PRICE OF MILK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23500, 14 May 1938, Page 14

PRICE OF MILK

AUCKLAND COUNCIL PERTURBED EFFECT OF AWARD CLAIMS BIG INCREASE ESTIMATED (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 13. An estimated increase of Ud to 2d a quart in the price of milk in Auckland would result if the claims for a new award made by the Auckland Dairy Employees’ Industrial Union of Workers are granted. This view was expressed by Mr I. J. Goldstine, chairman of the Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council, at its meeting to-day when a report dealing with the claims was received from Mr N. R. Chapman, secretary of the council. The present price to consumers within the area administered by the council is 5Jd a quarter for “ loose ” milk and 6d a quart for bottled milk." “ The claims of this union are very far reaching and their effect, if they are granted, should be closely considered by tho council,” Mr Chapman stated. “All vendors who employ roundsmen are cited in the application.” “ I feel that this is a very serious matter for the council and for the public,” Mr Goldstine said. “We have a duty to submit to the Arbitration Court the effect of the claims. If they are granted, the price of milk in Auckland will be higher than in any other part of the Dominion and possibly the highest in the southern hemisphere.” On the previous occasion that the award was framed, he added, the Arbitration Court heard evidence submitted by the council. Stating that it was the duty of the council to fix prices and not to determine the wages of workers, Mr N. V. Douglas said that the council had no authority to enter into the dispute. Mr Goldstine agreed that it would not be right for the council to take sides in the matter, but it was the function of the council to supply information concerning what the price increase to the public would be. “This is a matter which directly affects the people of Auckland,” Mr Goldstine continued, “ and I feel that it is my duty to move Heaven and earth for the council to be heard.”

Two motions were finally carried. The first, that the reports be received and referred to a special committee of the council to prepare in conjunction with the secretary and technical adviser evidence for submission to the council, was carried unanimously. The second, that an application be made by the council to submit approved evidence to the Arbitration Court, was also carried but with three dissentients.