Milk For More Schools

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 174, 26 July 1938, Page 6

Milk For More Schools

Scheme Outlined To Minister of Health “NO SERIOUS IMPEDIMENT” Comprehensive plans submitted to the Minister of Education, Hon. P. Fraser, by the committee controlling the supply of milk to the Palmerston North schools to embrace 16 district institutions within reach of the city were favourably received by the Minister at a conference at the Dairy Research Institute factory yesterday. Mr. Fraser, who was accompanied by his wife and Mr. D. Barnes, M.P. for Waitaki, and Mrs. Barnes, was shown over the plant supplying the milk to the schools by Professor W. Riddett. Others present wero Messrs. J. Hodgens, M.P., W. G. Black, H. R. Denize, Colonel Whyte, Dr. D. Cook, district medical officer of health, and Professor G. S. Peren. “We hope to extend this scheme to include 16 rural schools,” said Mr. Black in outlining the committee’s proposals to the Minister. Already they were covering 75 miles a day and the suggested extension would enable the plant to work to capacity, which would mean a reduction in the cost per gallon. It was intended to bring in Foxton, Oroua Downs and Bainesse. The Minister: This seems a good scheme. Professor Riddet explained that the cold storage space available would not allow them to bring in Feilding. A total of 250 gallons was being consumed at the present time, and the new school would mean the addition of another 75 gallons. The Minister then enquired what it was costing to get the milk and Professor Riddet said that so long as the farmers had a contract they would respond to it. Mr. Black added that they were anxious to make tho scheme as comprehensive as possible. The present suppliers had been asked if they could givo more milk and they had volunteered enough for the committee’s purpose. If finality could be arrived at they could give delivery just after the coming term holidays, which concluded on September 4. The Milk Producers’ Association was right behind the scheme, said Mr. Denize, and if they could be given some assurance regarding the contracts there would bo no difficulty in getting the extra milk. Replying to the representations, Mr. Fraser said that at the moment he could see no serious impediment to the scheme. It seemed practical and beneficial. He gave the committee credit for going into the matter so thoroughly. The scheme was certain to receive sympathetic consideration, but he expressed no opinion on the financial aspect pending an examination by the Health Department. The schools that will be supplied it the plan is brought to fruition are: Kelvin Grove, Whakarongo, Ashhurst, Bunnythorpe, Taonui, Te Arakura, Newbury, Ivairanga, Kopane, Rongotea, Glen Oroua, Oroua Downs, Foxton, Bainesse, Rangiotu and Tiakitahuna.