THE CITY'S MILK SUPPLY

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21133, 7 April 1934, Page 22

THE CITY'S MILK SUPPLY

PROPOSED LEGISLATION FOR CONTROL SUPPORT FOR BILL SOUGHT BY DAIRYMEN The establishment of a counciL in Christchurch to control the milk industry in the metropolitan area, to stabilise prices, to issue, licenses to vendors, and generally to superintend the .system of milk supply on its present Jines, is the object of the Christchurch Metropolitan Milk Bill, support for vhich is being sought by an organitation representing dairy farmers and vendors. The proposed legislation is c-n the lines of that passed at the last session of Parliament, which authorised the appointment of a Metropolitan Milk Council in Auckland. At a largely attended meeting of dairy farmers and vendors in Christchurch yesterday afternoon it was de-cided-to form a body to be known as the Christchurch Dairymen's Association. This will include the organisation known as the Christchurch Milk Marketing Association, which was formed about 12 months ago to improve the milk marketing facilities in the city. It is claimed that the support of practically all dairymen who iiave so far been approached has been promised in the move to establish a milk council in Christchurch. Not a Municipal Scheme There aopeared to be an impression that the object of the proposed legislation was the institution of a municipal milk supply similar to that of Wellington, an official of the association told a reporter of "The Press" after the meeting. He said that that •was quite false. II was not intended 1') interfere with the present system of milk distribution at all, except in so far as the supervision of a competent council could bring about a better and more efficient supply. The council would not handle the milk at all; it would merely superintend its distribution, and license dairymen and vendors. The price war of the last year or two had resulted in the price of milk reaching a level that was harmful both to those engaged in the industry and 1o the general public. The proposed council, on which the consumers would have a majority of votes, would stabilise prices at a level which would enable those engaged in the industry to keep abreast of modern methods, and to maintain their equipment in a state ensuring the most hygienic and wholesome supply. Those who are promoting the legislation place great importance on the provision for a staff of inspectors to superintend the milk industry of the city. It is claimed that the Christchurch City Council cannot cope with the large volume of work that would be entailed in the efficient supervision of the city's milk supply. The legislation would provide for a levy of not more than ;',d a gallon on all milk retailed to cover the administrative expenses of the council. Auckland's New System The new system came into operation in Auckland on March 1. The Auckland Metropolitan Milk Act constituted a metropolitan milk district, and a local authority known as the Metropolitan Milk Council consisting of nine members, five being representatives of local bodies, two elected by milk vendors, and two elected by dairymen. The council has power to appoint inspectors or other officers, and it may make a levy on vendors of not more than id a gallon. Milk may be sold or delivered in the district only by license of the council, which, "for the purpose of securing for the inhabitants, of the milk district an adequate supply of milk of good quality and at a reasonable price," may grant or refuse licenses. The act sets out penalties for breaches of the license, and invests the council with powers of inspection and prohibition. The council has power to set up a laboratory and carry on research and investigation, and may initiate improved methods of producing, collecting, treating, delivering, and distributing milk. It may, from time to time, having regard to costs of production and distribution, fix the prices for various milk transactions, prescribe grades for milk which may be supplied or sold, and prescribe methods to be followed in the treatment, carriage, deposit, storage, distribution, and sale of milk. The act provides that any person may appeal to the Minister for Industries and Commerce regarding the reasonableness of the amount of any fees prescribed by the council, while appeal against the decision of the council in relation to licenses and prices may be made to the Magistrate's Court. Prices Fixed Tentatively The prices fixed tentatively by the newly-appointed council, and which •will operate in Auckland between March 17 and April 30 were as follows: Retail price, 5d a quart for loose milk, 5Jd for bottled. Price to producers, 9d a gallon. Price to cover collection, treatment, storage, distribution, and delivery, 23d a gallonPrice to be paid by vendors to wholesalers for resale, 113 d. Price delivered to milk shops, Is 3d a gallon. Price of wholesale milk other than to vendors, but to include shipping and picnics, 10 gallons and more a day, Is' 2d a gallon; three gallons and less than 10 gallons a day, Is 3d; one gallon and less than three gallons, Is sd. Retail price of cream, 4oz, sd; 802, 8d; 16oz, Is 4d. Wholesale price of cream to vendors, 7s 4d a gallon. Price of cream to shops and shipping for five gallons and more, 7s a gallon; less than five gallons, Bs. The council has announced its intention of making the fullest possible investigation into the costs of production and distribution, and on the results of its enquiries the prices would be fixed.