MEALS IN SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20307, 15 July 1929, Page 12

MEALS IN SCHOOLS.

POORLY-FED CHILDREN.

CASES IN VICTORIA.

It was recently brought under tho notice of the Victorian Ministry that as a result of tl.o prevailing unemployment and distress a number of children insufficiently fed were being sent to State schools. The suggestion was made that the Ministry should exercise its powers under the Education Act, and provide meals.

The State Cabinet, issued an instruction to tho Education Department to make inquiries to ascertain if there were any children nt State schools in need of meal'v Tho Minister of Education, Mr._ Cohen, reported to the Cabinet that inquiries had been made at 151 schools, and replies had been received from 48 of the head teachers. In 38 cases the reply was that there were no children in need of meals, while 10 schools reported that a small number of children required feeding before beginning lessons. Instructions have been issued that in these cases meals are to be provided when required. '! he meals will bo provided by members of the mothers' clubs, and the cost will be mot bv the Education Department.