MILK FOR THE CITY

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 3, 3 July 1926, Page 11

MILK FOR THE CITY

FARMERS AND THE COUNCIL

A BBPLY TO ME. HAMILTON, M.P.

The chairman of the Milk Committee of the City Council (Councillor "W. H. Bennett) made referonco to-day, while speaking to a "Post" reporter, to some remarks, made by Mr. J. P. Hamilton, MJ?.,in the House in regard to the attitude,,taken by the council towards farmer suppliers. "It is a great pity," said Councillor Bennett, '' that members of Parliament when speaking upon a subject in the House do not make themselves conversant, with the facts of the case before making,rash statements. Mr. Hamilton is reported as having made a statement to the effect 'that there had been nothing but fights between the farmers and the council over the price to be paid for milk.' In answer to this statement I am.pleased to say that while there ha,ve _b,eell differences of opinion on minor matters, such as the method of appointing an arbitrator should the parties fail to agree upon the conditions of supply and prices to be paid for milk,- there has been no appreciable difficulty in coming to terms and making ,the. agreements for the last three years. Only last week an agrement was entered into between representatives of the Milk Committee and of the "Wellington' Dairy Farmers' Co-operative Association for the city's requirements of milk for a period of two years, commencing from lGth August. "It will be generally admitted by producers that under the council's control they receive a somewhat higher price for their product than they would receive from any other source, that their market and payment is assured, and the cash for the milk made promptly available. "Might I suggest that Mr. Hamilton, or any other interested member of Parliament, who might have any doubt .about .this matter, should investigate for himself, both from the officers of the.Milk Department and of the "Wellington, Farmers' Association. If ho Tyilfdo. this the council's representatives'are confident that their inquiries will-reveal that farmers are receiving just" and equitable treatment from the .Wellington City Council."