CITY MILK SUPPLY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 139, 13 June 1936, Page 8

CITY MILK SUPPLY.

Carried to their logical conclusion, the proposals which the Executive Commission of Agriculture makes for the"" extension of the Milk Council's powers mean complete municipalisation of the metropolitan supply. The Commission sees no final middle course between free and unfettered competition, as it operated in Auckland until a little over two years ago, and the pooling of all public control. Although many citizens may agree that the position cannot be allowed to remain as it is, there is no general desire among consumers for municipal ownership. The Commission, however, seems to be little concerned about public opinion on the question; indeed, it seems to think that the great majority of consumers are more or less well disposed towards the Milk Council and all its works. That view may be justified to-day, but it is taking too much for granted to assume that consumers will be quite content to have their remaining rights taken away. Possibly the Commission did not look at the position exactly in this way, but? rather that the public was not capable of judging what was in its best interests. Up to a point [this may be true, but under reasonable competition the public at least knows that vendors have to maintain their rounds on- a basis of service. What guarantee is there that the public will be equally well served when the roundsman kas a monopoly of his particular district? Moreover, will the roundsman have any incentive to efficiency left? The Council has disciplined him to some extent by the enforcement of minimum standards and prices, but there still remains scope for individual enterprise. Will the Council's authority be an effective substitute for enterprise if control is pushed to its "logical limits?