MILK SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 163, 28 March 1923, Page 4

MILK SCHEME

OPERATIONS DURING QUARTER FLUCTUATIONS IN PRICE When the report of the Milk Committee was submitted to the City Council last night, it was found to be a simple document, i ecommending the payment of the statutory accounts for, the month. Councillor Forsyth strongly objected to passing the report in the absence of a statement regarding the trading account of the undertaking.. He was anxious to know whether the scheme was on a paying basis during the present period. He intended to oppose the adoption of the report till the statement was forthcoming. Councillor W. H. Bennett said he did not like to enter into details in tho absence of the chairman cf the committee (Councillor but as a request iiad been made for information he would do -vhat be could. Tlie January purchases of ruilk and cream were £7146, and the February purchases £6964. The January sales were £13,092 and February £11,861. The extra three days in January made th» sales practically the same. On the other hand there was only. £lB2 difference in the purchases, the reason being that the price paid to farmers for milk fluctuated according to tho-price .of butter in the Home market. As there were two increases during the month of February, and also a lise in butter-fat contents (on which the price was also paid) the two matters -would account for the decrease in profit. There was an increase of £7O for electric power owing to some error in the reading of the meter in January; £lOO extra was paid for motor repairs; six months’ payment for rent of stables (£6l) also 'camo into February. He did not know why the Rahui factory gave a return of £519 in January and only £BB /in February. These payments showed tho futility of selling on a bare margin, and he tolieved that the incoming council would iegret the decision of last meeting to fix tie price for winter milk at 7|d. a .quart. The resolution for the adoption of the report- was carried by 11 votes to 3.