PASTEURISATION OF MILK

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29055, 18 November 1959, Page 17

PASTEURISATION OF MILK

Mr Edmonds Stands For “Right Of Choice”

Pasteurisation of milk was a gigantic hoax fostered by the Health Department, Mr G. M. Edmonds. Milk Consumers’ Protection Association candidate for the municipal elections, told a meeting attended by about 20 persons in the Trinity Church Hail last night. He based his accusation on the report of a committee set up in 1951 to investigate the financial difficulties of the Christchurch Milk Company. “One reason this committee found for the company’s difficulties was that it could not stand competition,” said Mr Edmonds. Another was the low proportion of pasteurised milk sales—47 per cent, compared with 52 per cent, raw milk sales. Plans were made for expanding pasteurised milk sales, he said. In this connexion the report stated “the Health Department has done fairly extensive propaganda,” Mr Edmonds added. “It’s all here in the Government report, in black and white. September 27, 1951,” he declared. “Pasteurisation was used as a two edged weapon to eliminate competition and to build up sales,” said Mr Edmonds. “This was all done under a Government which stood for freedom and right of choice. The Health Department is a Government department. “This business of disease of milk is nothing but a gigantic medical hoax. If they were sincere they would tackle the disease problem on the farm.” Mr Edmonds said that the Milk Consumers’ Protection Association was not against pasteurising milk. “If other people want it, let them have it.” His sole platform for me election was “right of choice” between raw and pasteurised milk, he said. “We are the only ones with a positive issue in these municipal elections. Other parties Citizens’ Association and Labour —had the same stuff. Negative stuff. Right of choice is something positive.” . t X., Mr Edmonds said that the battle for the right of choice would be resolved in the council elections. If he was elected the Milk Consumers' Protection Association would have a voice’on the council. Mr Edmonds is president of the association. <