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92
Report of Tuberculosis Officer—continued.
the wives or mothers of patients some elementary instruction on
food values, their composition, the various elements contained
in commonly used articles of food, and the quantities of each
required in the daily diets of adults and children of varying ages.
To do this in such a way as to avoid the use of complicated
figures liable to confuse people not accustomed to decimals and
fractions, is not an easy task. However, a small pamphlet was
published as propaganda matter, and steps were taken to establish
a cookery class for the purpose of demonstrating in a practical
manner the economic preparation and cooking of the less expensive
but none the less nourishing articles of food, and presenting them
to the table in the form of attractive dishes tending to stimulate
the appetite. The South Metropolitan Gas Company were
approached and they very generously agreed, not only to instal a
cooker free of cost, but also to supply an instructress. These
classes are now held each Tuesday with an average attendance of
eighteen women. The teacher makes out a menu, such as a day's
dietary, containing the necessary amounts of protein, carbohydrate,
fat and vitamins, for a family of father, mother and three
children of given ages. These menus are typed and given to the
members of the class, who then see the various dishes prepared
and cooked.
The Secretary of the Care Committee refers in her report to
the beneficial effects of these classes as reflected in the homes.