MILK FOR CHILDREN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20260, 8 November 1935, Page 14

MILK FOR CHILDREN

FREE SUPPLY UNDER CONSIDERATION By Telegraph—Press Association PAPAROA, November 7. The progress of the plan 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, and 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 on 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 dissemintion of milk borne disease is to be entirely avoided. The ultimate objective is to provide an adequate supply of milk to all school children, but it is not intended to confine the scheme entirely to the schools. It is desirable to arrange with the co-operation of the Plunket Society and hospital boards, a distribution to children of pre-school age who may require extra milk rations. The Government is also anxious to assist in preparing the necessary distributive arrangements for the supply of milk to factories and other business establishments which may desire an extension of the scheme. The free distribution of milk to children is aimed at, but in the distribution business establishments would not receive the same financial assistance. In the administration of the scheme full reliance will be placed on local organisations, 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.”