MILK FOR TROOPS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 36, 12 February 1938, Page 24

MILK FOR TROOPS

DAIRIES IN INDIA

EUROPEAN STOCK

FARMS

NO NATIVE CONTROL'

Although conditions on native dairy farms in .India were terrible and some of the' things done by native dairymen revolting, the Europeans were now able to get their milk supplies from well-controlled farms, said Major T. Young, 'of the Royal Army Medical Corps in India, who arrived on a holiday visit to New Zealand by the Wanganella. Milk was being used in increasing quantities by the troops in India, he said, and an issue of milk was now made to young Indian recruits as part of their diet. Major Young said he was particularly interested in public health, and always endeavoured to study- what was being done in various parts of the Empire when on furlough. He had visited many parts of the world and intended to see as much as possible of New Zealand in the limited time available. A great deal had been done to improve public health in India, particularly as regards supplies of water and milk and housing. OKGANISED DAIRYING. There was absolutely no control over the native milk supply as yet, Major Young said, but dairying for Europeans was well organised. Shorthorn cattle had been imported from Britain and were crossed with native stock •to give disease resistance. The cross had been very successful and a breed with only a small percentage of native stock1' had been produced. These cattle were kept on excellent dairy farms and were under careful scientific and veterinary control. A large number of natives were enlisted at fifteen years of age, Major Young said, and it had been found that these youths did not grow as well as the non-military youths, although-they were better fed than the general civilian population. A study of the conditions showed that while these young men were well developed they were about three inches shorter than the average civilian, and that the extra work they did more than counteracted the extra provisions they received. Milk was being used with good results to correct this fault in growth, an issue being made daily to the troops. MILK v. BEER. Although free milk was not issued to the "Tommies," said Major Young, they consumed large quantities. It could no longer be said that the British soldier in India was a beer drinker. The usual morning glass of beer had given place to tea and tea

was now giving place io iced milk. Every canteen had its ice-chest and the soldiers could buy a small bottle of milk for a penny. The use of milk by the soldiers had brought about an improvement in the general health standards. • ' ■

The need for the proper control of the production and distribution of milk in India was great, Major Young said. At one time the milk supply was entirely in the hands of the native dairy farmers and the troops had to take the supplies available., The conditions under which this milk was produced were appalling and things went on on native dairy farms that would revolt a European.