HEALTH OF CHILDREN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22723, 8 November 1935, Page 7

HEALTH OF CHILDREN

FREE MILK SUPPLY GOVERNMENT’S PLANS OUTLINED (Per United Press Association) PAPAROA, November 7. The progress of the Government plans for the distribution of milk to school children was commented on by the Minister of Finance (Mr J. G. Coates) in the course of his speeches in the Kaipara elec; torate to-day. Details of the cost qi administration were being fully investigated. Mr Coates said, but a full announcement of the national scheme would have to be deferred until the results qf the experimental distribution in certain Auckland schools had been examined. “ The Auckland experiment is expected to give highly-valuable information with regard to the quantity of milk which should be distributed and the best methods of organisation, Mr Coates said “A scientific approach to the scheme with hygienic methods of distribution is essential if the danger of the dissemination of mUk-borne disease is to be entirely avoided. Tbe ultimate objective provides for an adequate supply of milk to all school children, but it is not intended to confine the scheme entirely to schools. It is desirable to arrange, with the cooperation of the Pbmket Society and hospital boards, the distribution of milk to children of pre-school age who may require extra milk rations. The Government is also anxions to assist in preparing the necessary distributive arrangements to supply milk to factories and other business establishments which may desire an extension of the scheme. The free distribution of milk to children is aimed fit, but the distribution to business establishments would not receive the same financial assistance. . , ~ , “In the administration of the scheme full reliance will be placed on local or ganisations. the committees working in close co-operation with the Departments of Health. Education, and AgricultureSuccessful administration would rnatenallv improve the health of the children, cud at the same time substantially benefit (he milk producers. For these reasons (he Dairv Board and the Unemplovniem Board are taking a keen interest in the proposal.”