DELIVERY OF MILK

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23537, 15 January 1942, Page 4

DELIVERY OF MILK

EFFECT OF PETROL RESTRICTIONS SUGGESTION FOR BLOCK SYSTEM The opinion that the only practicable method of meeting the emergency caused by the petrol restrictions is for dairymen to submit to a block system of delivery is expressed by the Fresh Milk Association, in a statement issued yesterday after a largely-attended meeting of members. The statement issued by the secretary (MrP. L. C. Inder) adds that although the consumer will, in some instances, be deprived of his own particular dairyman, that will be for the duration of the war only. “Our business and economic standards have been built on the goodwill of the consumer, and this interruption of our customary service is forced on us by circumstances over which we have no control,” says the statement. "The public will remember that a similar scheme was mooted over 18 months ago, and a milk’board was set up to administer a scheme of zoning. Our members, however, passed the following resolution, which was carried unanimously: ‘That we have no confidence whatever in the old Milk Board and that we refuse to recognise its existence, on the grounds that it does not in any respect represent the interest of this mass meeting of members of the Fresh Milk Association.’ “What we do consider, however, is that a small board of say three public spirited and impartial men be set up to administer the block system of delivery to safeguard the interests of the consumer and the trade. We further suggest an advisory committee of practical dairymen, representative of all sections of the trade, to act in close co-operation with such a board. There would be a minimum of expense involved by the adoption of such a scheme, and its smooth operation would be guaranteed by its very impartiality. “The former Milk Board, in which we have no confidence, consists of six members and, in our opinion, is far too cumbersome.” MAYOR MEETS WAR COUNCIL The organisation of milk deliveries in Christchurch was discussed with the War Council by the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) during his visit to Wellington on Tuesday. Mr Andrews said yesterday that the War Council favourably received his suggestions, which amounted practically to the putting into force of the Christchurch Milk Delivery Emergency Regulations, 1940. Mr Andrews said that he was sent for by the War Council during the conference of mayors on E.P.S. problems, for which he went to Wellington. The discussion was very satisfactory, and he was now hopeful that a scheme would be proceeded with, based on the 1940 regulations, with a few modifications. “The necessity for putting the regulations into effect in some form is now absolutely imperative, if we are to keep the public supplied with milk,” he said. The 1940 regulations provided for a board of six members, comprising the Mayor, the District Transport Licensing Authority, two representatives of vendors and dairymen, one representative of the City Council, and one representative of suburban local authorities. The board’s principal function was to regulate deliveries to reduce the consumption of oil fuel. The board was empowered to consider, reject, or approve schemes submitted by vendors and dairymen; to recommend the Oil Fuel Controller to vary supplies of fuel to any vendor; to license vendors, and for the purposes of the licensing system to create zones for the regulation of deliveries. Provision was made for appeal to the Minister against decisions of the board.