MILK WRANGLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 434, 16 August 1928, Page 16

MILK WRANGLE

GO-OPERATION WANTED INVITATION TO COUNCIL There is still a deadlock between the Whole Milk Producers' Association and the Milk Vendors' Association over the wholesale prices to be paid producers. Suppliers are moving to form a distribution system in Auckland similar to the municipal system in Wellington. Farmers have met several times within the past week and have unanimously decided that such a system is the best solution of the problem. They are seeking the co-operation of the Auckland City Council and the Health Department. Producers are still asked to accept practically 2d less than half the retail price for milk delivered at a depot, and they are prepared to organise for a satisfactory control scheme, with a more economic base. The farmers are prepared to offer the City Council representation on a board of control, if it will co-operate. The public would have a direct say in the fixing of prices. Auckland consumes nearly twice as much milk as Wellington, but, where the average daily delivery of an Auckland roundsman is not over 35 gallons, in Wellington it is over 80. This means that there is unnecesary overlapping among the roundsmen. The farmers possess a good argument in favour of their scheme and are emphp.tie that the proposed system could be only for the benefit of everyone concerned, and particularly consumers. The success of the distribution in Wellington is cited in support of the proposal.