PRICE OF MILK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22350, 22 February 1936, Page 16

PRICE OF MILK

NO INCREASE MADE UNDERTAKINGS NOT GIVEN RESTORATION OF WAGES CUTS WORK OF CONSOLIDATION A decision not to increase the price of milk by Jd a quart until the receipt of a written undertaking from vendors to restore wages cuts to employees, or their agreement to an award for that purpose, in accordance with a previous resolution, was reached at a meeting of the Metropolitan Milk Council yesterday. The chairman, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, said that as the Conciliation Council meeting between the parties had failed to reach an agreement, nothing could bo done in the meantime. The council had done its part, and it was now a matter for the parties concerned.

The alternative to an award, a written undertaking from the vendors, had not been received. Of 240 requests for a guarantee sent out, only 89 had been returned. Unless a universal undertaking was received, some vendors would receive a higher price without passing the benefit on to their employees. Mr. 1. Massey said replies had probably been received from all who employed labour. The- 1 others had not thought it necessary to send in replies. Mr. J. Haslam said he had not sent in a reply for this reason. The Chairman: You should have been the first, Mr. Haslam. Stamped Envelopes Misused "We even sent out stamped addressed envelopes to ensure replies, and quite a lot of them are using the envelopes to send in their monthly returns, 6aid the secretary, Mr. N. 11. Chapman. " 1 would resign from the council sooner than agree to an increase in price before getting a guarantee from all vendors that it would be passed on," said Mr. J. S. Montgomerie. A motion that the council put the price increase into effect, moved by Sir. Haslam, was defeated, only he and Mr. Massey, the other vendors' representative, voting for it. A report on the progress of work in consolidating rounds, under the coutrol of Mr. A. Blake, who had temporarily joined the council's staff for the purpose, was presented by the secretary. The report stated that numerous meetings with vendors from various districts had been called to discuss consolidation. At the majority of them, resolutions, were passed agreeing to co-operate with the council in effecting consolidation, provided that other vendors operating in their areas did likewise.

Regarding phases of the question raised at meetings, the report stated that various organisations' were arranging with those entering houses to obtain a milkman for them, and were selling this trade to vendors. This was an undesirable practice, and was &, definite breach of the Act. The persons concerned should be advised of this fact.

The use of tokens as payment for all milk had been raised, and a workable system was reported on. Possibility of Municipal Control

The feeling in the trase was that with the new Government, a change to municipal control might be made unless vendors supported the council in its suggestions to bring about better conditions and economies in the trade. Many vendors who had expressed their opposition to the council in the past were now prepared to give their wholehearted support to consolidation. The'report added that a meeting had been held at the beginning of the week by the Mount Roskill Whole Milk Producers' Association. Apparently there •were consumers also present, and they were taking legal advice as to the council's right to consolidate and protect custom.

It was decided to hold a special meeting to consider the report.