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nutritional status of the below average weight child. Fortunately, the Education (Milk) Act, 1971
provided considerably greater discretion to school medical officers to ensure that children in a
precarious nutritional state receive free school milk than seems generally to have been realised.
Strenuous efforts were made by the staff of the health department to identify such children as
quickly as possible although it was not considered practicable to institute a specific survey. By the
end of 1971 a total of 1,300 special recommendations under the terms of the Act had been made,
representing approximately 10% of the relevant age group.
The year saw the retirement from regular clinical practice of a number of long serving members
of staff. Particular mention must be made of Dr. G. Malmberg, who came to the area in 1937,
and who had for many years taken a close and very personal interest in the children and schools
of the Northwood area.
It is a pleasure to place on record my grateful thanks to the Committee for their constant
support and encouragement. I am most grateful for the help so readily received from two Chief
Education Officers and from Mr. D. A. Gohl during the year, together with the staff of the education
department and the head teachers of the schools. The Town Clerk and his staff have provided
much helpful advice and support. Finally, my particular thanks are due to Dr. J. W. E. Bridger
who is responsible for the day to day administration of the service.
Yours faithfully,
J. Stuart Horner,
February 1972 Principal School Medical Officer
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