COVERING OF MILK

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28660, 9 August 1958, Page 12

COVERING OF MILK

By-law To Apply All The Year

Milkmen will have to keep their trucks covered during the hours of daylight, both winter and summer, under an amendment to the by-laws approved by the Christchurch Metropolitan Milk Board yesterday. Until now the load has only had to be covered during daylight from November to March.

“Our chaps just won't cover them in wet and stormy weather,’’ said Mr P. A. Caithness (milk vendors’ representative). “When its raining they’ll get a ducking every time. “Few of the vendors have canopies, and they are expensive. If they use tarpaulins they will have to adjust their loads several times during the run—instead of just once, as at present. “If we have to be continually adjusting our loads the whole city will be in a din from start to finish—that’s something we' try to av.oid,’’ he said.

The milkmen’s cost margins were calculated for operation from flat-decked trucks, which were easier to work from. With tarpaulin-covered trucks the work would take longer and the milkmen’s profit margins would drop, said Mr Caithness. Mr W. E. Olds said he hoped the inspectors would take a liberal attitude.

The proposed by-law will come before the board for adoption at a later meeting. Members agreed that each breach should be treated on its merits.