DAIRY LABORATORY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 24 October 1924, Page 4

DAIRY LABORATORY.

PROPOSAL FOR TARANAKI. The' Minister of Agriculture (Hon. W. Nosworthy) gave a sympathetic reply to a deputation from South Taranaki which asked for the establishment of a chemical laboratory at Hawera, and indicated the possibility of considering one foj North Taranaki. The deputation comprised: Messrs O. J. Hawken and J. R. Corrigan, M’sP., with Messrs T. A. Winks (chairman), H, D. Forsyth, and George H. Inickeridge (members of the executive oi the South Taranaki Co-operative Dairy Companies’ Federation). Mr Co.rrigan said the purpose of the deputation was to secure a financial subsidy from the Government towards the payment of the salary of the diemist in charge of the laboratory to be established a.t Hawera. Mr Winks, who was the principal speaker, pointed to several difficulties that the association had to iontend with. The Babcock test bad not luren reliable in many cases, and chemical analysis often revealed serious discrepancies. The proposed laboratory would be utilised for the purpose of checking the test. Another difficulty was in the variations in different parts of churnings; managers were afraid to u Ol k closely to the full legal limit. \ third difficulty was in the neutralising of acidity in cream. Last year there were adverse reports, mostly in ‘‘onnection with the fact that flavour had dexeiiorated greatly on the voyage to Eng-, land, and bi-carbonate of soda was distinctly noticeable when freights reached there. Yet another difficulty was in .regard to water. In the Hauraki I’Uuns water was impregnated with boric acid ; at another centre with iron. Chemical analysis alone revealed these troubles. If the Government could see its way to paying a sum equal to the salary of a chemist, £BOO for two years, they would be able to take over the responsibility after that. The Minister said that the matter had been under his consideration, and the question yet to be decided was as to the actual site. He realised that losses were occurring, owing to the lack of scientific chemical laboratory analysis and research, and intended to do something practical to assist the industry. He would submit the matter to Cabinet at a convenient time, and endeavour to secure the assistance they had asked.