MUNICIPAL MILK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22498, 15 August 1936, Page 15

MUNICIPAL MILK

PROPOSAL AT ROTORUA COUNCIL TO HAVE REPORT PRACTICABILITY OF SCHEME [by TELEGRAPH—OWN correspondent] ROTORUA, Friday The Rotorua Borough Council decided last night to instruct its Finance Committee to investigate the practicability of establishing a municipal milk supply and to prepare a report on the matter. The proposal was introduced by motion of the Mayor, Mr. T. Jackson, who said ho could present a very strong case to the council for introducing such a scheme, if found practicable. As one in this class of business, however,' he had purposely worded his motion in order that the matter could be investigated by a committee of the council, which, if it desired, could also consider the data in his possession. One of the most important aspects, the Mayor added, was the protection of the health of the community, which was their duty. While the regulations regarding meat at abattoirs were very stringent, the supervision of the supply of milk was not so stringent. It lia<i been proved beyond doubt that many cases of tuberculosis had been traocd to the contamination of milk. In every town in the Dominion except Wellington the supply of milk was carried out in a most uneconomic manner. There was great duplication and excessive wear and tear on roads. He was satisfied that, with proper administration, the distribution charges of milk to the public could be reduced by 100 per cent.

The motion was seconded by Mr. H Tai Mitchell.

Mr. E. T. Johnson said he was opposed to the proposal. The council should not enter into competition with private enterprise. The "old bogey" of reduced costs had not always been fulfilled in the operation of such schemes. There were certain regulations

in operation which protected milk from contamination and it would bo better that these regulations were tightened. Air. L. WoMliams said he also could not support the motion. In his opinion the milk supplied iu llotorua was equal to any in New Zealand He knew that most of the dairies were scrupulously clean. Rotorua was only a small town and such a scheme appeared to him to be premature. The motion was adopted by seven votes to two.