THE MILK COUNCIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22142, 22 June 1935, Page 16

THE MILK COUNCIL

'SUPPLIES FOR SCHOOLS CONSIDERATION OIF PRICES \ ■' PRODUCER-VENDORS' INTERESTS Further consideration of the question of supplying milk to schools was given by the Metropolitan Milk Council yesterday. A letter was received from tho City Council asking tho price at which milk could be obtained for supplying half-a-pint daily to schoolchildren in tho city area. It was decided to reply that the present rate was Is a gallon, but in the event of an all-the-year-round supply in large quantities being required, this price would be reviewed.

The question of aljowing largo vendors to charge a lower price to small vendors who supply milk to schools at Is a gallon, also was considered. It was decided to allow producers and vendors to make arrangements between themselves regarding the price at which vendors should obtain supplies for school milk.

It was resolved to take no action regarding a proposal that a price of 5s or 5s 3d a gallon be fixed as tho price of cream at the farm gate. It was stated that the only/price fixed was Is 3d per lb. butter-fat. Pooling Scheme Opposed

A suggestion by the secretary, Mr. N. R. Chapman, that milk vendors' licences be endorsed with a permit to sell milk retail from depots complying with the required standards was approved. A report on a deputation representative of most of tho 120 producer-ven-dors on the Auckland side of the harbour, which waited on tho chaiiman of the council, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, was presented by liim. The deputation objected to any further interference by the council with the fresh milk interests and to any pooling of milk, as owing to. their higher costs and other reasons, producer-vendors could not carry on under a pooling system. In thanking tho deputation Mr. Hutchison had said that zoning must come and he was not prepared to say that the producer-vendor would ho left unrestricted. He promised that the representations of the deputation would be brought before the full council and they would be given an opportunity to appear when the council had finally framed its amendments to the Milk Act if they so desired.

Procedure With Prosecutions A resolution that before any prosecution by the council be proceded with, it should be referred to the distribution committee, was moved by Mr. A. C. Trousdale. The chairman said that if the motion were carried, the council would be undertaking a very dangerous thine. The less council members had to do with such matters the better. Jhe chairman added that ho had found the secretary gave those concerned every opportunity before prosecuting and would always give consideration to an explanation of special circumstances. If they found ho was unreasonable in his prosecutions they could review the position. . _ , , . ]Mr. Trousdale's motion was defeated. A scheme under which a student would be engaged as a junior inspector by the council to take samples of milk aiad learn all phases of the industry, was outlined by the chairman. After considerable discussion the matter was left to the chairman and secretary with power to act,' Mr. J. Haslam secording his-vote against the proposal. The question of inspectors' duties was referred to the distribution committee for review.