176 UNIVERSITY OP WISCONSIN STUDIES 



ments, 5 who deal in bulk milk only, and 21 wholesale bulk 

 establishments. 



Of late there has been considerable discussion as to the 

 efficiency of the present system of distribution. Owing to 

 the fact that several dealers may have become firmly estab- 

 lished in practically the same section of the city there neces- 

 sarily must result considerable duplication and criss-crossing 

 of milk routes of these several distributors. Remedies have 

 been suggested, such as the division of the city into zones, 

 allotting certain sections to each dealer, or by the establish- 

 ment of municipal distributing stations under the direct super- 

 vision of the city authorities. Neither proposed system has 

 been practically applied. The establishment of milk depots 

 has been suggested, which would permit the customer calling 

 for his own milk, and eliminate the expense of delivery. The 

 latter scheme in all probability would not meet with success, 

 except perhaps in the poorer districts, due principally to 

 the fact that the public has been educated to the present sys- 

 tem arid is especially loath to make early morning calls for 

 breakfast milk, if it is possible to have it delivered at the door. 



This was one phase of the subject under discussion during 

 a recent milk inquiry conducted by the Food Administration 

 during December, 1917, and January and February, 1918. 

 From testimony brought out by experts on accounting and 

 cost figures, it would appear that any attempt to change the 

 present system of delivery would involve a considerable lapse 

 of time and expenditure of money. 



PRICES 



During the past two years, there has been considerable agita- 

 tion and discussion relative to the price of milk to the con- 

 sumer. During April, 1916, the first raise in price for several 

 years, from 8^ to 9^f, caused considerable comment among the 

 public and press. When, however, the price was raised by 

 subsequent steps to 13^ per quart, the consumer in consequence 

 cut down on consumption to a considerable degree. 



An effort has been made to determine the relation between 

 increase in price and consumption of milk. The accompany- 



