THE MILK ACT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22194, 22 August 1935, Page 14

THE MILK ACT

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS OBJECTION BY VENDORS ONE TREE HILL DISCUSSION Considerable discussion on the proposed amendments to tho Auckland Metropolitan Milk Act took place at last night's meeting of the One Tree Hill Borough Council, when a deputation from the Auckland tresh Milk Producers and Vendors' Association waited on the council to ask its support in opposing the amendments. On behalf of the deputation, Mr. C. Mills said the amendments as a whole were unfair and unjust. One glaring instance was the fact that under the amendments the Milk Council apparently could cancel the licence of a vendor, without the vendor having the right of appeal to a higher authority. A small man's living could be swept away in this manner. In the matter of supplying cheap milk to the public, the deputation claimed that farmers nearer the towns could place better and cheaper milk on the market than any of the big concerns, one advantage these farmers had being direct contact with the consumers. The milk brought straight from the farm to the consumer had greater food value. Mr. Mills claimed that the amendments did not specify actually what levy would be made, but it would be in accordance with tho size of the loan it was desired to raise. The proposal to pool milk was an iniquitous one. Mr. M. P. Welsh, also speaking on behalf of the deputation, said his association was gravely concerned at the extreme powers which the amendments would give to the Miik Council, and the men he represented could not carry on if any further interference were forthcoming. Questioned by the Mayor, Mr. I. J. Goldstine, Mr. Mills said lie did not recollect the chairman of the Milk Council telling the deputation that it was never the intention of the council to pool fresh milk. "Perhaps it would surprise you to know that the council is empowered only to strike the levy for security purposes." said Mr. Goldstine, who added that it would be used to arrange temporary finance, and would not be collected. It would be in the same category as a rate struck for security. Mr. Mills: Yes, only on paper. Mr. Goldstine said the deputation had a wnjng impression regarding the matter of appeals. No appeal was allowed following the purchase of a vendor's business by the Milk Council, or the payment oy the council of compensation. Mr. Mills: That does not suit me. The council passed a resolution reaffirming its approval of the amendments.