MILK SUPPLY

Grey River Argus, 4 July 1944, Page 4

MILK SUPPLY

(To the Editor “Magazine Page.”) Sir, —I read with interest some of your observations on the milk dispute in the editorial of the “Magazine Page” on June 14, and I agree with you that the cost has gone up to the local dairy farmer in the production of milk, due (according to a press report of a local farmers’ meeting) to the increased cost of winter feed. And if that is so, it is possible for th e winter feed to be a recurring increase in cost. Therefore it is logical to anticipate there will be demands for further increases on the consumer, as jj.'he increase in cost of winter feed Igoes up. The correct attitude of the farmers should, I suggest, be to urge or demand that the Government staoilise the price of winter feed, which is produced by the Canterbury farmers. At the same' meeting, one member stated that ihe was delivering milk to the Roa.School, which was pasteurised and bottled in Christchurch. If the Canterbury Education Board has considered the cost at sixpence in Christchurch, compared with sevenpence per quart on the Coast, and has de-

cided to supply the children of Roa with pasteurised milk in sealed bottles free from contaminating diseases, then the C.E.B. is to be commended for its appreciation of human values in pitting the health of the children first. The farmers, threaten to let their cowd run dry, if they fail to receive the increase. I suggest that there is a measure of responsibility on the Grey Borough Council to see that the milk supply does not fail the people they represent. Therefore it is imperative that the newly elected representatives of the people of Greymouth should give immediate consideration to an economic and efficient niilk supply. The scientific achievement of Louis Pasteur in the pasteurisation of milk has been acclaimed a success. The Wellington City Council has conducted a pasteurisation plam and a distributive service successfully for 25 years, which is second to none, and an inspiration or should be, to other Borough Councils. The Mayor has declared 'his concern for the possible failure of the milk supply of Greymouth; and I submit that it should be the concern of the City Fathers to try and emulate the Wellington City Council’s milk supply, and the Mayor convening a specia Imeting of the Council to appoint an al meeting of the Council to appoint an the dairy farmers to discuss witn them a fair and equitable price at a certain delivery point; (2) to meet the vendor regarding the taking ovex' of the delivery service; (3) to consider the establishment of a pasteurisation plant, bottle washing plant and milk testing department; and (4) to apply to the Government to pass a Greymouth Milk Supply Empowering Bill. I believe that, by the Council taking over the milk supply, it would reflect greatly to the advantage of the producer and consumer, and be a credit to the administrative ability of the Council. Will the newly-formed Progress League of Greyniouth stand by and watch the milk supply of Greymouth be imperilled, or be a League for progress by giving, everv encouragement and assistance to the preymouth Council to establish a Municipal milk supply scheme ? I am etc., SID MORRIS, Runanga, June 28, 1944.