THE PRICE OF MILK.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3213, 28 June 1892, Page 2

THE PRICE OF MILK.

TO TIIE EDITOR. Sib, —It is rather remarkable that neither yourself, nor any of your correspondents, have made the slightest reference to the important letter which appeared in your columns some time ago, from Mr H. Reynolds. and which dealt with the testing, prices, etc,, of milk. May I suggest that this ominous silencß is plainly expressive of the deepest dissatisfaction with the principal contents of that letter. Ever since Mr Reynolds went home to push the tcade, his milk suppliers have waited, patiently enough, for the fair price which was to be paid, " whenever the business was properly managed at the other end." These were Mr Reynolds' own words, and how is lie fulfilling them. Almost every cablegram throughout Hie Home season lias informed us, " that the splendid butter of Messrs Reynolds and Co. was topping the colonial expectations in the Home markets, and bringing within a few shillings of the best Danish." This was indsed good news for milk suppliers. But now we are told, that the market having collapsed at the end of the season—which by the way, is an occur- | rence which always has been, and always I will be the case—Messrs Reynolds and Co. are really not justified in advancing the ! price of milk. Ttie question naturally asked by Waikato milk suppliers is, how is it that higher prices can be given in other parts of the colony, by individuals and firms, whose butter does not sell so well in England as that of Messrs Reynolds and Co. Let me answer, Sir. There is more competition in the manufacturing. In Waikato, it is one firm's price or nothing, and following the usual law of human nature, they fix this as low as possible. The result is, that a number of settlers are going out of the milk supply business every year. I wish to say that this letter is not written with any feeling against Messrs Reynolds and Co., who by bringing so much English money into Waikato, have done a great deal to help struggling settlers; but I would point out, Sir, that even settlers will tire of working year after year for a monthly paymont, which would not total—even at a low rate— the wages for themselves, wiv°a and children, much less give any interest upon land and cows Numberless instances could be given where settlers have tried to employ labour in milking, delivering, etc., so as to relieve their families a little, but have had to discontinue it. As a gentlemau from Denmark, now farming near Hamilton, recently put it, "At the current rate of wages, and the present price of milk, a hired man would have to milk all day to bring in his own wages." I will conclude, Sir, by pointing out that if the dairying business is to prosper in Waikato, and hold its own against sheep-farming, there will either have to be more competition in the purchase of milk, or Messrs Reynolds and Co. will require to give a price more nearly approximating that paid elsewhere, than the present 2(jd per gallon.—l am, etc. Milk Sdpflieh.