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102
that these children had extensive dental caries, so that the nerves
of the teeth were exposed.
The children probably discovered that eating was always
associated with toothache; to avoid pain, the affected side of the
mouth would be used as little as possible, and in this way the
food which collects undisturbed around the teeth still further
aids the process of decay.
In many cases the removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids
is followed by remarkable improvement in the nutrition of the
child, owing to the increased power of respiration and better
oxygenation of the blood.
Provision of Meals.
The Provision of Meals Act, 1906, is put in force in this
district for those children who are under-nourished, and where
poverty appears to be the cause of the mal-nutrition.
Meals are provided at a restaurant in Osborne Eoad, South
Acton, and the dinners are supplied at a cost of 2½d. per head.
During the year 1911, 9217 dinners have been supplied to
257 children, at a total cost of £89 2s. 7½d.
The following shows the weekly menu of dinners supplied
to the children :—
Monday. Soup and bread, currant roll.
Tuesday. Stewed meat and cabbage and potatoes.
Wednesday. Soup and bread, plain suet pudding with syrup.
Thursday. Irish stew and potatoes, plain pudding.
Friday. Soup and bread, rice pudding.
Saturday. Stewed meat and two vegetables.
The S.M.O. endeavours to keep in touch with this branch
of the work in the district.