THE MILK SUPPLY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 153, 4 August 1914, Page 3

THE MILK SUPPLY.

AND THE CHRISTCHURCH BILL.

MILK DEALERS' PETITION.

At last- night's meeting of the Christchurch City Council Mr H. G. Ell, M.P., forwarded a copy of the petition presented to the House by the dairymen, objecting to the provisions of the Christchurch Milk Supply and Markets Bill. The petitioners pointed out that they were the owners of high-priced land, horses, cattle, carts, and other chattels, and that the Bill contained no provisions for compensating the persons employed in the supply, sale, and distribution of milk within the city. If the council was empowered to prohibit the sale and distribution of milk by private individuals, the petitioners would be deprived of their means of livelihood. The Bill was oppressive, unnecessary, and uncalled for.

The Mayor said he hoped councillors would pay particular attention to this letter. They had authorised him to go to Wellington on business in connection with the Bill, and fhey might wish to give him instructions in the matter. Cr Burgoyne did not think the letter called for much comment from the council. The Mayor was being sent to demaud the Bill in its entirety. The evidence of Dr Blackmore alone justified that.

Cr Hayward thought the council would provide all/ reasonable protection for the dairymen. If they would send in their requirements, the council would consider them.

The Mapor said, this was a case of fear without cause. They complained that the Bill would bring down the value of their land. He considered it would be a great deal better if the value of land were brought down all round. It was far too high. Cr Otley: It depends who owns it. (Laughter.) The Mayor said as to the payment of compensation, the council hail no intention of paying anything even as a compromise.

Cr Otley suggested that Dr Blackmore should go to Wellington to support the Mayor. Cr Scott said this was going to be a very good thing for the dairymen. During the last couple of years several of them had been nearly ruined by reason of the scares that had broken out from time to time.

Cr Hunter expressed pleasure at the tone of the discussion. He hoped the Bill would go through as it was. If the people cared to go in for the milk business they had a perfect right to do so.

Or McCullough said the statements of Dk Blackmore and of the dairymen were irreconcilable. There could be no medium, If the milk was not good

then the council had to look after the health of the community. The dairymen had no right, in the face of medical evidence, to say the agitation was without foundation. Cr Scott said he had attended a meeting where it was stated that on two occasions snails had been taken from the bottom of a milk can.

The Mayor: Was it at the hospital? (Laughter.)

Cr Scott: No

The letter was received, and it was decided to write thanking Mr Ell for sending it. The Mayor said he had received a letter from Mr Ell in which it was stated that the Bill .was going to be very vigorously opposed. Mr Ell had tried to get a copy of the evidence, but the chairman had refused to supply it.