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[j. w. DEEM.

1.—12 a.

43. Do you believe it is possible, to carry out regulations dealing with different conditions of one industry in any other way than that?—l do not think you can in any other way. 44. Would you consider the system you have suggested more satisfactory to the dairyman than to try to have one set of regulations for backblocks and another for the city-supplier, or supplier to the large factory? —Yes. In the back country you would have to deal with every place on its individual peculiarities and situation. 45. I gather from you that if you are going to have inspection at all you must give discretion in the enforcement of it to some central authority —that is, to produce satisfactory results' —Yes. 46. Coming to the question of the race. The regulation, as you will notice, specifies the alternative of concrete yard or race. Which do you think will be selected by dairymen when they come to see the working of the concrete race and concrete yard?—l am quite sure 90 per cent, will select the race. 47. Have you ha"d much experience of the race? —Yes. There are between eighty and a hundred in work in Taranaki, and, without exception, the owners are pleased with them. 48. Mr. Buddo.] With the race?— Yes. 49. Hon. Mr. McNab.] You have handed the Committee expressions of opinion from thirtynine farmers, all in favour of the race? —Yes. 50. Were these actually using the race? —Yes. 51. In interpreting these regulations, would you regard them as being an ideal to be aimed at rather than to be enforced straight out?— Yes, it is the ultimate point to reach. 52. Do you think it would be more satisfactory to the dairyman, having the aim of the Department set out distinctly, or the system that is at present in vogue, giving wide powers to Inspectors and not letting the dairyman know exactly what is wanted? —As to cleanliness, it is better to state the definite thing. ."j.'i. Have you found a desire throughout the country among dairymen to know exactly what is wanted, rather than have the present regulations ?—Yes; they would like to know exactly the lines we desire them to run on. 54. Hon. Mr. Duncan.] Have you had any prosecution in your district lately?— Only one or two during the last twelve months. 55. What did they consist of?—A man had a very filthy place, and started selling milk to the Town of Stratford. The Health Department had also warned him, but he went on selling. The local authorities questioned him, but he said he had a license. We visited him again, and found his place in a very filthy condition, and he was milking two diseased cows. 56. What is the usual length of the race?— They vary from 30ft. to 100 ft., according to the locality. Some people have a nice site for a yard, and have put in a 100 ft. race to get to it. In one of the reports I have put in it will be noticed a man has one 95 ft. long. 57. What is the width?— They vary from 2 ft. 6 in. to 9 ft. 58. What is the most useful width?— Anything from 2 ft. 6 in. to 3 ft., or from 6 ft. to 8 ft. Between 3 ft. and 6 ft. should be avoided. The cow is liable to turn round. 59. Do you find they injure themselves in the race?—l have never seen it. I may also state we have in Taranaki a large number of race-sheds. In these the cow has to go from 150 ft. to 200 ft. through a 2 ft. 4 in. race. These have been in use for seven or eight years, and I have never heard of a cow injuring herself. 60. Has any instance come under your notice where injury to a cow had been caused by a cow being forced into the race by a hostile cow? —No. I have never heard of a case. 61. Is dehorning largely followed in Taranaki?—ln some localities they are dehorning, but in other localities they are not dehorning at all. 62. Is a good race ample substitute for a concrete yard?— Yes; it keeps the mud and dust away from the shed. 63. What objection have you to the milk-cart of the small supplier being used for his general work, especially in the work of conveying manure?— Unless anything obnoxious is carried I know of no objection. The regulations do not make any objection. 64. Provided the cart is kept clean?— Yes. 65. You mention that very great latitude must be allowed to backblocks settlers?— Yes. 66. You do not suggest that any loose methods of milking and yarding be looked for?— No. Not loose methods. Anything that can be done in the way of cleanliness is required. Where it comes to structural improvements he may have to get time. 67. In the event of shingle for concrete, or burnt bricks, not being available, have you any suggestion to make of any other flooring for a milking-shed ?—Nothing but the best wood. 68. Would you suggest that the timber flooring be raised off the ground?—lt is better beaten down solid. 69. Any method of joining the joists together?— Putting them in with tar and sand and using 2 in. timber, tongued and grooved. 70. Mr. Macpherson.] I understand you to say that you do not think it is possible to carry out the regulations without a considerable amount of discretionary power being in your hands to distinguish between milk-production about the large centres and in the backblocks?—Yes, we have to use discretion. 71. Would you be in favour of setting up different regulations for the various provincial districts where there is a big difference in physical surroundings ?—One set is sufficient, as long as they are administered with local knowledge. 72. Then there must be a large amount of latitude given in their interpretation ?—Yes, as to some of the regulations. 73. You would not be in favour of more than one set of regulations f—No.