I —12a.

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[Ji W. DEEM.

example; and I have received letters in connection with the same matter. The water on our farm is supposed to be very bad—not fit for domestic purposes. It seems perfectly pure, but is heavily charged with magnesia, sulphur, carbonate of lime, &c.; but the stock become so fond of it that they will not drink anything else. Horses leaving the district will go two days without water, and so with other animals. Yet we cannot use it for domestic purposes. The Inspector might take exception to this water ?—I do not think you can have regulations perfect in every way. 107. I will state a case. A creek flows more or less, and at times becomes stagnant. The water would not be considered fit to use. What would the farmer do ?—He would have to do his best. 108. Suppose it was not fit to use from a dairy point of view?—lt would be better to take his cattle away to drink. 109. But that is an impossibility? —It is a question as to what is meant by " not fit." 110. It would depend on your interpretation of "fit"?—We would call it "unfit" where we found the milk contaminated. 111. In North Otago and South Canterbury conditions obtain when the water is not good, but the dairymen are very glad to have it such as it is? —The true interpretation of the clause is where dirty stagnant water is allowed to lie around, and cows get access to it. 112. Mr. Okey.] You state you would instruct Inspectors in the different districts to carry out the regulations according to the district? —That is so. 113. Supposing there were half a dozen dairymen in a district not in a position to carry out the regulations where the bulk of the settlers were carrying them out ?—We would endeavour to advise them to the best of our ability how to get along in the meantime. 114. You require almost two sets of regulations?— You could not apply one set in one case and the other in the other. 115. Mr. Witty.] In every case where improvements had to be made do you not think the dairyman should be served with a notice in writing giving the nature of the improvements?— That is our intention. We are having books prepared with a carbon sheet, one copy to be given to the farmer and the other retained in the office. 116. In the case of short leases is it wise to enforce regulations, providing the place is kept clean?— You would allow him to get along as best he could, providing he" will make a reasonable attempt to keep the premises clean. * 117. You would not force him?— No. We always ask a man his tenure. 118. Do you know whether it is done in all cases?—lt is done in my district. 119. Mr. Buddo.] The milk-cans in your district are those with a lid set deeply in from the top. Do you think that the best possible construction for a milk-can to keep the dust out?—No, it is not a good style. 120. Have any suggestions been made to you that it is unsatisfactory?— Some have suggested that there should be a proper lid locked down. 121. Is such a lid more useful for keeping the milk from splashing, provided a float is inserted, than the present system of putting a lid deep in the can?—lt is very obnoxious in its present form. 122. Hon. Mr. McNab.] From your knowledge of conditions of dairying over New Zealand, have you formed any impression of the losses sustained by the supply of filthy milk to factories ?— It is very considerable. I think 60 to 70 per cent, of our farmers are carrying the other 30 per cent, on their backs at the present time. 123. Mr. Hogg.] You would leave the question of race or yard entirely to the dairy-farmer? —Yes, but I would favour the race. 124. Do you think it advisable to have any definite length or width for the race?—l think it is desirable to have the minimum length stated, but not the width. 125. What do you consider a reasonable minimum length? —The minimum length is put down at 30 ft. in the regulations. The race could be put down for £5 in almost any shed. 126. Are the races you refer to floored? —Ninety per cent, of them. 127. In what way?— Mostly concrete. 128. Have the farmers a gravel-supply where this concrete is used? —In some cases, but in other cases they have to rail it and then cart it ten or twelve miles over muddy roads. 129. Is timber very scarce? —They have to go to town for it. They are finding now that concrete is cheaper. 130. Where the yards and appliances are unsatisfactory, and the farmer is working under difficulties, do you not think it would be only fair to give him notice of what you require?— Yes; they always get that. We endeavour to show them how to improve their places at a minimum of cost. 131. Then you would only institute prosecutions in aggravated cases? —Yes, only in very serious cases, where negligence was shown and the conditions were a menace to the industry. 132. You do not think it would-be wise to institute proceedings where the fault was due to want of means or ability?— No. 133. Where prosecutions are instituted, do you think that before starting the prosecutions it would be well for the Inspector to report the matter to his superior authority?—He has to do so. He has to state the whole circumstances. In my case if I was not quite satisfied I would see the premises myself. 134. Where there is a want of' cleanliness, and repeated warnings have been given, would you suggest that the premises should be cleaned at the expense of the owner ?—lt would be a very hard thing to carry ouft. 135. But it would be an effective measure?— But lam afraid it would be very costly. 136. Costly to the owner or the Department? —I take it that the cost would ultimately fall on the owner.