INDEPENDENT MILK TESTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 17 May 1926, Page 5

INDEPENDENT MILK TESTS.

PROPOSAL DEFEATED. ‘‘The time seems to be coming when milk testing wilt have to be placed 1 in hands other than those of the factory manager (whose figures are often regarded with suspicion),” said Mr T. Rauforcl at a meeting fo the executive of the Man awa t-u and West Coast Dairy Companies’ Association at Palmerst.au North,, in bringing forward 1 for discussion. the question, of the appointment of independent testers. There was l always dissatisfaction with factory tests, he said, and some of the suppliers had. stated to him that they thought it desirable that a remit should go forward to be considered' at the annual meeting of the National Dairy Association.

In reply to a question as to whether he considered the appointment of independent testers should be made compulsory, Mi" Randford said if the. proposals were put to the suppliers, such testers would be appointed. A point brought up by Mr 11. E. Pacey was that there, was insufficient work at any one factory to occupy the full time of an! independent tester. The 'chairman (Mr S. A. Broadbelt) replied, that either a Government- appointment could be made, or one official could act for several factories. As it was, he was sure that if ;u vote were put to the company’s suppliers at Levin it would be in favour of the testing remaining ini the hands of the manager. He deprecated the appointment of a. man over a manager, who, if lie did not carry the .confidence of the suppliers,, should' be dismissed., Air P. Hansen, pointed out that it might even be that with an independent tester’s figures, a. company manager would find himself paying out in some instances for more butter-fat than had been received. As it was at present, suppliers could! have a. duplicate sample tested by the Government if tliev were, dissatisfied.

In. replying to the arguments, Air Ranfoi'di said lie had not been convinced against his proposal, and he believed it would be n the -interests of the industry if the matter was discussed.

Ilia motion that the question should be placed on the agenda, paper of the annual meeting was defeated.