EFFECT OF MAY FLOODING ON DAIRY PRODUCTION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22690, 15 July 1948, Page 6

EFFECT OF MAY FLOODING ON DAIRY PRODUCTION

KIA ORA SUPPLIERS

“The result of the year's operations has been disappointing in that production was 65 tons less than iast year, said Mr. Myles Doyle, chairman, _at the annua) general meeting of the Kia Ora Co-Operative Dairying Company suppliers at the Makaraka-Matawhero Hall yesterday. “The payout of 25.608 d plus ,076 d for dividend will compare favourably with other companies' payout, he added. • , ~ Monthly statistics of production which gave the comparative percentage increase or decrease with the corresponding month of the previous year were given as follows: —

Month increase decrease per cent per cent June g 6 July U>-5 August .. .. D-D September .. 5 October .. •. T2_ November .. 3.25 _ December .. .. January .... la March .. •• April May i2

"These percentages give you a picture ol the conditions throughout the season,” continued Mr. Doyle. "Conditions were very good until early November when the dry weather commenced to retard production. The dry weather continued until the end of March. Production Brought to Close

“During April, production was holding up very satisfactorily. Then, as we all know, the Hood occurred on May 14, thus bringing production to a close in the flooded areas. “1 am afraid that the flood damage will ieduce the new season's production to a large extent. I make an earnest appeal to suppliers, who are in a position, to assist the suppliers situated in the flooded area.”

In conclusion, Mr. Doyle said the biggest problem to be solved was the milking of cows, as the properties which were liooaed could not carry stock for some months, if any supplier was prepared to milk extra cows for some months they should advise the secretary, Mr. J. H. Sunderland. Following the adpotion of the report and balance sheet, Mr. Sunderland said the man in the street did not often realise the Irue position of the dairyfarmer. Although there had been an increase of 4id per lb, during the past season for butler the suppliers had been called upon to pay a considerable increase in the way of wages and with the withdrawal of subsidies. The new prices were computed on the cost of production. All farm requisites had increased in price and the farmer actually was getting no more, despite the tact that they were handling more money.

Still Cheapest Commodity

Butter was still the cheapest commodity in New Zealand, the consumers still paying Is fid per lb. as they did before the last war. He explained that the Government subsidised that cost to the extent of approximately 8d per lb. to bring it into line with the export value. It was pointed out further that increased production would take care of any increases in cost. The factory staff and the lorries could manufacture more and carry more without any extra cost with the exception of manufacturing costs. Mr. Sunderland explained the balance sheet, giving the comparative figures for the previous year. Manufacturing charges and materials had been responsible for increased costs. The Dairy Board levy had been increased from £lB6 to £467, out of which come the board subsidies to research institutes and the veterinary movement. There being no other nominations for the vacancies on the directorship, the retiring directors, Messrs. H. F. Robb, G. T. Hutchins and H. M. V/hite were re-elected unopposed. Messrs. Graham and Dobson were re-appointed auditors.