MILK FOR CHILDREN

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1935, Page 4

MILK FOR CHILDREN

GOVERNMENT’S PROGRESS FULL INVESTIGATION OB’ DETAILS. EXTENSION OF SCHEME POSSIBLE. KEEN INTEREST OF DAIRY BOARD. By Telegraph—Press Association. Paparoa, Last Night. The progress of 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 speeches in the Kaipara electorate to-day. Details of the cost of administration were being fully investigated, Mr. Coates said, but a full announcement of a national scheme would have to be deferred until the results of an experimental distribution in certain Auckland schools were examined. “The Auckland experiment is expected to give highly valuable information about the quantity of milk which should be distributed and the best methods of organisation,” Mr. Coates said. “Scientific approach to the scheme, with hygienic methods of distribution, is essential if the danger of the dissemination of milkborne 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 to confine the scheme entirely to schools. It is desirable to arrange, with the cooperation of the Plunket Society and hospital boards, the distribution of milk to children of pre-school age who may require extra milk rations. “The Government is also eager to assist in preparing the necessary distributive arrangements. The supply of milk to factories and other business establishments which may desire the extension of the scheme of free distribution of milk to children is aimed at, but distribution to business establishments would not receive the same financial assistance. “In the administration of the scheme full reliance will be placed on local organisations and committees working in close co-operation with the Departments of Health, Education and Agriculture. Successful administration would materially improve the health of children and at the same time substantially benefit milk producers. For these reasons the Dairy Board and the Unemployment Board are taking a keen interest in the proposal.”