DAIRY INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 222, 20 June 1928, Page 15

DAIRY INDUSTRY

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN PALMERSTON Dominion Special Service. 'Palmerston North, June 19. About 400 delegates from all parts of New Zealand were present at the annual meeting of the National Dairy Association in Palmerston to-day. Jlr. A. Morton (Eginont) presiding. The chief business of the day was the discussion of the annual report and balance-sheet (already published in “The Dominion”), and it was apparent that the general opinion of the meeting was that the association had every reason to congratulate itself on the position placed before it by tlie executive. Presidential Address. Speaking to tlie annual report, the president stated that it seemed apparent that the work of the association had the whole-hearted support of the members. The outlook at the end of last season, he said, had been a promising one, and it had been expected that there would be an increase in production, but the prolonged dry spell experienced at the beginning of the year had had a very adverse effect. Had it not been for tbe extensive use of fertilisers, Mr. Jlorton thought there would have been a decrease in production, but as it was, a slight increase had been shown, . and for next season, provided weather conditions were good, lie forecasted there would be one of tbe biggest increases in production ever known in New Zealand. Everything pointed to the fact that the dairy farmer of to-day was using better methods, and the lessons taught last year would result in greater provision being made for any such contingencies as had been met with last year. Because of the heavy top-dressing ol the pastures, and the consequent somewhat rank growth of grass, Jlr. Jlorton proceeded, the milk had been rather richer in flavour than usual, and it was gratifying to know that there had been no backward step in the quality of the produce. which had been well UP to the usual high standard of the Dominion. It was a credit to the factory managers that this high class of butter had been maintained, although, unfortunately, the same could not be said in regard to cheese, which had not been up to the standard of previous years. ‘'Whatever the cause is,” said Jlr. Morton, ‘it is essential Unit the remedy should be found in order to maintain our high quality of produce mid compete successfully < n the Home market.”

Baek to I’rc-War Conditions. During tlie season, he .continued, there had been a very much easier tone in the prices prevailing at Home, and the fluctuations on the market had been missing to a great extent. "It is evident, he said, "that we are getting buck to the state of affairs existing before the war, and the stability of prices, it seems,_ is being maintained. It is also gratfymg lo note that the prices being obtained for New Zealand produce have equalled those obtained for the Danish article, but I would like to point out that there is really no relationship in the prices for the products of the two countries, for each have distinctly separate demands, and if there is a shortage ol: the one there will be higher prices paid for it by the people who are accustomed to that particular article.” Referring to the difference prevailing in the prices ruling in the sale of New Zealand and Australian butter, the president stated that tbe Dominion product had been a long way ahead of the Australian butter, although as far as quality was concerned he considered the Australian butter wns quite as good as that from New Zealand, and he could not understand the differences in the prices. By means of the Patterson scheme the Australians had been able to procure substantial premiums, and the effect had been to put up the value of exported butter, while the local market had also been affected. It was impossible, even if it were advisable, to institute such a scheme in New Zealand because of the effect on the local market. Research. During the year considerable progress had been made in experimental and research work. All were aware of the steps that had been taken by the Government in tbe institution of the Massey College, which now was well under way. He hoped that when the'association next met the results obtained from the college would be of satisfaction to the dairying industry. It was to .the credit of dairy companies that they had given all the assistance possible to their employees to attend the classes at the Massey College, and in connection with this the president stated that the directors had decided to award medals to those students who had shown their qualifications to have the awards made to them, and it was felt that this would be a stimulus for the students to get to tbe top as quickly as they could. ' Good progress had also been made with herd-testing, a subsidy having been obtained from the Government. It had happened, however, that the number of cows tested had'exceeded all expectations, and it was anticipated that the subsidy would be insufficient. It was hoped that it would be increased, and it was also thought that it should not be confined to one year only but should be continued for a period of years. Herd-testing had done much for the advancement of the industry, and it would indeed be a pity if the associations were not encouraged in their work. Duty on Dairy Machinery. One matter that had given the executive some amount of trouble during the year had been that of Customs duty. Jt had been contended that as far as dairy machinery was concerned it should either be free from duty or else the tariff should be considerably reduced. w ln the interest of the dairy industry it was thought that all items qf dairy machinery should be allowed into the country free of duty, but it had been found that the machinery required had a heavier duty imposed on it than had been the case, for a number of years. There was no industry that required such frequent changing of machinery as that of dairying, and it was a great hardship that such duties

should be paid on what were practically necessary items for the industry. Dealing with the overlapping in the collection of cream, the president referred to a speech made by Mr. Singleton (director of the dairy division of the Department of Agriculture), at the last conference, when lie had said that this was costing the country £35,000 a year. The president exhorted members to do all they could by way of negotiations to obviate this trouble. Association’s Finances. Referring 1o the balance-sheet, Mr. Jlorton stilted that great difficulties had been met during tlie year, but the association had been able to make both ends meet, and had been able to show a small surplus on the year’s working. It had beer found to bo almost impossible to obtain a return under the conditions that had prevailed, but he thought the Lutine prospects were exceptionally bright. Ex ponses had been cut down considerably, although notwithstanding, there had been a considerable increase in the business This, in a great measure, had been due lo the loyal support of many of the members, nnd if this support was iortlieomhig from all members, he had no fear for the future. Surely what the association stood for warranted all the support that could be given it. . "I hope that when we meet again next year we will have a first-class balancesheet to put before you,” concluded the chairman, "and given a good season villi regard to climatic conditions, I am certain that the business of association will increase appreciably.” There was some discussion on tnc report by various members, congratulations being extended to the executive on Ihe excellent posif ion it had placed before Ihe association. A motion for its adoption was carried unanimously. Election of Officers. The following executive was elected, Ihe districts represented by members being given in parentheses: —Jlessrs. I'. 11. Anderson (Auckland), T. Winks (la’’i>-n.-iki), .7. Gildea (Hawkes Bay), and J,. Jloss (AVellington).

CIVIC RECEPTION TO DELEGATES I’rior to the commencement of this afternoon’s session delegates attending the conference were accorded a civic rereption by the Mayor (Mr. A. J. Graham), who said he deemed it not only a civic duty but also an honour and privilege to welcome them to the town, lie congratulated the association on its work on behalf of one of the great indusI ries, on which so much of the success mid prosperity of the Dominion depended. There was no doubt that the association's activities must be of inestimable value to the industry and prove invaluable. not only io this Dominion, but also lo the Empire as a whole. Hic efforts ol the association in the past had more than justified its existence, and had accomplished much for the industry with which it was .allied. , "While New Zealand may not haic experienced the prosperity during the past few veers it might have enjoyed, said Jlr. Graham, “I personally believe that, the note of pessimism has been unduly sounded. If we glance back over the past there is much to be thankful lor. (Applause.) ■ „ ’ , On behalf of the conference, the premdeht; Jlr. A. Jlorton, thanked'the Mayor for his hearty welcome.