MARKETING OF MILK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21561, 4 August 1933, Page 10

MARKETING OF MILK

METROPOLITAN CONTROL CITY COUNCIL'S SUPPORT COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE A decision .to support tho establishment of a metropolitan milk council in Auckland was reached by the City Council at its meeting last evening. A committee was set up to devise ways and means of setting up tho proposed body. The matter aroso from a report forwarded by the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, who was not present at tho meeting, dealing with a recent conference held with various representatives of tho milk trade. A minority report also was presented. When the adoption of tho report was proposed, Mr. E. F. Andrews moved an amendment that tho council support tho proposal that a metropolitan milk council should be set up and that tho council appoint a committee of five to devise ways and means. This was seconded by Mr. J. Sayegh. Mr. J. B. Patorson said tho amendment opened a wide question. While tho council should not attempt to control the milk trade, it might be advisable to have representation on a metropolitan milk council. Mr. D. Donaldson said it was not the duty of tho council to interfere in private trade. Support of the principle of establishing a milk council was given by Mr. H. P. Burton. Tho council, ho said, had'to consider its ratepayers. Tho time was coming in New Zealand when something in the nature of a "Fair Trade Bill" would be necessary to protect the public. Outside vendors wero coming into tho city indiscriminately and cutting across the paths of established firms which had to pay award wages and observe other conditions. Ihe council should support tho scheme. Mr. G. Grey Campbell said there had already been an inquiry by a Minister of the Crown. A commission appointed by the Government should investigate the position, rather than a committee of the council. It had to bo remembered that milk prices at present were enabling poor people to buy more milk for their children. "Tho agreement arranged by Mr. Cobbo is not being honoured by some sections of tho milk trade," said Mr. T. Blood worth. "Mr. Campbell has said that cheap milk is a benefit to children, but he must know that any trade run at a loss eventually ( ceases to run. Wo have to ensure an adequate milk supply and I believe we should declare a milk area for the city. There may easily be a milk famine in the future." Mr. S. Taklo also supported the amendment.

The deputy-mayor, Mr. A. J. Entrican, said the amendment would result in a change of policy and should be dealt with by notice of motion. The council could not control the milk trade without a special Act of Parliament. The amendment was carried by 13 votes to five, but Miss E. Melville moved a further amendment that'the matter bo deferred until next meetings so that it could be dealt with properly as a matter of policy. This was lost by a largo majority, as was a further amendment by Mr. D. Donaldson that the words voicing the council's> approval of the establishment of a metropolitan milk council should bo deleted. A ballot held for the election of the committee as provided by the motion resulted in the return of the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, and Messrs. H. P. Burton. D. Donaldson, E. F. Andrews and A. Eosser.

LEGISLATION REQUESTED FIXING MINIMUM PRICES DEPUTATION 'TO MINISTERS [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON, Thursday A request that the Government should legislate for minimum milk prices for Auckland was made by a deputation representing Auckland milk producers which waited upon the actingPrime Minister, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, and the acting-Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. J. G. Cobbe, this morning. In asking that steps'be taken to invoke the Board of Trade Act so as to prevent the present price-cutting the two members of the deputation, Messrs. A. C. Trousdale and .T. S. Montgomerie, explained to the Ministers that prices received by the fanner wero less than half the costs of production. Later in the day the representations of the deputation were considered at a meeting of the Cabinet. Subsequent to this meeting, Mr. Trousdale was notified by Mr. Coates that the Cabinet was anxious to have certain departmental information before reaching a final decision. Mr. Trousdale stated that he bad been informed by Mr. Coates that Ministers would give further consideration to the request of the deputation at the Cabinet meeting to be held to-morrow.