THE PRICE OF MILK

Southland Times, Issue 25666, 8 May 1945, Page 8

THE PRICE OF MILK

Sir,—Mr J. Gibson Smith’s letter in Saturday morning’s Times is an indication of temper rather than an application of reasoning. The L.R.C. said nothing whatever about the merits or demerits of the milkmen’s claims for an increased charge on milk. As a matter of fact, the Government’s offer of a subsidy clearly shows that the milkmen have a substantial case for increased remuneration. The idea of the subsidy was- to give them an increase without placing that burden on the shoulders of the consumers. The whole nation today is subject to price fixation, as well as rationing control. Thousands of workers, both men and women, are directed into work against their will, and into work not of their own choice, but very often into work they positively dislike. Every one of us appreciates the reason for this, though I have never known any section of workers in Invercargill to act as the milkmen have acted. If all members of our trade unions in this city gave notice to their employers that from next Monday morning they were charging a 16 per cent, increase for their work; such action would be on a par with that of the milkmen. Mr Gibson Smith is not only talking pure nonsense, but has demonstrated his hot-headed irresponsibility. THOMAS R. EADES, Chairman, Labour Representation Committee.