58

[C. E. MAJOR.

L—l2a.

It was said they were so drastic that it was impossible for "dairy-farmers to comply with them, and that it would mean harassing to such an extent that an almost cessation of dairying would result. I learn that the race can be any width. The 600 cubic feet required as air-space would be a serious handicap in the construction of sheds. It seems a number are of the opinion—and their opinion should bear weight —that 500 ft. of cubic space should be sufficient, and they ask that that should be considered. A great deal of the work required to be undertaken is done by the employee of the farmer, and the average employee is always inclined to take the view that his own necessities must be considered before any one else's. He would object to carry the milk 30 ft. to the shed for the purpose of putting it into a can before carting it to the factory. That regulation should be altered, it is contended, because it would expose the worker to the weather and the milk to the dust. In regard to the cartage question, it would be very awkward if the farmer could not take a calf or a dressed pig to market in his factory-cart. These are all the matters to which exception is taken. 1. Mr. Okey.] Can you give us any evidence from the leaseholder's point of view—short leases just running out, and the owner does not intend to let the land for dairying again? —That is a' question which has been largely discussed, but none of those who have discussed it have been able to arrive at a solution of the difficulty. It should be left to the officers of the Department. They would learn the position, and it should be left to their discretion as to what course to pursue, 2. Do you think the regulations should be interpreted into the Native language? —Yes. The Natives are beginning to realise that they can earn good money at milking, and are taking an interest in it. Their translation would have a good effect. Generally, on the average the Native is cleaner than the European In the business. 3. They usually milk on the grass?— Yes. 4. lion. Mr. McNab.] Are the dairymen of your district prepared to work under the regulations? —The majority of them realise that it is to their interest to do so. 5. These regulations or a modified form?— Not particularly these regulations. Not many have had time to study them. 6. You are speaking of sheds where the cows would be stalled overnight? —No. In the course of time farmers may go in for winter dairying. 7. In regard to the regulations, do you not think the plan of bringing them up for review again after they have been tried for twelve months would be well?— Yes. 8. Do you know that is the plan I stated would be adopted?— No. 9. Mr. Lang.] The Minister was suggesting trying the regulations for twelve months. If these regulations were to be put into force for twelve months everybody would be liable to carry out what is stated in the regulations?— That is so. 10. For instance, " every dairy shall be provided with a cowshed suitable for milking purposes." It has been said by a witness that an order was given for a man milking in the open to put up a shed. Eon. Mr. McNab: That is not under these regulations. Mr. Lang: It may be. If the Government had control, people may have to do these things. Hon. Mr. McNab: It was an extreme case. 11. Mr. Lang.] Under the regulations you have to keep stock 30 ft. away from your yards. Everybody would have to put a fence 30 ft. around the buildings. Cows and calves must not approach within 30 ft. ?—But the regulation does not mean that you have to put a fence around the shed. 12. How else are you to do it? Then, in your district are there any people supplying the creameries that have buildings for conveniences' sake abutting on the road, so that the cart can drive up to it?— Yes. 13. Then you could not be responsible for stock running on the road?— There are very few built flush on the roadside. They are witlfin two or three cart-widths. 14. There are other regulations of the same kind. If this was tried for a year a dairyman may be compelled to make extensive alterations, proving just as irksome as if the regulations were actually brought into force? —The whole question devolves upon the administration of the Department. The officers will have to use their wise discrimination as to what course to pursue. By reason of the experience gained we may be able to get regulations which may not need alteration for a long time. To enforce them in their entirety would be a hardship on many farmers. The big man would be in a position to bear the burden of any expense necessary in carrying them out. 15. In regard to using the milk-cart for other purposes, would it not meet the case if the regulation was altered so that the dairyman was compelled to keep the vehicle in a very clean state? —It might go further and compel him to keep disinfectants on the premises, to use in case of articles having been carried likely to lead to contamination. 16. If it was clean while he was carting milk it would not matter what he used it for at other times? —Thoroughly clean is pretty elastic. 17. Do you not think it would be a hardship not to be allowed to take a dressed pig to the factory?— That is what I was taking exception to. 18. Mr. Buddo.] Have you any strong objections to the inspection of dairies in your district? —No, not likely. When first the inspection was started there was a lot of exception taken to it, but people are being educated to the fact that it is in their interests. 19. Mr. Bollard.] Have the large majority of farmers in your district seen the regulations, and do they understand them? —I have forwarded a number of copies to farmers throughout my electorate, and what I have stated to the Committee is the outcome. 20. Suppose the regulations are modified, do you think it desirable that they be extensively circulated throughout the Dominion before being brought into force?—l am a great believer in getting one's house in order. The more speedily it is done the better. I would be in favour of getting to work as speedily as possible,