES SPEAK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 235, 3 October 1936, Page 9

DELEGATES SPEAK.

Child Welfare and Nutrition Problems. FOOD IS STILL TOO DEAR. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 1 p.m.) GENEVA, October 2. On beginning a study of child welfare, the Fifth Committee of the League of Nations listened with close attention to an account given , by Mr. W. J. Jordan, New Zealand High Commissioner in London and chief League delegate, of the Dominion's extensive work in that field. While commending the services for improving the lot of the minority of children who come before the Courts and other public authorities, Mr. Jordan made a strong plea for attention to the requirements of the normal child, especially in rural districts. Food Values and Nutrition. When the Second Committee resumed discussion 011 nutrition, Sir James Panexpressed the opinion that the most satisfactory method of attacking the problem was along the line of increasing purchasing power. New Zealand had restored wages to the level they had reached before the depression, while reducing working hours, said Sir Jjimes. Food, however, was still too dear owing to inefficient distribution. There were many unnecessary middlemen handling Dominion produce. As an instance, Sir James mentioned New Zealand apples, which cost 8d a lb in Europe but brought the grower only Id a lb. The League's valuable work on nutrition should not be used as an excuse by individual Governments for delaying action. It was gratifying to find that a number of Governments already realised their obligations.