THE MILK SUPPLY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9721, 25 July 1917, Page 7

THE MILK SUPPLY

QUESTION DISCUSSED AT MAYOR'S

INVITATION

At a meeting convened by the Mayor (Mr J- P- Luke), in the mayor’s room yesterday afternoon, there wero present tho Mayor, and Councillors R. A. Wright (chairman). J. Godbor, J. O. Shorland, J. Castle, and J. E. Fitzgerald (members of the Public Health Committee). as well as upwards of thirty repreBentatives oi the Wellington Dairy Farmers’ Association and the Wellington milk vendors. In welcoming the representatives the Mayoy said that ho hoped the question would be fully discussed and a solution found that would assure a full domestic supply of milk. The difficulties that at present existed among tho farmers and vendors, be felt sure, would be overcome. The Council wa s proceeding with its proposals for tho establishment of a clearing-house, by which means a better system of distribution of milk would bo evolved. If there was any doubt in the minds of the farmers respecting the commencement of the scheme, he asked them to wait until the two experts who had been appointed by the Council bad furnished their report and had selected a site. When that report was submitted he had no doubt that the Council would undertake the erection of portion of the buildings, which would bo made available as soon as possible. The proposed portion to be buiit would bo part of a group of buildings which would compose the complete scheme. Representations had been made to the Council that the present shortage was 800 gallons. and after August Ist there was a danger of the shortage becoming more acute. The new season’s supplies would then be coming: in. the cheese factories would be working, and the supplies directed to them. It was the duty of the farmers te maintain tho domestic siipply. Hr Ryder, president of the Dairy Farmers’ Association, characterised the position in Wellington as being “absolutely rotten,’’ and said something would have to bo done to prevent the supply from ceasing. The proposals made by the Association regarding the farmers had not been accepted, but the Board of Trade had ignored a, suggestion that a better price be given for winter milk. If a better price was offered the farmers for milk it would not come to Wellington.

After councillors and others had spoken in respect te the supply of milk, a general discussion took place, during which it was pointed out that farmers were In need of a clearing-house in order that the milk might be tested. The loss of milk-cans was another factor that farmers had to contend with, and by the establishing of a clearing-house the loss, which was considerable, would be done away with to a great extent. It was finally decided that no change in the supply of milk would be made until tho experts appointed by the Council had furnished their report.