MILK PRICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 110, 12 May 1939, Page 7

MILK PRICES.

ON NORTH SHORE.

VENDORS DISSATISFIED. DEPUTATION TO COUNCIL. Dissatisfaction with the distribution margin of BJd a gallon allowed by the Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council to vendors in the North Shore zoned area was expressed by a deputation of -vendors which waited on the council this morning. The case for the vendors was put forward by Mr. I. Massey and Mr. A. McGarry and after a brief discussion the council decided to obtain from it 3 officers a comprehensive report after they had in\estimated the position and examined the books and figures Supplied by the vendors to the council

Mr. Massey said that since the zoning scheme was put into operation in 103« and a price fixed costs had risen considerably, wages increasing by approximately 2."> per cent, and tlie margin allowed was insufficient. While 2/ a. day might be saved in benzine. 6/8 was lost on a 40-gallon round in comparison to the city deliveries on account of the margin being 2d a gallon less than in Auckland. The price on the North Shore should be equal to that in tincity. The zoning system was not saving the vendors' to the extent anticipated. While not askinsr for an increase to the consumer, the vendors desired the council to give full consideration to their representations when fixing the price next season. Rising Costs. Mr. McGarry said that since zoning had been adopted for the North Shore costs had risen steeply. The men on the rounds could deliver only approximately ten gallons an hour" and they had only about four hours to do this. The council's areas were made more or less experimental and at the time they were based on 53 gallons a man a day, but they did not work out at that figure. The zoning system was efficient but the margin they worked on was not. In reply to questions. Mr. McGarry said that the rounds did not permit of extra turnovers except in one area, where a number of houses had been built. In carrying out their work, the men delivering milk had to go at a speed that was double, that in any other trade. At a walking pace the men could only deliver about six gallons an hour. The chairman, Mr. I. J. Goldstine: What saving would there be with a front door delivery? Front Door Delivery. Mr. McGarry: About eight gallons on the round. He added that with a front door delivery there would be nothing to complain about concerning the present margin. I Mr. Massey pointed out that if there were not the extra customers in the area the position would not be greatly improved. After the deputation had withdrawn, Miss E. Melville said that one delivery a day was not satisfactory in a city with the climate of Auckland. The public had rights. The front door delivery should not be allowed. If the housewife had to go out in the rain, say to the front gate to get the morning milk, it would be outrageoue.

Several members explained that the whole question of delivery was one of coet, and the chairman promised that every phaee of the problem would be dealt with in the report that would be made by the council's officers.