AGRICULTURAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 115, 23 May 1885, Page 5

AGRICULTURAL.

The importation of Now Zealand sheep has been prohibited by the Government of Tasmania.

It is stated at Christchurch that tho idea of forming a company to establish a fruit-' growing settlement at Hokianga has beon abandoned, and that tho promoters intend carrying on the settlement themselves. Mr Fedcrli nnd party, with surveyors, started for Hokianga a few days ago. The annual meeting of the Pukekoho and Mauku Cheese and Bacon Factory Company was held on Monday, May 4, at tlia Pukokqho Hotel, Mr Yf. T.Wright, Chairman of directors, presiding. The directors' report points out that the yoar's operations resulted in a not loss of £291 9s lOd, including loss of shipment of cheeso per Alastor through overheating, which they think thoy will not bo ablo to recover from either tho owners of tho vessel or the insurers. The cheese now shipped is valued (at 6d per lb.) at £SS2 Bs, and that in tho factory (at 5Jd per lb) at £35S 12s. By shipping, the directors expect to not a bottor profit than is made by soiling in tho local market, as, on account of the largo quantity of cheese forced on the Auckland market, the prices are not remunerative. Tho Company's land, buildings, and plant arc* valued at about £2,000. Mr Horace Walpole, manager, has resigned, and leaves on tho 23rd inst. Tho directors woro of opinion that to give more than 3Jd per gallon for milk would not pay, yet they had for some time been compelled to pay 4d. In the course of discussion on tho report and balance-sheet, some blame was thrown upon the shareholders for their alleged mismanagement. Ultimately a vote of thanks wa,s paosod to the retiring director!). Messrs G. Rusßell, W. T. Wright, J. Goldsworthy, and Major Harris were elected directors for the ensuing year. Tho retiring auditors were re-eloettid, an,d the meeting closed with votes of thanks to the Chairman, &c. Though the Company has declared no dividend, its operations nave been very beneficial to the surrounding settlers, who'have a steady market for their milk, and it would be well if they aocepted the rate of 3|d per gallon, to ensure the con-, tinunnce of the factory on a paying basis,