HOME ECONOMICS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 493, 30 June 1932, Page 14

HOME ECONOMICS.

Vitamins, Valued Substances for Body Building. (CONTRIBUTED.) Twenty-six years ago the word vitanin had not been coined. The meanng—minute quantities of substances vhich are to the human machine what :he ignition spark is to the motor-car —had scarcely been formulated. It vas generally believed that a diet nade up of pure foods was all that vas necessary for growth and good lealth. So rats were fed on “ pure ” ood, and did not grow as they should lave done until they were given milk. The Cause of Beriberi. For centuries in the Orient there had >een widespread a nerve disease called )eri-beri; indeed it is said to have >een known in China 2600 B.C. In 872 a Japanese naval medical officer loticed the great havoc wrought by >eri-beri, and determined to seek the ause. Takaki finally concluded that he disease was of dietary origin, and o he changed the sailors’ food. They te unpolishel rice instead of polished ice, had more vegetables, also had ,’heat, bread and milk. Not only was the dreaded disease ot rid of, but also the men were beter nourished in every way. In three years, by the application of he principles discovered, beri-beri was dped out of the United States Forces tationed in the Philippines. Investigations in England. About this time, Hopkins in Engind was investigating the value of lilk and certain vegetables added to pure ” foods. Osborne and Mendel, [’Colliim and Davis, and others, were iscovering fresh facts about vitalins. A lot of work still remained to

The first committee meeting of the newly formed Mothers’ Committee of the New Brighton Free Kindergarten was held this week. The convener, Mrs W. Carmalt, presided over a good attendance. Miss W. G. Parsbns reported that there were 41 children on the roll and that the maximum attendance on one day had been 32. It was decided to send a letter of thanks to Mrs J. Bellamy for her work in connection with the kindergarten. Arrangements were made for a dance and a “ bring and buy ” afternoon to raise funds.