DIRECT ACTION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 195, 31 May 1938, Page 3

DIRECT ACTION

THREAT BY MILK VENDORS.

HIGHER PRICES WANTED.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 30

Threats to take direct action by withholding milk from the Auckland metropolitan area in an effort, to gain a higher price were made at a meeting of more than SO milk producers. Suggestions that farmers should concentrate on the more remunerative production of cheese were made, and adverse criticism was levelled against the Auckland Metropolitan Alilk Council.

“It is perpetual war in the milk council between producers and consumers,” said Air C. J. Lovegrove, one of the producers’ representatives on the council. “It is.impossible for representatives of the consumers to .see eye to eye with us. as they have made Tip their - minds that there will be no iincrease in price to the public. No arguments in the world will convince them ; but if we could produce figures which cannot be attached, we shall get some justice.” A resolution that the correct method of fixing the price of milk was by appointing an independent tribunal was carried. “This might make the people of Auckland realise that we are not satisfied with the constitution of the council,” said Mr Lovegrove. “AVe should establish one central association of farmers to fight their battles, and then we would be able to say that if a. "remunerative price was not fixed the public would not get milk. Previously I protested against taking drastic measures; but since then I have learned my lesson. If farmers do not get justice, I am for direct action.”

Other speakers supported the suggestion of taking direct action as the best method of ventilating their grievances, and it was pointed out that membership of the proposed body must be compulsory. \ A resolution that a committee should be set up to form a compulsory assoeition of all producers licensed to the milk council was carried unanimously 7.