NATIONAL PLAN

Southland Times, Issue 22733, 8 November 1935, Page 8

NATIONAL PLAN

MILK FOR CHILDREN PROGRESS OF EXPERIMENT GOVERNMENT’S SCHEME (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, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, in the course of his speeches in the Kaipara electorate to-day, details of the cost of administration being fully investigated. Mr Coates said that a full announcement of the National scheme would have to be deferred until the results of the experimental distribution in certain Auckland schools were examined.

“The Auckland experiment is expected to give highly valuable information of the quantity of milk which should be distributed and the best methods of organization,” Mr Coates said. “A scientific approach to the scheme, with hygienic methods of distribution, is essential if the danger of dissemination of milk borne disease is to be entirely avoided. The ultimate objective is to provide an adequate supply of milk for all school children, but it is not intended that the scheme be entirely for schools. It is desirable to arrange with the co-operation of the Plunket Society and Hospital Boards for the distribution to children of preschool age who may require extra milk rations. The Government is also anxious to assist in preparing the necessary distributive arrangements to supply milk factories and other business establishments which may desire an extension of the scheme. Free distribution of milk to children is aimed at, but the distribution business establishments would not receive the same financial assistance. In the administration of the scheme full reliance will be placed on local organizations and committees working in close co-operation with the Departments of Health, Education and Agriculture. The successful adminfstation would materially improve the health of the children and at the same time substantially benefit the milk producers. For these reasons the Dairy Board and Unemployment Board were taking a keen interest in the proposal.”