THE MILK RATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24716, 19 September 1941, Page 8

THE MILK RATION

DOUBTS CAST ON VALUE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED (P.A.) AUCKLAND. Sept. 18 A decision to urge the Health Department to make a definite scientific investigation to ascertain whether the daily ration of milk was beneficial to all children was reached at the quarterly meeting of the Auckland School Committees’ Association last night, “We fee] that the position should be investigated and checks made in both citv and suburban schools,” said Mr N. Benfell. who. on behalf of the Royal. Oak Committee, movpd the adoption of a remit —“That the committee is not satisfied that the milk in schools is proving beneficial to the children, and recommends an open discussion at the next meeting.”

Mr Benfell said the average attendance at the Roval Oak School had decreased since the introduction of the milk ration to the schools, and it-would be interesting to ascertain whether this was the reason for the falling off. His personal experience was that milk affected children suffering from sinus troubles. Dr T .1, Hughes. Auckland medical health officer, forwarded reports showing that where records were kept there were gains in weight as a result of the milk ration of not less than 11b a year. It was possible to ascribe to the milk scheme such benefits as improved health less fatigue, increased playground activity and alertness genera''! ly. Mr F. B. Price, dental superintendent of the Health Department, said as lone as there wore defects in the national diet, milk provided a useful corrective, particularly where there was a shortage of tooth-building factors.

“The trouble is that 60 per cent, of the cows in this country are suffering from mammilis.” said a delegate, supporting the move for an inquiry Other speakers expressed the view that the oualitv of the milk was at fault