Part L] REPORT OF THE DAIRY BUREAU. 157 



president for the ensuing year. The show as a whole was 

 splendid and the effect upon the dairy industry of the State 

 should be the awakening of new enthusiasm and endeavor. 



Dairy Situation. 



It is with pleasure that we note an increase of 2,618 cows 

 taxed in 1916 over 1915, and also the increased price which the 

 dairyman is now receiving for his milk. Best of all is the fact 

 that apparently the time has come when an increase in the 

 price of milk is not so seriously objected to as formerly. To be 

 sure, some consumers are using less milk as the price advances, 

 but that milk is relatively cheap as compared with other forms 

 of animal food is coming to be realized. Milk receipts in 

 Boston indicate increased consumption. (See page 164.) The 

 year now ending discloses the situation of a comparative milk 

 shortage acknowledged even by the milk contractors them- 

 selves. This is largely due to the enormous demand for evapo- 

 rated and powdered milk abroad. Milk in Massachusetts 

 towns is now selling at 8 and 9 cents per quart and in some 

 instances (as on the Cape) at 12 to 14 cents. The price of 

 ordinary market milk in Boston is 10 cents per quart, fancy 

 grades ranging from 12 cents upward, and in most instances at 

 an advance over former prices. 



In the early part of the year the Interstate Commerce Com- 

 mission held an investigation of the railroad rates pertaining to 

 the milk supply of several large centers in this country. The 

 first of these meetings was held in Boston. The result of this 

 investigation is that the former unsatisfactory condition has 

 been straightened out and fair and just rates established. These 

 rates increase with each 20-mile circuit distance from Boston, 

 applicable only to interstate traffic. The abolishment of the so- 

 called leased-car system was accomplished. Nearly every dairy 

 interest in the State, and in fact in New England, was repre- 

 sented at this hearing which was thoroughly exhaustive in its 

 investigation. The Board of Agriculture was efficiently repre- 

 sented by the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth. The 

 general agent attended the hearings and offered several wit- 

 nesses, and the testimony of the one accepted, Mr. Clifton E. 

 Walcott of Barre, proved of great value. We congratulate all 



