[j. g. harkness.

1.—12 a.

32

45. To the general regulations? —He has a great deal of discretionary power now. 46. Any dairyman reading these regulations would Jook upon them as hard-and-fast rules? —Probably he would. 47. Do you think the case would be met if a clause were inserted when the regulations were gazetted that the regulations should be carried out according to the discretion of the Inspector?— I would candidly say if I was in the Department that I would not agree to it. 48. And yet you say discretionary power should be given the Inspector?—lt should be left to the discretion of the Inspector. 49. You think the regulations will be workable if the Inspector works with tact and exercises his discretion?—l am quite sure of it. The regulations can be efficiently carried out if the Department goes out with the idea that they intend to do all they can for the farmer with the farm under his control rather than to punish him. Consequently they must have regulations such as these upon which to work. It would not do to give them the discretionary power you suggest, as they would let the regulations go altogether. 50. In regard to the few pin-pricks? —Yes, the painting of a man's name on his cart would be an objectionable thing, and he would take it seriously. 51. They often use the milk-cart for going into town?— Yes. 52. Even to go to church? —Yes. 58. In such cases I would quite understand he does not want his name on the cart? —It is one of those things the farmer would feel most keenly, and more than the most drastic regulations. 54. Hon. Mr, McNab.] I understood you to object to one of the regulations on the ground that it would tax a factory with 2.00 suppliers to the extent of .£loo?—Yes. 55. If the regulations are effective, do you anticipate any improvement in the product?— Undoubtedly, and a higher return to the supplier. 56. In the factory of 200 suppliers you refer to would that increased return be less or more than £100?— It might probably be more than the £100. I believe the supplier would reap unquestionable benefit in an increased price, but you are not going to bring about that increased price in one or two years. It will take time to work up to the standard of the regulations. My idea is to make the regulations acceptable to the farmer and then gradually work up to them. 57. Have you formed any idea what the enforcement of these regulations will mean financially? —No. 58. Would it be a ridiculous estimate to calculate an increase of value in the total output of £25,000? —I should not like to say it would bring about that increase. A much greater increase could come from improvement in the herds. 59. Then, the increased return owing to the carrying-out of the regulations might not reach £25,000? —Certainly not the first year; it might eventually. 60. In spite of what you have said as to the enormous importance of effecting further improvement in the milk-suppliers' end of the business, you are not positive in your mind whether the forward movement such as you suggest would produce more than £25,000? —No, not for the first year. 61. Ultimately?—l should say it would. 62. What do you estimate would be the cost of enforcing the regulations per annum?—l have not formed any estimate. 63. If you knew that it would cost not less than £12,000 a year, probably £15,000, would you consider the expenditure warranted? —Yes. 64. Although you cannot say that 25,000 pounds' worth of improvement would follow? — Probably more than that as the years went by. 65. Hon. Mr. Duncan.] What do you think of the regulation which says that no animal shall be at large within 30ft. of the cowshed? You said you had milked a number of cows in the open ?—Yes. 66. Is any harm likely to come having a cow grazing in a paddock abutting on the cowshed? —No, I do not know that. 67. You do not think there would be any detriment to it?— No. One of the regulations is that the calf-house should be a certain distance away, and that should be insisted on. 68. And not allow a calf or heifer to get in? You would have some difficulty to get the cow in ?—They come in fairly well with the herd after the first time. 69. But the first time is the principal time?— The regulations do not prevent that. 70. Mr. Macpherson.~\ You expressed the opinion that you thought the registration fee would be a tax on suppliers. Do you consider Is., the minimum fee, is not large enough?—l do not object to the shilling. 71. You say the shilling is not too much, the minimum for two cows. In your opinion, is ss. too much or too little for ten cows?—l should start with the registration fee at ss. If found necessary to raise it it could easily be done. 72. You suggest, then, that a uniform fee should be adopted in preference to a graduated fee? —I am in favour of a graduated fee. 73. Do you consider the graduations suggested here are reasonable?— No. 74. Would you point out where they are unreasonable?—l think that the larger dairy should pay the larger amount, and that the graduation should not be so small. 75. That is to say, you do not think a roan should pay the same for ten as for a hundred cows?— No. 76. Do you think it right and proper to tax suppliers to this extent for the purpose of paying the cost of supervision by the Department?—l think the registerpd dairies should pay some portion of the cost.