OATMEAL AND RICKETS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4832, 20 May 1925, Page 2

OATMEAL AND RICKETS.

A PROFESSOR’S TESTS. OTHER FOODS NEEDED. Hitherto a common piece ot advice given to parents of young children has been, “If you want your girls and boys to grow big and strong give them plenty of oatmeal.” That advice may have to be revised in the light of experiments carried out on puppies by Professor Edward Mellanby at Sheffield University, the results of which are given in a report issued by the Medical Research Council (says the . "Daily Mail”). Professor Mellanby states that of the cereals tested “oatmeal has preeminently the worst influence on bone formation.” In other words, young animals fed on oatmeal are far more subject to rickets than those fed on other substances. The cereals tested included wihte flour, wholemeal flour, oatmeal, maize, barley, polished and unpolished rice, wheat germ, ground oats, groats, and rye. Of these, “oatmeal, groats, or ground oats had by lar the most intense action" in producing rickets in the animals, and while flour had the least action in that respect. Rice’occupied an Intermediate position. The action of wholemeal flour was similar to that of white flour. The evil effects of oatmeal were easily overcome by the use of codliver oil, which fe a powerful antirachitic. Egg yolk was also bf-great value. Professor Mellanby suggests that fine races of men have been reared on diets of which oatmeal forms a large part because “the diet of these people also included most foods rich in anti-rachitic vitamin; as, for example, milk, eggs, fish of the fatly variety, including herring, salmon, mackerel. - ’ TROPICAL RESULTS. In tropical countries, where rice, maize, and millet are largely eaten, the “sunlight is no doubt an important factor in antagonising their detrimental influence,” for the experiment showed that if either the animai itself or the cereal on which it was fed were exposed to ultra-violet radiations the ill-effects produced by the cereal were to some extent remedied. What the substance is in oatmeal that causes ricktes is not stated, but it is probably associated with the fatty acids. It was proved, however, that perfect bone formation can be obtained even when large quantities of oatmeal are consumed provided the reriiaindei- of the diet is adequate. would be saved the county council. The Mayor explained the position in regard to the rates and said that the matter was really outside the direction of the council. Concerning the request, he saw no objection provided it did not delay the work of the town clerk in getting out the rate demands. Cr. Flatt agreed, and it was resc’ved to accede to the request. AFFORESTATION. The application of the Paeroa District High School Committee to plant the domain and school boundaries with suitable trees was granted, several councillors speaking in termsof commendation of the proposal. . CROSSING REQUIRED. C. Maltolm, Hill Street, applied for a metalled crossing from his residence across the street to the footpath.—Referred to Works Committee. ACCOUNTS. zkccounte totalling £437 Ils 3d were passed for payment. TOUR OF INSPECTION. It was resolved to. make a tour, u* tlie whole borough to-morrow, commencing at 9 a.m. REQUEST FOR LIGHT. Cr. Flatt suggested that a light be provided on Aorangi Road near the gulley leading .to the railway settlement.—Referred to Works Committee. CLEANING OF DRAIN. Cr. Silcock drew attention to the fact that some of the drains in tns Puke area required cleaning out, especially the one near Mr Purdie’s property. It was decided to look into the nirtter during the course of the tour. A MISUNDERSTANDING. Cr. Pinder drew attention to the fact that the borough workmen had continued their duties on Thursday afternoon last during the t’me of the funeral of the late Prime Minister. The Mayor said that it was a’ veryregrettable feature, and in explanation stated that there had been a misunderstanding over his instructions to the foreman to cease work at midday. COMMITTEES. The following committees were nominated by tlie Mayor "nd agreed to by the council, the Mayor being an ex-officio member on each committee. the first named in each case being the chairman: — Finance: Crs. P. E. Brenan, F. E< F’att, A. E. Porritt. Works: His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Edwards, H. J. Hare, J. Pinder. Buildings : Crs. E. Edwards, J; W. Silcock, and J. Pinder. Health: Crs. Hare, J. W. Silcock, and G. P. de Castro. Fire Brigade: Crs. F. E. Flatt, £’• E. Brenan, and G. P. de Castro, Library: The Mayor and Crs. E. A. Porritt and G. P. de Castro.