WHOLESALE MILK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27038, 24 March 1949, Page 6

WHOLESALE MILK

ZONING SCHEME PROPOSAL CRITICISED EFFECT IN DUNEDIN Strong criticism has been made to the Daily Times of the proposed wholesale milk zoning scheme in Dunedin, which will come before a meeting of the Dunedin Metropolitan Milk Board to-night for final approval. It is intended that the scheme will operate from April 1 next. As a result of the new zoning scheme, the many private vendors who have served such wholesale customers as milk bars, tearooms, dairies, bakers, restaurants, hotels and boarding houses will automatically cease to operate in this class of business. .Criticism has been made by the vendors and the wholesale purchasers. The scheme is condemned as “’dictatorial interference,” and as “a further infringement of the liberties of the people.” It was contended that “ such measures are understandable in times of emergency, but no valid reason exists at present for such a thing.” It was further explained that some of the commercial users prefer to, have their present milk, which has proved so satisfactory. It is regarded as questionable if'a change would bring any benefit. It is understood that under the new scheme the town will be divided into six zones. Four of these will be held by the Dunedin Milk Treatment Station—a Government concern, until such time as it becomes big enough to handle all milk in Dunedin, when the final control of the station will be determined. The fifth zone will be held by a private vendor who. it is stated, has handled a substantial amoupt of wholesale milk. The sixth zone has yet to be allocated. The Milk Board itself did not escape criticism from those who hate expressed their opposition to “the distasteful new scheme.” It was contended that the Milk Board would be improved if it had as members some men with practical knowledge of the industry who realised what customers wanted and were able to devise methods of meeting these requirements.