1.—12 a.

J. W. FOREMAN.]

63

the milk-yield ; but the principle that where there is not a paved yard there should be a space between the shed and the yard that was paved and concreted was proved to be sound. But what a " race " signifies was oondemned. Some of those present at Stratford said they had a V-shaped entrance to the shed paved with wood, and thus found they could have the desired cleanliness. Probably the Department would hold that this V-shaped entrance would be a race and would meet the requirements. We still hold that tins approach from the yard to the shed should be allowed to be formed of wood where gravel for concrete is not available. Of course, in the coastal distriots, where there is no difficulty in getting gravel, no one would put down wood The concrete is cheaper and more durable. In regard to the regulation requiring a cowshed to be supplied with water for washing hands, <fee, I should like to see inserted after hands '"' and if obtainable." My reason is that, while in nearly all districts over New Zealand a plentiful supply of water can be got, there are some districts where it cannot be obtained, and, unfortunately, Taranaki, where I live, is one of them. On account of the formation of the country —a submerged swamp underneath —it is almost impossible to get good water. Some seventeen or eighteen years ago, when I purchased the farm I have been living on since, I dug a well to get a water-supply, but at the time I wanted it, in the summer, the water became rotten, and I could not use it. Under this regulation it would be in the power of the Inspector to compel water to be carried to the shed. The requisite cleanliness in cases like that could be obtained without the water. Regarding the regulation that notice must be given the Inspector when alterations are contemplated, at Stratford we deleted that provision, and I agree with that view. There is no provision in the regulations as to the kind of shed as long as it is suitable for milking, unless people are going to stall-feed their cows overnight, when a certain air-space is required. It is left to the sweet will of the Inspector to say what suits him. And it was mentioned this morning that what would suit one inspector would not suit another. A question has been asked by Mr. Okey that plans of sheds and yards should be provided by the Department. They have done that for dairy factories, and I may say that our dairy factory last winter was rebuilt on plans supplied by the Department. Clause 17, in regard to time and method of cleansing cans : we ask that that should not apply to dairy factories. Paragraph (a) (Milking-cans must be cleansed within two hours of milking) we thought should be excised, as it is covered by other regulations. In regard to the rust clause, we ask that the latter part of the regulation, which specially refers to the rust, should be deleted and these words substituted : " Which is not in a good state of repair." No. 19 gives the Inspector power to prevent the use of cans not considered fit for use, and to impress a broad arrow on them. We think the supplier should have fourteen days' clear notice to enable him to get new ones. No. 20 provides that no dairyman shall use or suffer to be used a can that does not bear a label with his name thereon. We ask that dairy factories should be exempted from that. It was stated at Stratford that it was a very desirable regulation for those vending milk in the towns, but I fail to see where it is going to serve any good service if applied to the country milk-supplier. With regard to 21, it was held at Stratford that the milking-machine should be allowed to be stored in the shed. I confess I am not competent to give an opinion on that. I am simply stating the opinion of the Stratford meeting. As to the name on the milk-cart, we also ask that the country supplier should be exempted from this regulation. In regard to milk from newly calved cows not being sold until four days after calving, we ask that this should be increased to six days. I am quite sure it is in the best interests of the industry that this should be so,, or longer if necessary. It has been a rule in some factories that it should be seven days. Experience has taught us that butter made in the spring when the cows have just calved is the worst-keeping butter we manufacture. If we could get all suppliers to keep away from the factory for one week a decided improvement would be effected in the keeping-quality of our butter made at that time. We ask that clause 30 should be deleted. It is covered practically by another clause which says that a piggery shall not be within 50 yards. The regulation means that cattle shall not be allowed to stray near the cowshed. We ask that the regulation providing against the carriage of dead animals in the milkeart shall be deleted. This is going to cause immense irritation if it remains, especially amongst small people, who cannot well afford two carts. And they do not need two carts as long as the carts are well washed afterwards, which would meet any sanitary requirement. In regard to the appeal, we ask that that should be deleted, and that a clause such as this, or something similar, should be substituted : " In the event of any dispute arising out of any of the matters referred to in these regulations, the dairyman may appeal to a Board to be appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, such Board to consist of the Stock Inspector of the district and a dairy-factory director, who may appoint an umpire, whose decision shall be final." It is felt that in these regulations there is much discretionary power vested in the Inspector, and it is not right there should be no appeal except on one or two specified heads. I think if something like these suggestions were adopted it would take away the causes of irritation which are being voiced very loudly throughout the Dominion at present, and would still leave the regulations effective for the purpose for which they were designed. 1. Mr, Okey!] In regard to the fee, yoti think it should not be above ss. for any number of cows?— Yes, that is my feeling. This feeling is due largely to what was said at Palmerston, and it was probably one of the reasons for inducing a resolution in favour of inspection being carried there. 2. The farmer has an objection to anything like a cow-tax?— Yes, they generally object to taxes if they can get out of them. 3. Would you allow the farmer to milk on the grass?—l was pretty clear that the shed was desirable. What are we to do with the exceptional cases T have mentioned? These are matters which should be dealt with in your discretion. I realise the difficulty. i. What is your experience of the factory-manager and the power given to him in regard to rejecting milk? —The manager has absolute power to reject any milk he thinks unsuitable. In our factory they have that power. I have not heard of a factory where they have been interfered with yet.