BRITISH MILK BOARD.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19637, 25 July 1935, Page 12

BRITISH MILK BOARD.

CONSIDERABLE OPPOSITION.

The British Milk Board has been in operation for nearly two years and so much opposition to its methods lias been expressed in certain quarters that a poll is to be taken next month to decide if it is to be carried on. The scheme was originally carried by a vote of over 90 per cent, of the dairy farmers, and it has undoubtedly put them in a better position than ever before. Formerly eacli farmer had to bargain about the sale of his milk, and in summer he had a surplus for which he received 3d or 4d a gallon or had the milk left on his hands. He received his money when the purchaser chose to pay for it. Under the new scheme every dairy farmer has received an average payment of 12.125 d throughout the year for all the milk he could produce, summer and winter alike. Farmers near big towns received rather more than those in remote regions. Payments were made monthly and gave farmers more assured finance. The result was that dairy herds were expanded and production increased rapidly. If all the milk could he sold in the liquid state all would be well, hut the surplus has to ho manufactured into cheese or butter, which comes into competition with imported produce. Liquid milk was paid for at an average price of 15 1-12 U per gallon, but nearly 3d had to be deducted to make up for t lie milk that had to be manufactured. Even then farmers were doing amazingly well, with the equivalent of 2s per lb of butlcrlal, but the suppliers near London are receiving rather less than formerly; they expect I is 3d lo Is Oil for their milk. They therefore demand Hie abolition of the LMilk Board and a poll on Hie proposal will be taken.

It is probable that a considerable majority of the farmers all over the country will support the board, but we may be wrong in our supposition. Our view is that the British dairy farmer who is growling does not know how well off he is.—Exchange.