MILK FOR SCHOOLS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12704, 8 November 1935, Page 3

MILK FOR SCHOOLS.

FREE DISTRIBUTION TO CHILDREN GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATING DETAILS SCHEME -MAY BE EXTENDED TO FACTORIES BUT NOT SAME STATE AID (Press Association.) • PAPAitOA. Nor. 7. The progress of the Govt* winner plan? lor the diLrihulion of milk to school children was com in on tod on hr the Minister of Finance, Air Contes, iu the course of 'speeches in. the Kaip’tiirn electorate to-day. The details and cost of administration are being fnllv investigated. Mr Coates said. A full announcement of the national scheme would have to bo deterred until the results of experimental, distribution in certain Auckland scnools have been examined.

“The Auckland experiment is expected to give highly valuable information on the quantity of mils which should he distributed and the best methods of organisation”, AD’ C-oates said. “A scientific approach to the scheme, with hygemc methods of distribution, is essential if the dang or of the dissemination of milk-liornc disease is to he entirely avoided. The ultimate objective "-ill he to- provide an adequate .supply of milk to all school children, but if, is not intend-

ed to confine the scheme entirely to schools. It is desirable to arrange, with the co-operation of the Plunket Society and hospital boards, for the distribution of milk to children of pre-school ago who may require extra milk rations. “Tho Government is also anxious to assist in preparing the necessavy distributive arrangements for a supply of milk to factories and other business establishments which may do sire an extension of the scheme’ sa:d the Minister “Tho free distribution ol milk to children is aimed at, but the distribution to business oslabbshments would not receive the same

financial assistance. “In administration of the scheme

full reliance will ho placed on local organisations, committees working in closo co-operation with the Departments of Health, Education and Agriculture. Tho ■successful administration of the scheme would materially improve the health of the children, and at. the same time substantially benefit milk producers. For these reasons the Dairy Hoard and the Unemployment Board are taking a keen interest in the proposal.”