CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 79, 12 September 1947, Page 5

CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING

SCHOOL LUNCH SCHEME ' SUGGESTION FOR WHAKATANE' The establishment of School Patrols, as pointed out elsewhere, can only succeed in safeguarding school children crossing the roads if motorists will co-operate. There is, however, a scheme by which, the danger to children can be reduced by as much as 50-70 per cent. This is the school lunch scheme. Object Apart from the idea eliminating, the danger to children crossing the roads the scheme was inaugurated with the idea of providing them with a balanced diet. In Matarriata the idea was launched by Mr C. S. Caddy headmaster of the Matamata Primary School, and it was in this centre that the writer came into contact with the scheme. Unanimous Approval Circulars were sent to parents and apart from a very small number which were not returned 100 per cent, approval was recorded. With parental support behind him Mr Caddy set to work zealously on his scheme. Bakers were asked the amount of wholesome food, wholemeal sandwiches with specified fillings, plain cake and fruit or meat .tarts etc. they could provide for sixpence. The best offer, after investigation, was accepted and from then on the procedure was something like this:— / In the morning the teacher tpok the number requiring lunch and collected the money. The contractors were then phoned, given the number, the lunches delivered to the school at noon and distributed. Results The children were given decent food instead of purchasing rubbish as many of them did When left to their own resources. Most of the children were kept off the streets during the lunch period (when most traffic is on the road) thereby eliminating much of the accident danger. Going Well When the scheme had passed through its inagural stages and settled down it was voted a great success by all who came in contact with it. Enquiries were received from* as far afield as the South Island and the scheme was described in detail to all interested. In other centres besides Matamata the scheme is in operation with as much success as was experienced there. Parents and others in Whakatane would do well to consider such a scheme for this town.