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263
satisfactory method has been promulgated, the comparisons now
made must be regarded as approximate only. Insufficiency of
trained staff to make the necessary enquiries and investigations is
the greatest handicap to the compilation of more valuable data.
B0dy nutrition is a complex of many factors and its scientific study
unfortunately requires complicated methods which are outside the
present scope of the school medical service.
The fundamental fact which appears to emerge from the welter
of theories and opinions so continuously put forward, is that a plain,
straightforward diet on old established lines, containing meat once
a day, green vegetables, bread and butter and milk, contains all the
necessary fo0d factors and main chemical groups necessary for
proper nutrition. Whether a child gets a sufficient quantity is consequent
on a combination of financial circumstances and skilful
buying. One mother will cater for a growing family successfully
on a low income, whilst another mother will fail hopelessly. The
art of wise buying and economical cooking is one which might be
developed in school education. It is truly an educational subject
upon which too little time and thought has, as yet, been spent by
those responsible for the educational system of this country. It is
not denied that something is being done on these lines, but its effect
so far on the dietary habits of the mass of the population has not
been conspicuous in any of the special investigations which have
been made in various parts of the country.
Milk Marketing Board Scheme.
During 1936, by arrangement with the Milk Marketing Board,
milk was supplied to schools in bottles containing one-third of a
pint at a cost of ½d. per bottle. Some 13,000 bottles of milk were
consumed per day, an increase of 1,000 bottles a day.
All the milk supplied is Pasteurised milk, and the sources of
supply are subject to the approval of, and constant supervision by,
the Medical Officer of Health, through the Sanitary Inspectors.
Any falling off in quality or cleanliness is enquired into as soon as
detected, and should any source prove consistently below standard,
the supply from this source would be suspended.
Heights and Weights.
Table ITT. gives the results of an enquiry made to ascertain
the average heights and weights of all children examined at routine
inspections during 1936: The full value of this Table will not he
obtained until similar records for ten consecutive years have been
analysed; when this is completed the rate of growth can be followed,
so far as Croydon children are concerned, throughout school life.