NEW ZEALAND INDUSTRIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17631, 22 May 1919, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND INDUSTRIES

COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY.

EVIDENCE IN WELLINGTON.

(Pee United Pbess Assooia-iton.) WELLINGTON, May 21. Giving evidence belore the Industries Committee to-day, Mr Singleton (Assistant Director ot tho Dairy Division of the Department of Agriculture) said that at the last census mere were 793,215 cows tor the 1916-17 season. He estimated the average yield at 161.81b of butter fat as against 142.11b in 1910-11—an increase ot ly.'db of butter fat. Tins represented an increased export-value of £1,270,000, besides an increase in tho by-products. Witness stressed the value oi the special purpose cow, which tended to follow "an increase in land values.

Mr 11. A. Huggins gave evidence regarding stamping machines, 520 ot which were in use in Wellington. Tho absence of colour in the impression made by the machine was inclined to hamper the work of the postal clerks who dealt with letters. By the u&e of the machines the department was losing about £1200 Der year. Tne machine was a considerable convenience' as it obviated the necessity of firms keeping accounts. In answering a question he said the firms were up against the department because they did not receive a commission for stamps.

Mr Cuddie (of the Agricultural Department) spoke o£ the manufacture of casein. Ihe manufacture, in his opinion, might be fostered by maldng it free to anybody ■ Mr R. W. do Montalk (architect) said there was no doubt that houses could be erected in permanent materials at no greater cost than the present rates for bunding in wood, provided sufficient capital was found to deal -with the enterprise on a fair scale Ho suggested that the use of such materials instead of timber would be for the economic good of the community and would assist in the conservation of the timber supplies Mr H. J. H Blow (Secretary of Mines) said tne present shortage of coal was due to the lack of miners, livery mining company in New Zealand was short of miners, and the number of men engaged in mining was decreasing. It was difficult to see how more could be done to attract men to the mines but probably something would have to be done.

Representatives of the seed trade asked for duties against foreign seeds prepared and packed ready for sale, and for the release from duty of certain printed matter such as catalogues. Packets of teeds came in free from duty, but if a New Zealand seedsman wanted empty packets for his own seed no nad to pay duty on them. (From Oub Own Coreespondent.) WELLINGTON, May 21. it wall never be possible for the City Council or any other public body to nm a farm at present prices, for the simple reason that they would have to pay regulation wages and they would have to pay overhead charges that would never have to be borne by any. farmer." This statement was-made by Mr Cuddie before the Industries Committee to-day. Mr Luke had been questioning Mr Caddie as to the danger of cities and towns being unable to get supplies of milk on account of the development of such highly profitable industries as the manufacture of milk produefa for export.

Mr Cuddie said that this would always be regulated by the prices to be paid, it tne lactones ottered more they would get the milk.

The Mayor of Wellington told Mr Cuddie that the City Council had had lately to go as far as Hawke's Bay for milk to supply the city, and ho offered the suggestion that municipalities should havo first call on the milk from certain areas surrounding the liovrn. . .

Mr Caddie said there wero difficulties about any scheme of this kind. It would involve compulsion, and this might cause hardship. He pointed out that a fanner might bo equipped with labour and appliances sufficient to enable him to milk" for a iff* ol7 ' but net to milk for a "city supply Mr Luke said that it seemed, as he had always advocated, that tho only solution of tho problem was for the efty to own and operate its own farm. Mr Veitch agreed at once with/this proposition.

Mr Cuddle agreed with it also, but he srud that such a scheme would cost the corasumers of milk more.