DANGER OF A MILK FAMINE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 255, 25 July 1935, Page 8

DANGER OF A MILK FAMINE

Trouble at Invercargill

By Telegraph.—l’ress Association.

Invercargill, July 24

The danger of a milk famine developing in Invercargill within the next six weeks are indicated in statements made by a deputation of retailers and wholesalers which met the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. R. Masters, to-day. Concern was expressed at the position in the city owing to the disorderly marketing of milk and price-cutting.

It was stated that there has been no Inducement for nearby farmers to go In for winter milking, with the' result that retailers cannot get sufficient milk to supply town consumers and have been compelled to go further afield for their milk.

One retailer explained that whereas his normal winter requirements were 50 gallons or more daily, to-day the most he could get was 14 gallons. So acute was the position last week that he endeavoured to make arrangements in Dunedin for an additional supply, but. in this he was not successful. The position, it was declared, seemed to be that as soon as retailers set a price reasonably remunerative to themselves and to the dairymen fresh competition cut in at lower prices, with the result that it was no longer worth while for anyone to specialise in organising a continuous milk supply.

The deputation informed the Minister that they intended approaching the city council and asking its approval to the setting up of a milk council on similar lines to that established at Auckland. The effect of this council was to keep prices within reason and ensure a regular supply. Mr. Masters explained that Hie matter must be first dealt with by the cit> council, and if that body approved the proposal would entail the passing of local legislation providing for the setting up of a milk council.