CITY MILK SUPPLY

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1530, 27 June 1901, Page 52

CITY MILK SUPPLY

WHAT THE PRODUCER IS DOING? THE RESULT OF GOVERNMENT INSPECTION. In view of the state of affairs recently shown to exist in regard to the method in which milk-vending is conducted in this city of Wellington, it is consoling to know that the business of producing the milk is carried out on a much more satisfactory basis. And the method of conducting the latter branch of the business has considerably improved since its supervision has been in jhe bands of a Government inspector armed with the moral support of a Par® liamcntary enactment. The whole of the dairies which supply the city, numbering about 200, and comprising 4000 cows, have, we believe, been registered under the Dairy Industry AeUaif 1898. Not only have the producers sfiown themselves willing to become amenable to the regulations, hut they have shown a laudable desire to co-operate with the inspector in his work. Cowsheds have been erected on approved lines, and proper means have been taken to reduce the milk to a desirable temperature by means of efficient coolers connected with a good water supply. The water supply, particularly in the Hutfc district, is most satisfactory; there is a plentiful supply of artesian water right through the valley, and water from running streams on the hillsides. The stock is in very good condition, having been well cared for during the winter months. From, the personal observation of a member of the “ New Zealand Times ” staff it would appear that th e farms supplying th© city with milk compare more than favourably with those in other parts of the colony. With the introduction of improved methods—and the .consequent production of a better and more wholesome article—combined with the increased value of dairying land around Wellington and the present high -orice of good cattle, it is practically impossible for the producers to carry on their business on a profitable basis at prices which have ruled in the past. An equitable return cannot be secured to th e produce! under a wholesale price of 8d a gallon, which would mean a retail selling price of 4d a quart. In order to put the whole business on a sound footing, and to extend some of the improved methods adopted by the producers to the city end of the business, the Government should be urged to extend the Dairy Industry Act so as to include dairy factories and city dairies, milk-vending establishments and shops. Not until this is done will th© business he conducted in a satisfactory manner.