Children Benefit From Milk Ration

Northern Advocate, 12 April 1940, Page 4

Children Benefit From Milk Ration

The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. C. B. Gilberd), in reporting to the Milk-in-Schools Committee last night, in respect to the operation of the scheme during the year, stated: — “Where the scheme has been continuously in operation, the beneficial results are obvious and this is substantiated by many reports from school teachers, who note from time to time the increase in physical wellbeing, alertness and activity of the children who take the school milk. “It has also been suggested that there can, in some cases, be noted a picking up again of these characteristics, on return to the regular issue after the long vacation at Christmas, with presumably a lessened consumption of milk. Winter Shortage. “It was found impossible, during the mid-winter floods to provide a full supply, and at the committee’s suggestion, instead of cutting some schools out, all were supplied, but were rationed at about two-thirds of normal. It was arranged with the teachers that the more robust children were to have milk every second day and so ensure a continuous supply to those who most needed it. “The milk supplied has been consistently checked for quality and has at all times proved consistently above legal standard. The good results of the reductase tests have been brought about in part at least by the regular supervision of farm procedure by the Inspector of Stock. Br. Gilberd Commended. Moving the adoption of the report, Mr Brake said that the district was fortunate in having such a keen and efficient worker as Dr. Gilberd. Mr M. W. Porter, who seconded, confessed that when the scheme was first mooted, he was dubious as to its ultimate success, but having seen it operating during the past three years, was now a firm supporter. Much credit, Mr Porter added, was due to the medical officer for his careful supervision. The committee's apreciation of Dr. Gilberd’s efforts was placed on record.