CO-ORDINATED CONTROL

Hawera Star, Volume L, 16 February 1931, Page 4

CO-ORDINATED CONTROL

DAIRY INDUSTRY’S PROBLEMS “LIKE A SHIP WITHOUT A CAPTAIN. MR T. A. WINKS ENDORSES SUGGESTION.

“In the matter of leadership of the industry I agree with the ‘Star’ that something in the nature of more direct control is necessary if we are to have satisfactory results in manufacture and marketing,” said Mr T. A. Winks, a member of the Dairy Board, to a representative of the “Hawera Star” when interviewed on Saturday on coordinated control of the dairy industry, the subject of Thursday’s leading article. “There is certainly a lack of cohesion between tho various organisations operating on behalf of the industry,” lie added. “While I maintain that each body is doing good service within its own sphere, the industry is like a ship without a captain. There is no one to say ‘do this particular thing and I will abide by the consequences.’ “The Control Board is an elective body with certain export powers, and by an amendment of the Act it could be vested with the internal authority that would make it a power in the manufacturing of our produce. My opinion is that it should be the supreme head of the industry. I can see no reason why a general conference of the various associations could not be called for the purpose of discussing the question, and I believe it would be welcomed by everybody concerned. It is quite possible that some of the smaller organisations could be done away with. “In regard to the scientific side of the industry I am more than ever convinced that we cannot afford to neglect this aspect of our business. There is no manager who, can say his vats of v cheese are going to be uniform from day to day because of the fact that we have imported or created certain bugs that have a detrimental effect on the produce and the nuyiagers . are powerless to- combat them; that is a scientist’s job, and it passes my comprehension why our local laboratory is not more used by the managers of the member companies. Surely they don’t think they know more than Mr Veale in connection with the scientific side. . I know managers who have followed his instructions and have improved their output out of all knowledge. ‘ ‘ There are certain murmurings in regard to Massey College not being useful. I know of the work being done there, and we will undoubtedly benefit by the investigations of Professor Riddet if we will only work with him and not against him. A greater co-ordina-tion is desirable in the scientific department if we are to get the best results. “I would like to take this opportunity of congratulating the ‘Star’ on the fearless way it comments on the genuine faults of the industry. It does not stint its praise where due, nor does it withhold its criticism when occasion arises. ’ ’

PRODUCE BUTTER’S VIEWS. WORK FOR CONTROLLING BODY.

In the opinion of a dairy produce buyer, also interviewed on Saturday, such a controlling authority as had been suggested could render am immense service to the industry if it did nothing else than make a careful study of the markets and see that what was required was supplied. He considered that uniformity. of brand, and flavour of cheese and butter was highly undesirable, .and mentioned that in the past some factories’ produce had commanded a premium on the market. Since the introduction of uniformity of brand and flavour incentive to individual efforts in improving supply had been destroyed, and instead of competition in pay-out, as at present, it would be for the industry’s good if there were competition in. quality. There was no uniformity of taste in anything ,and flavours were a particular sales point in cheese as well as butter. The need for a reversion to individual factory brands and flavours was never more apparent than at present, but it would take a considerable time to repair the damage caused by the introduction of uniformity. It was also more than over necessary to educate factory managers so that they might have the necessary qualification to ensure the manufacture of the best possible article, and the re-establishment of the dairy school would be a big step in that direction.