A SOUND INVESTMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 114, 16 May 1934, Page 11

A SOUND INVESTMENT

MILK FOR CHILDREN

WHAT IT HAS ACHIEVED

With the approach of winter tho Smith Family is seriously concerned regarding the lack of funds to-resume the supply of milk to under-nourished children attending the primary schools within the city boundary. The--money in hand is not sufficient to give the scheme an adequate start, and unless there is a wider practical appreciation of its value there must be a slowing down of the Family's activities in this connection. It is necessary only to glaneo through the letters which have been received by the Smith Family from teachers and parents to realise that a cessation of the supply would have farreaching effects. The following are extracts from some of the' enthusiastic testimonials:—

"The children show more colour in their faces and seem more alive in their work." ' . . .

"I know of a case where the doctor has told the parents to take precautions, against the child's tendency to contract T.B. They cannot afford the extra milk required, and look upon the Smith Family school supply as a boon."

"Although no record of weights, etc., were kept, I can. assure you that the pupils have greatly benefited in health, and consequently their work at school has improved." ■

"There has been a'marked improvement in the general physical condition of the children receiving the milk." "The average increase in weight was 1.931b. One boy added 9.021b. Boys who were listless and dull showed an increased bodily activity."- ■ "Class teachers report a marked improvement in several of the pupils in general appearance; attitude • towards work, and energy." 'I The way in which they line up for their milk tells its own story." "Headmasters are of opinion that great benefit resulted. .Many letters have been received from parents expressing their appreciation." "I- am sure you- would have appreciated the look of expectancy on the wee ones' faces when they were given their milk." . .

"God bless tho Smith Family for benefits bestowed on these little destitute ones.": ~

"The children are eager to get it. They neeH it, some of them badly." "There can bo no doubt at'all that many children are not having sufficient milk at home."

"My committee is of the opinion that this is one of the finest of tho many activities of the^mith Family." There are many more in tho same strain, but the above are ample proof of what the scheme means to the children's health. To many of them it will be nothing short of a tragedy if the supply has to cease. Last year 2400 children suffering from malnutrition in different degrees were provided with a daily ration of. half a pint of pasteurised milk at a cost of approximately Is a month for each, child. The distribution costs about £120 a month, to operate, and surely it is one of the finest investments it is possible-for the community to make.

If j further proof of the urgent need for a continuation of the supply is required it is to be found in a report made by Dr.. Helen Bakowell concerning the Tesults at one city school. Of the children who received milk 80 per cent.' gained weight, 14 per cent, showed no increase, and 6 per cent, lost weight. In marked contrast are the figures concerning children Who did-not receive milk. It was found that 20 per cent, gained weight, no less than 70 per cent, remained stationary, and 10 per cent, ■lost weight. .. • . '