The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1939-1949, 1943-08-19
Discourage Use of
Black Market
For MiIk--RipIey
Milk ordinance is pro-
lection for community;
criticism unjust

NAANANASLIl dIl A0I
Our milk and cream situation
is serious in the Kennewick-P asco
area. Undoubtedly, there will be
few weeks when milk will be
fairly difficult to get in this area.
However, If the whole Yakima
Valley is considered and we are
at the eastern end or part, there is
no lack Of milk but rather an
inequality Of distribution, states
an article released this week by
Health Officer DR.. r. w. Ripley.
The health department is doing
all in its power to assist the inn
portation of a safe milk supply.
In the next few weeks I believe
milk in greater quantities will be
coming into this community, he
said. AS it is now, groceries are
able to get milk from Yakima but
at a loss to themselves which is
one Of the reasons no more milk
has come in. With the new setup
I believe this financial loss will
be eliminated.
The reason for this cheaper milk
is that we will be getting the ex-
cess milk over and above what the
DUPONT company will be using.
This milk will be Grade A pas
teurized milk.
There has been much criticism
about the health department and
my desire to have the milk ordin-
ance enforced in this community.
The councils Of both towns have,
also received criticism and petit
tons asking for repeal Of the Or
dinance. Instead Of criticims, they
should be praised to the utmost
in their far sightedness in looking
out for the health of the COM
munity. The councils have acted
according to my advice, upon the
request of the state department Of
health and the navy.
The milk situation has been seri-
lous from health standpoint and
/ am glad to sary much improve
ment has occurred. So far the
navy has permitted the health de-
partment to carry out its program
by itself though they do urge OBJ
y tanning the healthiest milk in the
shortest possible time. II they
become dissatisfied with our eff
forts, they may carry out their
threats of putting both towns out
Of bounds as far as eating places
are concerned. This would be a
great disappointment TO me and to
a large percentage Of the popula-
ton Of both towns. ~ B.
The mere fact Of the navy's in
terest in the milk situation should
convince people that the health
department is working for some
thing beneficial for the commune
lily.
/ have lived in this community
for over a year now and I realize
that there is much black market
milk being sold in both towns.
Some people who have been buy
ing this milk are friends Of mine
and continue to buy il despite
my warning them that il is not the
best thing for them to do from
a health standpoint From an
article printed in the Walla Walla
paper, on Aug. IS, 1913, quote
Charles II. Holman, secretary of
the National Cooperative Milk
Producers Federation 'Pestilence
and disease will become epidemic
throughout the nation If milk is
forced into the black market by
point rationing through the
black market, undulent fever,
diptheria and typhoid will be
spread by milk which is not prop
erly processed'." Mr.. Holman was
speaking in his talk as you may
note regarding a shortage set up
with point rationing, however, the
same shortage is here and the
BLACK market" is present in this
community. II is against the law
for anybody TO sell milk or cream
in either city other than that
which has been approved by the
Benton Franklin Health Depart
ment. Realize, therefore, that any
milk you purchase in this man.
ner is against the law and in
wolves you. (Of course, there are
many ways Of getting around ev-
cry law and this one can be cir
cumvented. Please remember that
you will be taking a chance and
are endangering your families
health by SO DOING.
/ would suggest that you ask
the person who is supplying you
this milk to get the approval Of
this office. Perhaps, the milk.
is being handled in a sanitary
fashion and will get our approval
or at least they may be able 10
make few necessary changes and
then get the approval. The milk
ordinance and our work is entire
ly for the health Of you and your
families. Do not criticize your
very far sighted councils before
Il -. ~. -