LEGISLATION TO REFORM MILK CONTROL AUTHORITY PENDING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23315, 26 July 1950, Page 8

LEGISLATION TO REFORM MILK CONTROL AUTHORITY PENDING

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, July 25. Legislation will shortly be introduced in Parliament to reform tbe Central Milk Authority. This was announced by the Minister ot‘ Agriculture. Air. K. J. llolyoake. at today’s annual meeting of the Town Milk Producers’ Federation of New Zealand. The Minister said that despite his own views—and those of Ins Under-Secretary, Air. S. W. Smith—on the proportion of representation between producers a'nd the Government on the reformed authority—“any decision made must be in tbe light of the fact that the Government is very heavily involved finnnciallv.”

The policy of the new Govern- V. ment, therefore, would be aimed at giving '-reducers and local authorities increasing responsibility. “We as a Government are not desirous of running milk-treating stations,” said tiie Minister. This was costing £ 1.000,000 annually. "We want to see the local authorities running their own stations. We believe that local people should have an in-! creasing degree of financial respon-! sibility in the ownership and operation ! of the treating stations.” The Minister said that the Govern- 1 ment did not think there should be any fundamental changes in the price list for domestic milk this year. However, any increase in the guaranteed price naturally would be passed on to the producers and anomaues winch they had complained of would be consid-, cred. Quality Basis He was unable to realise why the industry had not previously made an approach to the Government seeking payment for milk on a quality basis. “Our town milk supply is as good as in any other country in the world — and it does seem an automatic step for you •to seek payment on a quality basis.” be said.

The dairy division of his department was prepared immediately to draw up a scheme for payment on a quality basis, “for implementation this year, if necessary," said the Minister. “It is rime we stopped fooling with the question of compensation for the eradication of cows suffering with tuberculosis.”

The federation’s executive was seeking £26 for every cow destroyed and the Government, so far. was willing to pay only £22 10s. “We should not permit a pound or two to stand in the way,” said the Minister.