MILK PRICES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21793, 7 May 1934, Page 12

MILK PRICES

Sir, —At the meeting of the Milk Council on Friday the chairman stated that the price the producer gets for his milk is not that fixed by the council (now 9d per gallon), "because he has to dispose of his surplus, for which lie may possibly get 3d a gallon, and his surplus margin has to be from 13 to 25 per cent." What I would like to have explained is, to whom does the farmer sell this surplus at 3d a gallon? If he is allowed to sell it to the same person or firm who pays him 9d a gallon for what he supplies under contract, then the dictum of the council that the farmer shall be paid 9d a gallon is easily evaded! But in any case who gets that milk at 3d a gallon? And is it sold within the area supposed to be governed by the Milk Council? Further, at what price do those farmers sell their milk who are within the council s area, but have no contract to supply any part of the milk which, finds its way into that area, and to whom do they sell it? The report in Saturdays Herald concerning "wholesale rates fixed by the council states that these "embraced rates to producers for different grades of milk, together with prices to bo paid to vendors." This implies that bv paying a higher price one can bo supplied with a higher gracl o milk than the ordinary consumer gets for 5d a quart. If it does not mean this, what does it mean? And what is tn® grade of milk a consumer has the right to demand for his 5d a quart? I an» sure some more detailed explanation bv tho council would be greatly esteemed by numerous citizens who at presen are as puzzled as I am. 231 Parnell Boad. . J. Thornes.