CHILD WELFARE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 367, 23 February 1937, Page 4

CHILD WELFARE

MILK SUPPLIES.

Branch Of Society For Care Of Cripples.

Two objectives relating to the health and welfare of children were considered at a public meeting held at Stratford last night. The Government’s scheme for the free distribution of milk among school children was supported and a branch of the New Zealand Crippled Children Association was formed.

Present were the Mayor, Mr J. W. McMillan, Messrs’ S. Sinclair, A. E. Sayers, A. H. R. Amess, F. E. Clarke, L. J. Furrie, W. H. Peick, G. Lamplough, G. C. Grace (town clerk), Mrs G. Lam plough (W.D.F.U.), Mrs A. Lilley (W.C.T.U.), Rev. J. Patterton, and Dr. W. Brown.

Apologies were read on behalf of Messrs J. McAllister (Taranaki Education Board representative), J. D. Bay butt (Editor Taranaki Central Press), N. H. Moss, W. Mclnnes. and Rex Watton.

In stating the objects ot the meeting Mr McMillan regretted that the attendance was not larger. However, he was not aware that the monthly meeting of the school committee was being held that evening.

Mr Furrie stated that he had been assured by Mr J. Morrison (chairman ot the Primary School Committee) that every assistance would be forthcoming. Advice received by the Mayor from the Director-General of Health, con" cerning the milk supply scheme was read by the town clerk.

In a statement on Saturday the Minister of Health and Education, Hon. P. Fraser, explained that the object of the scheme was to provide a daily ration of one half-pint of milk free of cost to parents. This would be available Immediately to all children attending kindergarten and primary schools, both public and private, and distribution would then be extended to children of secondary schools. All care would be taken to ensure that the milk was safe. Th” source of supply mutt, in all cases, be approved jointly by the Department of Health and Agriculture. The cost of the milk wouid be paid by the Government, and would be based on the butterfat value of milk plus adjustments for loss of by-products, costs of treatment and distribution, and the necessity for keeping up supplies over the winter months. No Separate Committee. "I think it absurd putting up another committee in Stratford. I am pi*fepared to move that we ask the school committee to act in this matter and that they act in conjunction with other committees with the Education Board in this matter," said Mr Patterson. Mr Sinclair seconded the motion and endorsed the views of Mr Patterson. There was’ more in the scheme than met the eye, judging from his experience, said Mr Furrie. There was not only the question of supply, but that of hygienic distribution. It was agreed that there should be every opportunity afforded other schools in the district of benefiting from the scheme, and the motion was supported. Unfortunate Children. “I do think that we should establish a branch of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society in Stratford," said Mr McMillan, when referring to the subject. Nothing appealed to him more than assisting the unfortunate children who Were unable to help themselves. The Mayor then introduced Mr F. E. Clarke, a former secretary ot the Hawera branch, who traversed the formation of the society and its l -progress throughout New Zealand, which was assisted by the generous donations of Lord Nuffield and others. Formation of Society. "For funds on the formation of the society, the sum raised in Stratford was £4 and this amount is now available to a Stratford branch immediately it is- formed,” Wrote Mr Malcolm Fraser, secretary of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society in a letter to the Mayor. ‘‘As the chief citizen in the. Borough of Stratford I am writing .to ask you if you could see your way to take the initiative in the formation of a branch of the society in your district. I feel tune that the public spirit in the district is such that the Stratford people would not wish to be behind the rest of the Dominion in this good work,” Mr Fraser continued. On the motion of the Mayor it was decided to form a of the society. Officers were elected as follows: President, the Mayor, Mr J. W. McMillan; vice-presidents, Mr A. H. R Amess, Dr. W. Brown; executive (with power to add). Rev. J. Patterson, Mrs G. Lamplough, W. H. Peick. S. Sinclair, N.H. Moss; secretary and treasurer, Mr F. E. Clarke.