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nection, it must be remembered, as already stated, that the
greater the number of infants dealt with at the depot, the
less this net cost per bottle of milk should be, as the establishment
expenses will not increase pro ratd as a whole. It
is true that more milk, cream, and sugar will be required,
with a larger staff of attendants, and that a greater number
of bottles and baskets will be brought into use, but the
extra profit from the sale of the extra milk, cream, and
sugar will go somewhat towards counter-balancing some of
the other establishment or maintenance expenses; whilst the
remainder will be practically stationary.
With regard to the maintenance of the Milk Depot, I have
always pointed out that no profit was to be expected. Thus,
in my reports presented to the Council, and dated 15th June,
1903, and 4th July, 1904, I stated as follows :—
"As to the probable cost of the undertaking, it is
clear that no profit must be expected. Profits are not
expected from other Sanitary undertakings (e.g., the
provision of Public Baths, Sanitary Conveniences, etc.).
The utmost that a Sanitary Authority can do is to
endeavour to iimit the expenses, as far as possible, provided
such a limitation does not interfere with the usefulness
and efficiency of the undertaking. To save life
and to prevent ill-health is the reason for a Sanitary
Authority's existence, and the establishment of a Milk
Depot will accomplish this at a cost to the ratepayers
which is merely nominal when the good that must accrue
to the public is considered. . . . Surely an expenditure
out of the rates of ,£150 to £200 per annum
ought not to be allowed to influence a Sanitary Authority
against carrying out a scheme which is warranted to
have far-reaching effects and to do incalculable good,
practically and educationally. To save 50 infantile lives
per annum, not to mention the amount of ill-health
amongst infants which would be prevented, justifies the
expenditure out of the rates of £3 to per week."
I still hold to this opinion, and congratulate the Council
on having been able to provide the milk so economically
up-to-date as to require a subsidy from the rates of only
o.37d. per bottle distributed. Public Baths and Sanitary
Conveniences call upon the rate to a much greater extent.