THE PRICE OF MILK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19027, 26 May 1925, Page 12

THE PRICE OF MILK.

A REPLY TO CRITICISM. RISE MAY NOT BE NEEDED. A reply to a resolution passed by the Auckland Trades and Labour Council, opposing an increase in the price of milk, was made yesterday by Mr. H. Bull, president of tho Auckland Milk Producers' Association. The following reasons wore given in tho resolution i'or opposing the suggested increase from 7d to 8d a quart:—(l) That the present price of milk shows an increase of 100 per cent, over .1914 prices. (2) That farmers supplying milk for town consumption aro receiving 120 per cent, higher price for it than farmers supplying milk for butter-making purposes, even for local consumption. Mr. Bull said it was absurd to compare tho relative prices of milk during 1914 and 1925. In 1914 unusual circumstances resulted in exceptionally low prices. Two large Auckland firms wore then striving to capture tho trade and competition was very keen. In any case, tho prices of every commodity had gone up since 1914. Tho cost of production was higher. Tho wages paid to the men who delivered tho milk from tho floats to the consumer in 1914 were £2 6s a week, as against £4 3s a -week in 1925. It was reasonable to assume that all other costs had risen in proportion. Tho fanners who wero supplying milk to tho towns did not receive,, anything liko a 120 por cent, higher price than tho farmers supplying milk for butter-making purposes, continued' Mr. Bull. Anyono who was acquainted by exporienco with the supply of milk for the factory and tho town knew full well that conditions and cost could not be compared. [Suppliers to butter factories retained their skimmed milk for pigs and calves, which was a decided asset, at, tbo and of tho year. 'Hie town supplier was obliged to milk all tho year round by contract. Ho was also obliged to grow and find artificial feed during the winter months. Tho milking of cows in the off-season resulted in less milk production and a higher mortality rato in calving. If tho farmer was obliged to buy cows at profit in tho winter lie had to pay at loast 25 per cent, more for them. "Tho town supplier is unable to keep pigs c>r calves, and, in addition, pays moro for his land, because it is nearer tho city," Mr. Bull said. "I fail to see how tho Trad ps and Labour Council arrive at tho 120 per cent, higher price." Tho riso of a penny a quart for three months was contemplated by tho Producers' Association on account of tho dry autumn that had beon experienced. "Tho price of milk is governed by tho cost of production and tho weather," said Mr. Bull. "Last week there was plenty of rain, and now thero will probably bo no necessity to effect a rise in the price of milk. I feel tho public should know, however, tho justification for au. incrcaso if it were necessary.'!