MILK IN BOTTLES

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 151, 23 December 1921, Page 17

MILK IN BOTTLES

COST OF BREAKAGES IS THE PRESENT SYSTEM THE BEST? Reference to the interview between Dr. A. E. Dilley and Councillor C. B. Norwood, chairman of the Milk Committee of the City Council, on the subject of the bottle system of milk delivery, was made to-day by Councillor J. Bums. "As the only councillor who opposed the bottle system," stated Councillor Burns, "I read with interest the remarks of Dr. Dilley, published in last night's Post. My objection is not to the system, but to its introduction at such an unfavourable time. The cost of machinery, plant, etc., is at top price at present, and no inquiry has been made regarding the working of the system in any other country but America. Dr. Dilley says tho percentage of breakage was very small. I wish Dr. Dilley would quote his authority, for I have before me a-, statement from the United States Department of Agriculture dealing with bottle loss«, which, when applied to the number of bottles we would require to use, would total over 900 losses per day. At the present price of bottles this would mean a loss of nearly £7000 a year alone, to say nothing of the £1000 a year that will probably be expended in washing and filling. Then, /again, the doctor says the bottles are carried about in> crates and delivered wi^h quick despatch. Th.it may be so in flat cities, but how, much more is it to cost for delivery of milk In bottles in Wellington? The Wellington City Council has done well up. to^he present, and pure milk is now''supplied. That the bottle system will be more hygienic no one can doubt. The question is: Can the city afford, the extra cost, and are the citizens prepared to pay? I say,, 'No, not at present.' "