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38
During the greater part of 1908 the milk mixtures were obtained,
as in previous years, through the kindness of Mr. Carson, from the
Jersey herd on his farm in Essex. At the end of September, however,
the contract with Mr. Carson was terminated, and an agreement
entered into with the Aylesbury Dairy Company for the supply of
the mixtures for the six months ending 31st March, 1909. This firm
undertook to use milk obtained from tuberculin-tested cows, on a farm
which had been approved by the Medical Officer of Health. The
charges made by the Aylesbury Dairy Company, viz., '2s. 4d., 2s. 9d.,
3s. 2d., for the three classes of mixture were in excess of those made
by Mr. Carson, who charged the same price as charged by the
Council to the users, i.e., 1s. 6d., 1s. 9d., and 2s. In respect of the
additional charge, however, the former company undertook to bear
expenses, which under the contract with Mr. Carson were borne by
the Council. These included carriage, bottles, boxes, etc.
The total number of children fed during 1908 was 205, as against
253 in 1907. Of this number, 72 were on the books at the end
of 1907, and 133 were admitted during 1908. At the end of the year
51 still remained upon the books, 154 having discontinued. Including
the 205 fed during 1908 the number of children who have used the
milk depot milk since the commencement of the scheme is 647.

*The average percentage of babies in the Borough who are wholly or partially
breast-fed seems to be about 85. Only 15% of the children born are, therefore
eligible.
Before any infant is placed on the depot books the parents are
required to state the reason for desiring a supply, and also to give