THE PROPOSED NEW REGULATIONS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 26 September 1908, Page 2

THE PROPOSED NEW REGULATIONS.

A meting of dairymen was held at Mercer's rooms last evening to cnosider the proposed new dairy regulations and the price of milk. There was an attendance of about a dozen, and Mr C. J. Ruffell was voted to the chair. The Chairman said that the principal object of the meeting was to consider the proposed new regulations, and to comunicate with Mr Graham, M.P., in order to endeavour to prevent the regulations being put through the House this session. He proceeded to read the proposed regulations. Discussion ensued on several of the regulations. The Chairman remarked that it must be admlttefl that there wa_ need for far greater supervision of dairies than of butter factories, because delicate people and infants derived the whole of their nourishment from milk. This view was endorsed by Mr W. Gill. One of the regulations provided that at all dairies suitable cowsheds had to be provided, and that the air space for each cow was to be not less than 60 feet. The Chairman said, in connection with the latter regulation, that improvements had recently been ordered and carried out at considerable expense; yet he was sure that those improvements did not. in some cases, give anything like 600 feet of space. There was a discussion on the regulation regarding tho minimum distances cowsheds wero to be from dwellings, stables, piggeries, etc., and it was stated that some dairymen would have to shift their sheds if the regulations became law. The opinion was expressed that the regulation providing that a milker had to wash his hands after milking each cow was absurd. "Fancy a man milking 16 cows having to wash, his hands 16 times at 4 o'clock on a winter morning!" exclaimed ono speaker. Another speaker thought that there would bo little fear of an inspector being round at 4 o'clock in the morning! Tho nrnvisions in regard to straining and cooling, and the cleansing of utensils, gave rise to some discussion. Special reference was made to tho regulation prohibiting the use of any utensil affected by rust, and it was stated by one speaker that the regulation would necessitate tho purchase .of new cans, etc, every ye-ar. Tho cost of this would havo to be borne by the consumer! The regulations prohibiting poultry and pigeons being allowed in a building in which milk was handled, and specifying the minimum distance from cowsheds cows, dogs, and pigs wero to be at largo or confined, were declared to be "bunkum." Mr W. Gill said that they should give and take a little — support tho desirable regulations, and oppose those they disapproved of. It was of no use for them to opposo everything. They should work with tho inspectors, and not against them. Some of tho improvements ordered by the inspector ho was very glad he had carried out. Mr Wells endorsed Mr Gill's remarks, agreeing that many things ordered by the inspector were for the benefit of dairymen. Tho chairman said that if the regulations became law an inspector could enforce them, and some of tho regulations should not become law. He moved. "That as a certain number of the clauses of the new dairy regulations aro unreasonabo and unworkable, this meeting of dairymen urges Messrs Graham and McKenzie, M. 'P., to uso their best endeavours to get the regulations held over till tho next Parliament; and that in thc event of Messrs Graham and M'Kenzie being of opinion that the regulations may become law, they be asked to communicate with the Nelson dairymen immediately." Tho motion was seconded by Mr Gill, and carried.