L—l2a.

77

H. BURGOYNE.

and would seriously diminish, if not destroy, the dairy industry in the Dominion." This was carried at three or four different meetings in the Clevedon and the Waikato districts. The first thing I wish to talk of is the cost of registration. There was a lot of discussion on this, and we thought that as you have recently done away with the sheep-tax it would be an unfair thing to put a tax on the dairy cow. The dairy cow, as we all know, is one of the causes of the prosperity of the Dominion. And we hold that the dairy industry should be encouraged as much as possible. We could see no reason why a tax should be put on the dairy cow. In fact, it would pay the country to pay a bonus on every cow kept. Not only the farmers but every one would benefit thereby. Then, the roof of every cowshed must be swept once a month. We thought it would be impossible to comply with that. In regard to whitewashing the shed we thought once a year should be all that is necessary. To force the stable to be 30 ft. from any cowshed —that would inflict a hardship on many existing sheds. I would like the following proposal adopted: "That, where existing cowsheds are kept clean, and the factory-owner is satisfied the milk arrives in a clean and pure state, no structural alterations shall be enforced for at least three years from the date of the passing of the regulations, but that in future all new buildings shall be erected according to the regulations." If that could be carried I think it would do away with the difficulty. In regard to the regulation requiring a sufficient supply of water in the shed for the cleaning of the milkers' hands, it would be rather difficult in some districts to comply with that, though I quite agree with it where it is possible. Then, every dairyman must notifj' the Inspector before commencing to make any structural alterations. We thought it would be very hard if we could not alter a bail or make any without going to all that trouble. In reference to washing the hands, we quite agree that the hands should be washed before milking, but after each milking would be impossible to enforce with our employees. In regard to the regulation concerning the state of the can : We quite agree as to the can being properly soldered, but we cannot agree with the provision concerning rust. You all know that that could not be carried out to the letter of the law, for after sending a can a few times to the creamery it is bound to get a few rust-specks on it. I have put a cross against that regulation. Then, clause 19 we consider would give an enormous amount of power to any inspector. We think the clause requiring the name to be on the can would be a hardship in regard to cans already in use. Then, in regard to the method of cleansing the milking-machine, personally I am keeping a milking-machine, and the instructions are that hot water is not to be used in connection with the rubber. According to the instructions of the agents it would ruin the machine. The latter part of the regulation says that the machine must not be stored in the cowshed. At night it is often late before the milking is finished, and the machine is stored in a clean corner of the cowshed, which does it no harm. Clause 23 says that certain cleansing shall be done to the satisfaction of the Inspector. That gives the Inspector a lot of power. Clause 24 says the name shall be painted on the cart. We thought that very hard. Clause 29 says that no other animal but a cow shall be permitted to enter the cowshed. You all know poultry. It would be difficult to prevent them from entering a shed. You would have to give up dairying. We do not believe in allowing fowls to roost in the shed. In regard to the regulation preventing the use of the cart for other purposes : We do not think it should be used for carrying manure. These carts are very largely used for the purpose of taking dressed pigs to the steamer or station. In this we think there is no harm to the cart or anything else. 1. Mr. Okey.~\ What do you think of the registration fee? Do you object to any fee? —Yes, to any fee whatever. • 2. You have had meetings of factory-managers?— Yes. 3. What are the objections of the factory-managers to the regulations?— They think the regulations would have the effect of making farmers give up dairying. They have had that effect already. 4. The factory-managers have taken it up in that direction? —Yes. 5. What power has a factory-manager in your district? What power have they over the milk? Have they power to send it back if unfit?—-Yes. We have two different factories, Whitford and Clevedon, with eight different cremeries. 6. Have you known of a factory-manager being discharged on account of sending back milk? — No. 7. Mr. Buddo.] In regard to the rubber of the milking-machines : Assuming that your statement is correct, that scalding water is detrimental, what method of cleaning would you suggest?— Lukewarm water in which a little " Wyandotte " is placed is a good cleanser. 8. You can get any other substance? —A weak solution of lime-water. 9. Mr. Hogg.] In regard to the factory-managers, are they allowed to object to the milk, although they may know it comes from a notoriously dirty farmer ?—They would object if they knew it was not satisfactory. 10. Suppose it was sweet and clean and they knew it came from a dirty dairy?—lf there was no defect in the milk there would be no necessity to send it back. If unfit it should be sent back. 11. It is only sent back when sour or dirty?— Yes. 12. Although the manager may be quite aware the farmer is very dirty. He cannot object to it if the milk is sweet enough?—lf a manager "thought such was the case he would have the power to call in the Government Inspector to his assistance. 13. In that case it is only since Government inspectors were appointed that that is possible?— I quite agree with Government inspection. 14. Have you known a manager get into trouble for complaining of milk?— No. 15. Mr. Lang.] In case of a dispute between a supplier and an inspector would you think it advisable to have a Court of Appeal as distinct from a Court of law?— Decidedly I think there should be a Court of Appeal.