DEARER MILK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22356, 29 February 1936, Page 15

DEARER MILK

attitude of council RESCINDING MOTION LOST The undertaking given to vendors a fortnight ago by the Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council that provided they would agree to restoring all wages cuts to their employees, it would be prepared to make provision for increasing the retail price of milk bv one farthing a quart, was opposed by two members of the council yesterday. Mr. I. J. Goldstine said both he and Mr. H. F. W. Meikle had been absent from the meeting when the motion was carried. In December the council had passed a resolution that it was in favour of the restoration of the 10 per cent cut in wages, but had declared itself to be opposed to any increase in the retail price of milk. It was held that the vendor should bear the cost. The vendors had opposed the proposed legislation introduced during last session of Parliament, although they had been shown that the bill was to their benefit, Mr. Goldstine continued. Reduced cost of distribution would have followed, and would have given the vendor an increased margin out of which he would have been able to pay the cost of wage restoration. Mr. Goldstine did not see why the public should have to pay for something that was in the vendors' own hands to remedy. He moved that the resolution of the council should be rescinded. The motion was seconded by Mr. Meikle, who said he took exception to the principle of the council's action. He was opposed to the council going in for a policy of wage fixation. Had the employees of the farms been organised the council would have been asked to raise the price to the producer. The public had been paying for a poor service, and was now being asked to increase its contribution. The council should bring about consolidation. The chairman, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, said the council had taken the only step possible. The whole question had been discussed at a former meeting. He was satisfied that the public desired to see tho cuts restored, and he was sure that families did not mind the contribution of about ljd a week, which would be the increased price to the average home to give the men their full wages. The rescinding motion was defeated, the only members in favour being Messrs. Goldstine and Meikle.