AUCKLAND MILK ROUNDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22166, 20 July 1935, Page 15

AUCKLAND MILK ROUNDS

CONSOLIDATION URGED ' DELIVERY HOURS PROBLEM SIX-DAY WEEK ADVOCATED The need of consolidation of rounds was stressed by members of the Metropolitan Milk Council yesterday, and similar views were expressed by a deputation from the Auckland Dairy Employees' Union, which waited on the council in connection with roundsmen's conditions. In reporting regarding a dispute between two vendors, the secretary, Mr. N. R. Chapman, said it was an example of mutual recriminations, which showed the difficulty of consolidation by voluntary means.

Mr. H. P. Burton said that unless vendors were willing to pull together they could not expect the council to do anything. In the trade with which he was connected, co-operation had been established in this and other matters, and the arrangement worked admirably. He thought a representative should wait on the next meeting of the Vendors' Association and urge the need for cooperation. In spite of statements to the contrary, he was satisfied there was still some possibility of voluntary consolidation, until such time as power was conferred to make it compulsory.

Other Members' Views Mr. A. C. Trousdale said that attempts at voluntary consolidation had failed, and would fail, but this claim was opposed by Mr. J. Haslam, who said that during the last 18 months a better feeling between vendors than had ever existed before had grown up. Ninety per cent of them were to-day quite willing to consolidate. "Owing to the silly, scattered nature of the rounds, the men have to be athletes to deliver the milk in time," said Mr. J. Purtell, secretary of the Auckland Dairy Employees' Union, who led a deputation which waited on the council. However, the men were strongly opposed to the starting time being put back an hour to 2 a.m., as they considered that, far from aiding consolidation, this would lead to rounds becoming more scattered than ever. They wished to oppose it also on the grounds that it would result in men having to get up at an altogether unreasonable hour.

The deputation wished to seek the council's assistance in securing a sixday week. Tho employers had stated this could not be granted on the present margin. It had been calculated that if vendors could bo allowed a margin of 3d or Id per gallon the six-day week could be granted. Delivery and Consolidation

In reply to questions, members of the deputation said the union was opposed to the idea of delivery starting at four o'clock in the afternoon, as it would cut off all social life, but the deputation was prepared to recommend a daylight delivery, commencing at about 7 a.m. This was considered practicable even in summer. They were in favour of municipal milk control. It was realised that consolidation might result in fewer men being engaged in delivery, although it might not affect those earning wages so much as those delivering on their own account, but it was considered that this would be compensated for by improved conditions. ]n thanking the deputation for its attendance, the chairman, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, said the fixing of margins was one of the greatest difficulties the council had to face. If it allowed the vendor 3d a gallon, it would have to bo taken from someone else. The deputation's representations would, however, bo taken into serious consideration. Its attitude had been most helpful, and the members had shown a desire to assist the council in trying to bring about better and more economic conditions in the trade.