KIA ORA DAIRY CO.

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6203, 7 October 1921, Page 7

KIA ORA DAIRY CO.

first Annual meeting at MATAWAI. An extraordinary general meeting of the Kia Ora Dairy Co. was hold in the. Matawai Hall,/on Wednesday afternoon. Mi\ G. R. Moore, chairman of directors, was in the chair, and with him were Messrs. McCullough Allen, E. P. Roberts, Newitt, and Baldrey. There was an attendance of about 40. The secretary read the report and balance-sheet, which was similar to that published on September 22. -Lire chairman said it was decided at the latter meeting to leave the matter of appointing a Matawai director till Wednesday morning, but it was found that they could not wait, and they had in the meantime unanimously elected Mr. R. Fleming to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. 0. D. Tunnicliffe. The chairman commented cn the increased cost of production last season, some items costing 200 per ? cent, more than the previous season. Mr. Allen pointed out to the- meeting that only shareholders could participate in the bonus, and the bonus (last season 2d per Id for butter-fat) itself would soon pay for the shares. Mr. J. Evans (Motu) asked if the chairman could give the meeting any idea of the price of butter-fat this season.

The chairman stated that the company were selling all their output on consignment, and he hoped they would ho able to get 2s per lb'.

There was considerable discussion on the question of collecting the cream in the Matawai district. The company allowed -J-d per lb. butterfat to the supplier to put his cream on the train. Mr. Moore stated that in his opinion the Matawai people were better off.than those on the flats. Mr. Fleming dissented. Mr. Moore suggested that the suppliers should meet the local carriers and come to some arrangement—he thought at £-d per lb. it should pay well. He mentioned that the supply promises to be a record, and already it is double of what it was this time last year, and he hoped to put through £150,000 worth of butter this year as against £75,683 last season. A discussion took place on tne matter of procuring a special cream van on the railway. Finally Mr. W. Tucker movea: “That this meeting of dairy farmers respectfully request the Government to supply a special cream van to convey the .cream to Makaraka and bring back the empty cans.” Mr. Cunningham moved an amendment: “That the matter be left till we get more figures.” On being put to tlie meeting tlie motion was carried. Mr. Moore emphasised the importance of getting cows tested. He said he was sorry Mr. Beatscn could riot come up to the meeting, but he would he only too pleased to do any cow-testing. It was the only way that you could find out which cows were " paying. The Government charge for testing was 2s per cow per year. Mr. E. P. Roberts urged the suppliers to see that they forwarded only good cream and so help the company to keep up the high standard of butter they were manufacturing at present. During the last five years the Kia Ora Co. had sent Home only Ist grade butter. . In reply to a question, Mr. Roberts said good cream was a test of forty or over and thoroughly clean. There was nothing to be gained by forwarding thin cream. It took up waste space and tended to sour the butter.

Mr. Tucker moved: “That the Kia Ora Co. be heartily thanked for coming up and putting things so clearly before the suppliers.” He hoped that this meeting would be the forerunner of many more like it. He commented on the highly satisfactory state of the balance-sheer and the sound standing of the company. Mr. Cunningham seconded the motion, which was carried.