The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1943-03-23

street, everyone would have TO pay
up on time or no milk need be
delivered,
Il goes without saying that this
plan for more efficient milk dlstrlbu.
ton could save considerable money.
According 10 the most conservative
estimates that I can secure, the &C.
tual saving would surely amount 10
at least three-fourths OF q cent per
bottle. I am told that the saving
might, and probably would, run con.
slderably higher.
Now who would get this extra
money! In ordinary times we might
agree that savings Of this kind
should be passed on 10 you people
who buy the milk through lower
prices. In these acute times, how.
ever, I am sure II would be wise
TO divide them between the farmer
and the dealer, each in proportion
TO his actual need. In that way,
we can encourage the farmer to pro.
duce more milk, and maintain all
essential milk deliveries at our door
step at no extra cost to the
people Of our state.
Now what are the objections TO
this planp Why wasn't It adopted
when 1t was FIRST recommended q
year ago2
Well, some dealers said II would
deprive the housewife OF the right
10 choose which OF several milkmen
would deliver her milk. Yes, sup
pose that's true. But am sure
any sensible housewife would pre-
fer a new milkman 10 higher price
or to q decreased milk production,
or even TO q government subsidy to
the farmer.
Difference In Quality
Other dealers said that customers
would object to differences In milk
quality. That's not q good argument
either because all milk quality Is
controlled by careful state tests for
minimum butter fat content and for
cleanliness.
Others said the zones would take
too long 10 set up. Again, the argu.
ment doesn't hold water. ] am told
that q group OF milk marketing
experts, with the cooperation OF milk
dealers, could set up zones In all i'm.
portant Connecticut milk markets
within eight or ten weeks.
No, as far MS ! can see, the plan
failed Of acceptance largely because
IL required n change in established
rest Of us, are slow TO accept new
ways, even under the heavy pressure
methods, and milk dealers, like the
OF total war.
Business men and farmers and
other groups are constantly wishing
that the government would only let
them alone to work out their prob
lens for themselves. Here, In my
opinion, Is o magnificent oppor-
t,lnity for the milk industry In our
state to solve, on Its own response
bility, an acute problem which Of.
fects the welfare Of every one OF
us. Here Is an opportunity for us
here In Connecticut voluntarily to
take the leadership In streamlining
our economy for war.
This new plan Of milk distribution
will give US huge savings N gaso.
line, oil and tires. It will save
wear and tear on valuable trucks
It will help the farmer to main.
tain his milk production. It will
help the dealer to maintain his es.
sentlai delivery service. Most i'm.
portant Of all, IL will protest every
man, woman and child against an
increase In the price he pays FOR
milk, without the need for any sub
sidy.
I strongly recommend It's imme-
diate reconsideration by the milk
dealers and the dairy farmers Of our
state.
Public Protected
Ladies' and gentlemen, the OPA
battle to protect you, the people,
against rising prices, rising rents and
eventual runaway imitation is part
OF the struggle for a better world
after the victory has been won.
That battle Is your battle. In or
der to win II, we need your whole
understanding and your
solid support.
A week from tonight at this same
time am going 10 talk to you IN
detail about the new program for
the rationing Of meat, cheese. but
ter and cooking fats. That's one
rationing program which Will be
heartily welcome by all OF US.
Good night until next week.