MILK ACT AMENDMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22142, 22 June 1935, Page 12

MILK ACT AMENDMENTS

It is evident that the amendments to its empowering Act, proposed by the Auckland Milk Council, are viewed with mixed feelings by a number of those likely to be affected A few weeks ago the retail vendors decided to sink their differences and form a united body to represent their interests, and, in particular, to oppose most of the amendments the council has prepared. It appears from yesterday's proceedings of the council that the producer-vendors are also apprehensive of the effect of the amendments. They interviewed the chairman and suggested that they should be omitted from any further degree of control that might be imposed. Apparently they are equally disturbed about what may happen if the zoning system, with consolidation of rounds, is put in force, and about the power to acquire and pool all milk in its area that the council asks should be given to it. Where a producer-vendor has established a connection and gained goodwill by his own personal methods, and the qualities of his herd, it is natural that he should not welcome being forced to change it at the behest of the council, or to lose his identity in a pooling system. The chairman of the council, by his own report, was not encouraging to the deputation. He cannot be, nor could anyone in his place, if the policy embodied in the amendments is to be pressed. The fact is the council has embarked on a course of more control, which must inevitably lead to still more control. It has refrained from asking for power to acquire rounds compulsorily, but, according to its own account, only because it was feared there would be too much opposition in Parliament. Yet on a dispassionate reading of its proposals, that must be its next step. It would be as well if, at this stage, serious thought were given to the possibilities of hardship and injustice in a severe and general regimentation of the milk supply business. The motives inspiring the council are doubtless of the best, but many unjust things have been done in the past with the best of intentions. Before these extensions of the council's power are authorised by law, it, and the public, should be satisfied that the full consequences are properly appreciated.