APPLES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23300, 9 April 1941, Page 8

APPLES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

80.000 CASES IN TEN WEEKS

(P.S.S.) WELLINGTON, April 8. It is expected that 80,000 cases of New Zealand apples will be disposed of in 10 weeks under the scheme for free distribution to school children, which began in the four main centres two weeks ago and which was extended to most country schools on Monday. Transport difficulties in country areas have caused the later starting of the scheme there. As compensation, country schools may qontinue to receive apples for a week or two after supplies to city areas cease. The whole scheme is scheduled for 10 weeks, but it may be prolonged if thought desirable. ' The Railways Department has agreed to co-operate in the distribution. Each stationmaster will act as agent for the Internal Marketing Division and will see that the fruit is collected by_ carriers and taken to the schools. Delivery will take place once a week. The anples are being bought by the Health Department from the Internal Marketing Division and the division will itself pay for transport. The full cod of the scheme is not yet knojvn.

Most of th° anples for the Wellington district, including Manawatu. Wairarapa. Hawke's Bay. and Wanganui, will eome from Hastings orchards. If crops there run short supplies may later be from Nelson.

In Wellington ritv 1200 cases are being used each week. Tho scheme is proving nooular with the children and seve ra l headmasters have written to the division commending it on health grounds. , The division recommends that apples should be given to the children at the afternoon playtime rather than with the milk ration in the morning.