48 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. 4. 



gets at his farm, but how much he gets dehvered in the market, 

 creates a friendhness between consumers and producers, and 

 prevents an extortionate advance by the dealer over the price 

 the producer gets. In all the larger cities it was determined 

 to establish prices on the basis of so much per quart delivered 

 in the market. 



It was impossible to carry into effect much of the asso- 

 ciation's program on April 1. Producers generally had ex- 

 pressed the desire for winter prices for summer milk. This 

 meant an advance of approximately l| cents over the average 

 paid for milk in the corresponding months of the previous 

 year, according to the best information that could be obtained. 

 It was finally determined that an advance of Ij cents per 

 quart should be made over the 1916 prices. This arrange- 

 ment did not in the least alter or amend the inequalities and 

 discriminations of former years as between individuals and 

 localities; it simply perpetuated them on a higher basis. The 

 1st of August the association had grown to such strength that 

 it was able to practically dictate a complete revision of the 

 marketing system and the price at which milk should be sold. 

 .This price was fixed at 7 cents delivered in Boston. From the 

 7 cents were taken transportation charges and other expendi- 

 tures necessary in delivering milk to Boston. These were: — 



1 . Hauling from Farm to Station. — The contractors had 

 created a system under which hauling averaged to cost about 

 $5.50 per ton. The producers whose milk was hauled paid at 

 the rate of $3 a ton, the balance being taken out of the gen- 

 eral price of milk. The association opposed this deduction, 

 but allowed it for two months rather than disturb the then 

 necessary hauling system. Under the arrangement of October 

 15 hauling charges have been entirely removed from the price 

 of milk. It is now up to the producer to deliver his milk at 

 the railroad station. If the contractor hauls it for him he has 

 to pay the contractor whatever price is agreed between them, 

 no part of the cost of hauling being taken out of the general 

 price of milk in any zone. 



£. Country Station Expense. — A large part of the milk of 

 New England is collected by milk stations, where it is wholly 

 or partially processed, is cared for and prepared for shipment 



