MALNUTRITION

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 September 1926, Page 3

MALNUTRITION

TESTS FOB SCHOOL CHILDREN. (Pei Press Association.) * AUCKLAND, September 15. “The condition of children in rural districts is that twenty per cent, of them are not up to the proper state of nutrition, and perhaps five per cent, of the cases are fairly bad.” This statement was made by Dr. A. Henderson, School Medical Inspector to the Auckland Education Board, in an application for permission to apply tests to children, to discover if a state of malnutrition had any effect on mental ability. “It would, be a great thing if we could apply mental tests to children,” Dr. Henderson said. He outlined the scheme, which had been suggested by the Senior Medical Officer of Health, that children of about fifteen schools

to the number of about 300, should be tested. Between them, the two tests would show if malnutrition was having a harmful effect on the minds of the children. The schools where pupils would be tested would be spread over mining areas, dairying areas and districts where people were wealthy. The tests would be carried 6u in school under’ the supervision of the teachers, and it was hoped to obtain a comprehensive survey. “Twenty per cent, is a serious proportion,’’ ..said Mr. T. W. Wells. “Is it a matter of ignorance of food values

on the part of parents, or of poverty?” “I am inclined to think it is due to ignorance,” replied Dr. Henderson. “That is my opinion. I intend asking the child particulars of its diet, and to see what it is given for its lunches.” Mr. F. A. Snell asked whether parents would be notified of the results of the tests, and suggestions made for the well being of the children. Dr. Henderson: Certainly, that is done now.” The Board accordingly granted Dr. Henderson permission to carry out his tests.