Public Opinion.

Putaruru Press, Volume XI, Issue 511, 2 March 1933, Page 4

Public Opinion.

(A COLUMN FOR THE PEOPLE)

THE PRICE OF MIbSJ* (To the Editor.) Sir, —As Britain is unable to absorb our butter at the present time, and exports are likely to be restricted at an early date, it is only natural that the local market should receive greater attention in an effort to dispose of some of the accumulated surplus. Those in the “ trade” state that the consumption of butter cannot be largely increased, but that indirect relief could be procured by increasing the consumption of milk. In view of this, it is interesting to consider the price of this very necessary commodity. At the present time the Putaruru price is 5d per quart delivered, while milk separated and forwarded to the factory in the form of cream gives a return of approximately 4d per gallon. When every allowance is made for the cost of delivery, there seems to be an unjustifiable difference in these prices. No one would desire any farmer to sell milk below the cest of production; nevertheless, when we consider the loss of purchasing, power suffered by the community it is reasonable to suggest that before any appreciable difference can be made in the amount consumed the price must be brought into conformity with the times through which we are passing. As a comparison, milk is being retailed from the dairies in Auckland at the present time at 3d per quart, and while this is not delivered at the door, it has to bear the cost of transport from the farm, and the rents of the dairies, which in most cases is considerable. Perhaps it is too much to expect milk at 3d per quart, but there is every reason to believe that milk could be retailed at less than sd, without loss to the farmer, and of considerable benefit to the consumer.—l am, etc., N. H. ASHFORD. Putaruru, February 28, 1933. ARAPUNI TENTS. - (To the Editor.) Sir, —Many of us here at Arapuni had come to the conclusion long ago that the ways of the Government are something very funny. Lately this has been forced home more than ever. The tor.tj which housed the hundreds of men working on the> major scheme are still standing here, increasing in value not one iota. Inquiries reveal that the Public Works Department will not sell them because they bear the Government brand. I wonder what is to stop them stencilling over the brand or marking them second-hand and then offering them and the timber for sale. There is a splendid opportunity offering with the number of motorists sight-seeing all through the summer. Instead of imposing a sales tax it seems to me the Government might have a look around and see what’s doing within itself.—l am, etc., “ IDUNNO.” Arapuni.