MILK PRICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 135, 10 June 1938, Page 9

MILK PRICES.

INCREASE QUESTION.

BOARD IS MYSTIFIED

PSRSONNEX OF DEPUTATION ?

An air of mystery apparently enshrouds the deputation of consumers which waited upon the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, in Auckland on Saturday, and members of the Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council today were at a loss to explain the nature of the complaints or the personnel of the deputation.

It was stated by the deputation that the dairy farmers intended increasing the price or milk, and that the board would pass on the additional cost to the consumers, which was considered to be unfair. The Minister stated that if this was correct there was convincing evidence of the necessity of an investigate into the whole matter. "I can onlj- reiterate that I have nothing whatever to" report," stated the chairman, Mr. I. J. Goldstine, when Mr. H. F. Meikle asked if he had any information in regard to the proposed investigation. "At no time was I advised of any deputation to the Minister, although I am a consumers' representative," he added. Mr. Rosser: I am also a consumers' representative, and I knew nothing about it. Mr. Goldstine said that the Minister had been requested to furnish the names of the members of the deputation, but had declined to do so. "I was not even advised by the Minister that a deputation had waited upon him, and under the circumstances I am at a loss to give members of the board any information," he stated. Mr. E. F. Andrews: Did you ask officially ? The Chairman; Yes, through the secretary. Mr. N. V. Douglas moved that a letter be sent to the Minister asking for the information, this being carried. Mr. J. Haslam: It is a ridiculous thing for a Minister to receive a deputation unofficially. Mr. Andrews pointed out that any body of citizens was entitled to take a deputation to a Minister. On the other hand the Milk Board had been set up to represent the three interests concerned in the production and supply of milk, and it was not unreasonable for it to ask who comprised the deputation and the nature of the complaints. The chairman said that, according to the published reports, the deputation stated that the dairy farmers were proposing to increase the price of milk. "Amazing Ignorance." Mr. C. J. Lovegrove: That indicates the amazing ignorance of the people who comprised the deputation. The chairman pointed out that there had been no indication given by the board whether the price of milk would be lowered, increased, or maintained at its present level. The matter was subjudice, and no comment could be made in this direction until further information was before the beard. Mr. Meikle: There arc five consumers' representatives present and none knows anything about the deputation. Mr. Lovegrove: I say it was a caucus deputation. (Laughter.)