PRICE OF MILK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23061, 11 June 1938, Page 20

PRICE OF MILK

SUGGESTED INCREASE JCOMPLAINTS BY DEPUTATION , 1 COUNCIL IN QUANDARY NO KNOWLEDGE OF! DETAILS When an inquiry regarding the proposed investigation into milk prices was mad© by members at a meeting of the 'Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council yesterday, it was reported that the council knew nothing of the deputation which sought the investigation and waited on the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon, W. E. Parry, in Auckland last Saturday. It was decided to ask the Minister for the personnel of the deputation, in addition to a list of the complaints.

The deputation was reported to have tetated that dajry farmers intended to increase the prico of milk, and that tho coiihbii would pass on tho additional cost; to consumers. This was considered to b6 unfair, and the Minister promised jto investigate the position. Ho Advice ol Deputation

"shere ire five consumers' representatives on this council, and not one was advised of any disputation to the Minister," said the chairman, Mr. I. J. Goldstine. "I was not even advised by the Minister that a deputation had waited on hiiri, and ho refused to furnish names of the members of. the deputation. Under, tho circumstances, I am at a loss to give the council any information." In reply to Mr. E. F. Andrews, the chairman said ho made official inquiries through the secretary; Mr. J. Haslam said it was a ridiculous thing for a Minister to receive a deputation unofficially, and Mr. Andrews pointed out that any body of citizens was entitled tb take a deputation to a Minister. Other dbrnmehta by Members "On thd other hand, the Milk Council was set Up to reptesent the threo interests concerned in the production and supply of milk," Mr, Andrews added; "It is not unreasonable for the council to ask Who comprised the dbputtaioii and the nature of the complaintfcH:-. • Mr. C. J; Lovegrove said the deputation's statement that farmers proposed to 'increase the price of milk indicated .the- amazing ignorance of its personnel. Mr; Gtildstiiie said the council had given ho indication as to whether the price of milk would be lowered, increased or maintained« at its present level. Tho matter was subjudice, and no comment could be made until further i&fdonation was available, ■f aaa -r --a. .