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10. PHYSICAL TRAINING.
Physical training has been continued on similar lines to those
quoted in previous reports, and instruction in swimming; has been
conducted as heretofore.
11a. PROVISION OF MEALS.
During the year 136,534 meals were provided for 529 children,
as compared with 139,588 meals for 545 children in 1928. The
School Medical Officer suggests a suitable menu for the children's
meals, and the Medical Officers and School Nurses visit the
various feeding centres periodically. On these occasions the
quality of the food and the preparation, distribution and service
of the meals have been satisfactory.
l1b. PROVISION OF MILK.
Provision of Milk in Schools.
The present scheme in connection with the distribution of
milk to children attending the elementary schools is too confined
(inasmuch that, with very few exceptions, only those children,
whose parents can meet the cost of the milk, are included in the
scheme) to allow of a satisfactory assessment being made in regard
to the effect of the provision of milk upon the physical and mental
development in the children concerned.
Most of the children participating are well nourished and
healthy, and it is probable, in many of these cases, that more
benefit would be derived from the fresh air, sunshine and exercise
available at playtime. Children who are in the happy position of
being provided with a good breakfast, including milk, should not
require nourishment until dinner time; furthermore, over stimulation
of the digestive organs, especially when associated with lack
of exercise, is harmful to normal physical development. The
value of the inclusion of milk in the diet of a child is undoubted
and the Milk Publicity Council is doing valuable work in impressing
this fact upon the public. On the other hand, it is important
that the Local Education Authority should endeavour to ensure the
introduction of a scheme which will be of primary advantage to
those children who are in real need of extra nourishment. In
one or two instances such children have been given the opportunity