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213
The figures are higher than in 1929. These findings should be
taken in conjunction with the more elaborate analysis contained
in Table IV.
The subject of child nutrition is a complex one and is dependent
on other factors than definite ill-health. A considerable amount of
malnutrition is due rather to improper food than too little food.
Proteins and fats are relatively expensive, carbohydrates relatively
cheap. In times of financial stringency there is a natural inclination
to purchase the cheapest foods and consequently the children
obtain an undue proportion of carbohydrate food and too little
protein and fat. Milk is undoubtedly the most valuable food to
make good the protein and fat deficiency, though the milk must be
above bacteriological suspicion.
The scheme of the National Milk Publicity Council, whereby
for the cost of a penny per day, any child whose parents desire it,
may obtain a third of a pint of milk, in a sealed bottle, was continued.
This is delivered at the school and is drunk in the middle
of the morning through a sterilised straw, thus ensuring that it is
taken slowly. The empty bottles are collected by the milkman.
During 1930, with very few exceptions, all schools adopted
this scheme and 8,723 bottles of milk were supplied to the children.
The scheme came into force in September, 1929.
This scheme has one defect inasmuch as, owing to financialreasons,
children who would benefit most do not get the milk. A
number of these, however, are dealt with direct by recommendations
from the school medical officers and so come under another
scheme by which milk, up to 1 pint, and malt and oil, are given at
graduated prices, or free, to malnourished children. Through the
co-operation of the teachers this extra nourishment is given at
school so that the child is sure of a regular supply.
Although the Daylight Saving Act has undoubtedly benefited
the adult portion of the community, its effects on young school
children do not seem; quite so beneficial. It requires a strong parent
to persuade a child to go to bed when his playmates are still out
of doors and he can both see and hear them. Not a few children,
consequently, get to bed far too late and do not have the hours of
sleep that are necessary for the proper development of a growing
body and mind. A state of nervous tension is induced and this in
turn reacts upon the defensive mechanism of the child's body
rendering him more liable to chance infection and less able to cope