MILK FAMINE FEARED

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 25 July 1935, Page 7

MILK FAMINE FEARED

POSITION AT INVERCARGILL LACK OF WINTER SUPPLIERS FORMATION OF COUNCIL LIKELY (By Telegraph—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, July 24.

The danger of a milk famine developing at Invercargill within the next six weeks was indicated in statements made by a deputation of retailers and wholesalers which met the Alinister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. R. Masters, to-day. Concern was expressed at' the position in the city owing to the disorderly marketing of milk and price cutting. It is stated that there has been no inducement for nearby farmers to go 'in for winter milking with the result that retailers cannot get sufficient milk to supply town consumers and have been compelled to go further afield for their milk. One retailer explained that whereas his normal winter requirements were 50 gallons or more daily to-day the most he could get was 14 gallons. So acute was the position last week that he endeavoured to make arrangements at Dunedin for additional supply, but in this lie*was not successful.

The position, it was declared, seemed to be that as soon as retailers set a price reasonably remunerative to themselves and to the dairy men fresh competition cut in at lower prices with the result that it was no longer worth while for anyone to specialise in organising a continuous milk plyThe deputation informed the Alinister that it intended approaching the city council and asking its approval to setting up of a milk council on similar lines to that established at Auckland. The effect of this council was to keep prices within reason and to ensure a regular supply. Air Masters explained that the matter must he first dealt with by the city council and, if that body approved, the proposal would entail the passing of local legislation providing for setting up a milk council.