INVERCARGILL MILK SUPPLY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22632, 25 July 1935, Page 3

INVERCARGILL MILK SUPPLY

DANGER OF A FAMINE DISORDERLY MARKETING AND PRICE CUTTING. (Pee United Press Association) INVERCARGILL, July 24. The danger, of a milk famine developing in Invercargill within the next sis weeks was indicated in statements made by a deputation of retailers and wholesalers which met the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr R. Masters) to-day. Concern was expressed at the position in the city owing to the disorderly marketing,of milk and price cutting. It was stated there had been no inducement for nearby farmers to go in for winter milking, with the result that retailers could not get sufficient milk to supply town consumers and had been compelled to go further afield for their milk. One retailer explained that whereas his normal winter requirements were 50 gallons or more daily to-day the most he could get was 14 gallons. So acute was the position last week that he endeavoured to make arrangements in Dunedin for an additional supply, but in this he was not successful. The position, it was declared, seemed to be that as soon as the retailers set a price reasonably remunerative to themselves and to the dairymen fresh competition cut in at lower prices, with the result it was no longer worth while for anyone to specialise in organising a continuous milk supply. The deputation informed the Minister that they intended approaching the City Council and asking its approval to the setting up of a milk council on similar lines to that established in Auckland. The effect of this council was to keep prices within reason and ensure a regular supply. Mr Masters explained that the matter must be first dealt with by the City Council, and if that body approved of the proposal it would entail the passing of local legislation providing'for the setting up of, a milk council.