THE ABATTOIR.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19056, 19 July 1927, Page 9

THE ABATTOIR.

NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS.

LEGISLATION TO BE INTRO-

DUCED.

In view of the failure of the ratepayers to sanction the loan proposal submitted to them some time ago for improvements to the City Abattoir, the following clause in the report presented to last night's meeting or the City Council by the Abattoir Committee is of particular interest: —In reference to the amendment to the Slaughtering and Inspection Act, which the Council sought, Cr. Sullivan advised the committee that he interviewed the Minister for Agriculture and that the Minister stated that he would introduce legislation during the present session providing that local bodies should have power to raise money by way of loan for the purpose* •of improving and extending' municipal abattoirs without the necessity of submitting the matter to a poll of the ratepayers. The Minister furthor stated, however, that he would not be willing to introduce legislation compelling all meat for human consumption in the City to be killed at the municipal abattoir. The report was adopted.

It was decided to collect the first six months' subscription in advance. Mr T, Jones was appointed treasurer. "Lock the door," shouted a voice, when Mr Alderson moved round among those present to collect the dues. The resolutions submitted were discussed. Mr Werner said the second, as submitted, was one of the best possible moves by the vendors. It would solve the whole problem, so far as the City Council was concerned. It would enable the men selling under grade milk to be singled out. The chairman: It will solve the problem for us, too, and put us on side. Mr Bliss said that the testing by the> Bottle Vendors' Association was just a flash in the pan. There would be no difficulties in the way of testing milk, but it would be impossible to test it before 6ale every day. If the Council wanted a better milk supply it was up to it to supply the greater part of the laboratory costs. He was quite sura the milk vendors would be willing to contribute to the cost improving the supply. They had always been willing to do so. He was pleased at the attitude of the meeting. Mr Craig said it was against human nature for dairymen to take a. true sample. The chairman said that was not true Mr Bliss: I hope that's not, reported. Mr Craig: I know what I'm talking about, and what I say is true. It's against human nature. _ Mr A E. Oldridge. analyst for tha Sealed Bottled Vendors' Association, gave particulars of the work at the laboratory, which had been established a week. The average test was 4.4. He went out and collected samples, he said, and found they were largely the some »s those supplied. If they wero not the Association could deal with the man. A test of all a supplier's milk could bo made daily ftt a cost of from 3s to 5s per snllon per annum. Thus, where a vendor was supplying 40 gallons daily, his annual cost would be I up to £lO. The first two resolutions were approved.

Eeference to Unioniste. Mr G. Smith moved that the City Council be asked to issue licenses only to, members of the Association. "That will .oat out the fecabbers," he said. This was seconded. Mr Alderson: It's only preference to unionists, isn't itP Voices: "Of course," and "quit« right, too." ' • Several of those present said tt« price of milk could'never be kept up in open competition. The chairman: The Council can't withold a license on those conditions. It's foolish to put the recommendation to the Counoil just now.. However, as we go along, we can do something in thaft direction. Mr L. Chappell spoke in favour of a monopoly of the milk supply. Trouble was being caused, he said, by the small man, who came into the trade, supplying a gallon or two a day. Mr Alderson: That's a restraint of trade, and you won't get away with it. , Mr ChappeJl said no award was any good unless there was a ■-'■ preferenoa clause.

"We are getting into deep water," said Mr Werner. "The Press should hot chronicle this." _ The chairman: I'm sure the Frew will use its discretion. , Mr Craig moved that it he a reoon> mendation that a licensing committee be formed from two City Councillors and a member of the Association. Mr Taylor said at present a person, even if he did not know milk from water, could go to the City Council and ask for a license. "Right; five shillings," was the response in every case, without any questions, and the license was issued. • - _ Mr Davies said they should do something to stop "the snakes from the Bottle Men's Association coming round canvassing aur trade." Another man said plenty of people with one cow were sending their children round selling milk, without any license at all. „ ~, _\ Mr Bliss said the householder had » lot to learn in the keeping of milk, and where it should be stored. Mr Taylor asked whether the Association was with the bottled milk vendors or against them. Mr Taylor said the distributors were onlv feeding the Vacuum Oil Company. "The public of Christchurch are paying £38,000 per year too much for their milk," he declared. He strongly advocated the block system.

Not Workable. "It would not work," said Mr P. G* Hamilton. "A little competition w the best thing for everybody." A voice: Provided it's honest. The chairman said they could not discuss the block system. Mr C. Smith moved that a black lis* be compiled of all non-paying residents in Chnstcburch. People who did not pay for their milk should be dealt with, he said. "Who seconds that?" asked the secretary. Voices from all over the room in assent. "Dozens of you," said Mr Moore. , , . . The meeting again relapsed into uproar, when Mr Taylor took the floor "Send him along to 3YA," said the secretary. ~ The chairman was forced to wslK round to Mr Taylor, and tell him that if he did not obey the chair, he would have to go out. Several speakers discussed the black list, and the general opinion was that it should be kept secret. Mr Davies spoke strongly in favour of a black list. He said they were all aettinjr sucked in. "The black list would be best left alone." said Mr A. Williams. 'Tvo seen lots of black lists, and names of neople on them who pay their way. Debt collectors are responsible far this." Mr Alderson said he had been bitten bv a party which had moved at S o'clock that morning. Tbey had gone Lancaster Park way. The secretary said only a tenth of i the milk vendors, were in the Association; they had to enroV mae-tenths. * Mr Alderson and another of those oresent promised to canvass for members.' v .«_ Mr OMridge said he would test milk samoles for any of 4hbse present. The meeting was closed with" a vote of thanks to the chairman and secretary. .- .■. :-.oi :