ILL-FED CHILDREN.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18135, 26 July 1924, Page 8

ILL-FED CHILDREN.

WORST CASES FOUND IN COUNTRY. (SPKCIiIt TO "THE HUtSS.") NELSON, July 25. Before leaving Nelson for London, in terms of her Bedford College scholarship, Miss Kirkpatrick, school nurse for Nelson and Marlborough, was asked bv a representative of the "Mail" to rasabo somo observations regarding her work in tliifl district. Miss Kirkpatrick said she had found that the worst cases of malnutrition wero in country districts. The> average poor family in the town was much better fed than the average poor family in the country. Another thing was that malnutrition was not confined to tho poorer people. As a matter or fact it was much more m evidence'in children from families that were well able to afford all that was reetmnw for the proper bringing up of children. In the case of badly-fed children m the country, it was only too apparent that their main food was mutton and potatoes. The cause of malnutrition among children from the. comparatively well-to-do families in tho towns was unsuitable, messy food, highly refined, and too maiy chocolates. In one email school visited "there was only one perfectly healthy-looking boy, with perfect teeth. Visits were made to "homes, and it was found, as was to be expected, that the mother of this boy realised the importance of green vegetables as well as potatoes* and freshly cooked meat, and the children were never without applo. jliio otiier members of the family were strong and healthy. In other homes near by the verv reverse was the case: no care m regard to diet, the children's teeth in had condition, and the general health far from satisfactory. Alias Kirkpatrick said it was most essential that every care should bo riven to the teeth. If they oould bo absolutely sure of correct diet, the tooth brush would not be necessary. White bread and biscuits were most injurious to the teeth, but brown bread was beneficial to the teeth aa well as to the general health. In some places it w&s evident that parents oould afford music lessons for their children, but when it caine to the real essentials, thosethings that meant so much for their children a future, they had no money or care. A good supply of green vegetables, plainly and we • ooked food, brown biwd, and an apple, or a piece of an apple, to finish off would work wondere among the school children, said Miss Kirkpatrick. Good sound food, with plenty of fresh air and sunshine, were the great requirements.