MILK IN SCHOOLS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23213, 10 June 1937, Page 6

MILK IN SCHOOLS

APPEAL FOR PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE DUTY OF DAIRY INDUSTRY It has been frequently charged against the dairy industry (comments the annual report to be presented to the National Dairy Conference at Wellington on June 23) that in concentrating its efforts on finding overseas markets for its constantly expanding production it has neglected the potential outlet at its own door. It is certainly a fact that the consumpion of milk per capita in New Zealand is deplorably low in comparison with that of other producing countries. In inaugurating the scheme of free milk to school children the Government has given a lead which merits, and we feel sure will receive, the wholehearted support of the industry. On humanitarian grounds alone, as a factor in building up juvenile health, the scheme will receive the approval of all sections of the community; but apart from that, the report proceeds, dairv farmers have a direct interest in its development, because of the valuable outlet it offers for their raw product. The actual quantity required for the schools is perhaps not large in comparison with the total production, but the educational value and habit of larger milk consumption imbued in the younger generations is bound to have a cumulative effect in the future. The industry has already signified Its approval by a gift of £IO,OOO through the Dairy Board toward the inauguration of the scheme, but practical support should not stop at that. For instance, it is a fact that in some districts the scheme is actually being retarded because sufficient supplies of milk are not available through the autumn and winter months. It is the industry's job to see this is remedied. Valuable assistance and advice can also be given to local committees charged with the execution of the scheme in their particular districts. Dairy companies or groups of companies in suitable districts might also look to the future, and consider the question of actually supplying the milk to the schools. A SATISFACTORY. BEGINNING At the present time over 70,000 children are receiving a daily ration of milk and it is expected that the number 'will reach 90,000 within two months. While this may be considered a satisfactory beginning, the Government recognises that its scheme cannot be an unqualified success without the co-operation of all parties. The Department of Agriculture is responsible for overseeing conditions on the farms, where the milk is produced. The Health Department is responsible from the time the milk leaves the farm gate until it reaches the child, and its duty is to see that the milk is treated in the correct method and that hygienic conditions prevail at all stages of distribution. Local committees have the responsibility of initiating and exercising general supervision of the working of the scheme in their particular districts, and here is where the industry can give its practical assistance.