The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1892. A NEW METHOD OF ESTABLISHING DAIRY FACTORIES.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume XXII, Issue 1677, 9 August 1892, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1892. A NEW METHOD OF ESTABLISHING DAIRY FACTORIES.

Oun Farmers' Association meets "at Duvauchelle's on Saturday, and may well discuss a new method that has been suggested for the establishment of dairy factories in localities where lethargy on the subject is the rule. Mr Shera, one of the members for the city of Auckland, asked the Minister for Agriculture in the House of Representatives on Friday last if he would introduce a Bill to enable ths farming districts within certain limits to constitute dairy factory districts, with well-defiued boundaries, giving such districts power to levy rates to establish within each district a cheese and butter factory, which shill be under the control of the district authority.

It seems to us the proposal is a very good one, for it will at once solve the difficulty of raising the capital without the aid of outside money, to which we have a very strong objection. A district once consenting to be rated for such aa object capital could be easily raised on the undeniable security, at a very low rate of interest. In all probability the money could be procured under Act from Government as in the case of several of the Peninsula wharees, but if not, there are many investors who would be glad to take the matter up at low rate of interest. The advantages of raising capital by rates is, that every one contributes to the general good in proportion to his means, all alike betng free of obligation. This is surely much better than that a few enthusiasts should go to great expense while the many watch them carefully with their pockets buttoned up close, to see if it will turn out a good thing or not.

We are aware that many of our best makers do not believe in the factory system as far as they themselves are concerned, feeling sure of a good market for all they can produce ; but these men cannot help acknowledging that a factory would be a good thing for their less fortunate brethren, who have not got such a reputation, and perhaps lack means to procure the best appliances. All will allow that for the great majority factories are good things, and also that they can bo made to pay good interest, with proper management, in any good dairying district. It follows therefore, that in assenting to a general rate being struck so that capital may be raised on the equal security of all residents, those who do not intend to avail themselves of the factory can be pretty sure that the

interest will without any rate ever being collected, and-ea-a good to othera without ony-'expense to themselves. "' *

Wβ have already so many times pointed out our opinion that the Peninsula is well suited to carry a large popalntion, that it seems ridiculous to reiterate it, but still no harm can be done by doing so. It is an undoubted fact that were factories gjitablished, so that a certain uniformity of manufacture could be secured, large owners, like Mr Buchanan, could at once let all their lower and richer pastures in dairy farms, which would speedily increase to double their present carrying capncity, The security we have for being certain this course will be pursued, is that, as Mr Buchanan said at Mr Tavender's dinner, "It will give the land owner the best return for his money, paying much better than sheep or cocksfoot, and also afford an ample supply of suitable labor in the ivinter, tvhen the dairy season is closed." The principal factor of self interest being therefore on the side of encouraging an increase of dairies, and consequently of population, we believe that all that is wanted to bring it about is the establishment of factories.

We take it that if such an Act as that suggested is ever framed, it will be on such lines that at least three-fourths of the residents shall assent to the taxation. There must be a great preponder. ance of public feeling in its favour, or no good can possibly result. There cannot be anything oppressive to the opposers of the factory system if such is the case, for they will be in a small minority. Probably there will also be a provision that not only the great majority of residents must assent, but also that a large proportion of the capital of the locality should be repreaented. Safeguards of this kind are of course absolutely necessary, and without them we should strongly oppose the measure. Taken as a whole, however, we are of opinion that the passing of such a bill as Mr Shera proposes, would be of great good to this County, by giving settlers an opportunity if they chose, of establishing facUiries on an even footing, nil bearing an equal stake in proportion to their means. Once get it on the statute Inok, an<l there would be an end of private factories, to which we are opposed, as not properly meeting the requirements of the fanner, and often collapsing from want of support. It is stated that Mr Shera proposed that the management should be in t!io hands of the district authority, whatever that may mean, We suppose, however, a special "distiict authority " will be created for the purpose, for it could not well be managed by County Council, Road Board, or School Committee. In any case what we urge upon the farmers is that th.'V should talk the matter over fully next Saturday at the meeting of the Association, and forward their opinion on the subject to the Minister for Agriculture without deUy. By so doing they will show that they take an intelligent interest in all legislation intended for their benefit, and will probably gain the privilege of being specially consulted if the suggested measure has sufficient vitality to enter upon the first troubled stages of parliamentary existence.