SHORTAGE DANGER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 241, 25 July 1935, Page 3

SHORTAGE DANGER

MILK IN INVERCARGILL. COUNCIL CONTROL ADVOCATED. (Per Press Association). INVERCARGILL, July 24. The danger of a' milk famine developing in Invercargill within the next six weeks was indicated in statements made by a deputation of retailers and wholesalers, which met the Minister for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. R. Masters) to-day. Concern was expressed at the position allegedly caused in the city by the disorderly marketing of milk, and price-cutting. It was stated that there had been no inducement for near-by farmers to go in for winter milking, with the result that the retailors could not get sufficient milk to supply town consumers, and, had been compelled to go further afield for their milk.

One retailer said that whereas his normal winter requirements were 50 gallons or more daily, to-day the most he could get was 14 gallons. So acute was the position last week that he endeavoured to make arrangements in Dunedin for an additional supply, but in this he was not successful. Tlio position seemed to be that as soon as the retailers set a price reasonably the dairymen, fresh competition cut in at lower prices, with the result that it was no longer worth while for anyone to specialise in organising a continuous milk supply. The deputation informed the Minister that it was intended to approach the City Council, to ask its approval for the setting up of a milk counci on similar lines to that established in Auckland. The duties of this council would lie to keep prices within reason, and to ensure a regular supply. Mr Masters explained that the matter must lie first dealt with by tho City Council, and if that body approved, the proposal would entail the passing of local legislation, providing for the setting up of a milk council.