What is the purpose of the baffle around the oil pump?

[Kurt in NJ]

attempting oil consumption control
at 0.004 clearance on center cam bearings the total area is as much as the area of oil outlet pipe in the valve chamber.
I think it was to get all the oil onto the tray, the shield would also prevent loss of splash oil.
eventually the holes around the edges allowed excess to drain while still keeping the rod troughs full.