The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1937. CO-OPERATIVE DAIRYING.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1937. CO-OPERATIVE DAIRYING.

Tiik question of co-operative dairying has been rife in this district for several years, and it is pleasing to learn in the interests of those to tofonio associated in the movement, that the negotiations which have been :n progress for some time are about to reach the climax. The local central factory is to become the property of the AVestlnnd Co-operative Dairy Company Ltd., and will absorb the Koka-tahi-Waitaha factories, while suppliers in Arahura, Totara and South AA estland are joining up in the central concern. The new concern will be under the former management and district representatives will be r ”- pointed to the new directorate. This action reaches a stage suggested in the main by bbc Dairying C OHimis.si.oii>

which is aiding co-operative dairying as a set system for the Dominion as a whole. Many districts arc adopting the policy, and Westland appears w be falling into line. The procedure has 1 been possible by reason ol the central factory here, established originally for Ihe purpose of bringing about co-oper-ative dairying. The Manager, Mr 11. T. Parry, who has had much experience with factory management, not only brought the local concern to a high pitch of success, but also t( ok the initiative in rendering possible the creation of the new company. Ho was aided also by Mr Mark Wallace of Kokatahi, who realising the benefits of the objective, took early occasion to meet the central management, and negotiated a sale basis ’which was confirmed ultimately by a meeting cf suppliers. Since then the necessary steps were taken to augment the strength of the new company, which has been supported generally. Portion of Arahura and South Westland are not yet within the scheme, but there is an open door, and once the major scheme is in running order it will bo possible to continue the negotiations. The adoption' of the principle of cooperation in its fullest sense should be of value to the suppliers, who will then derive the full return for their produce without assistance from proprietary interests. The management will he in the hands of the settlers, who now that there is a guaranteed price for all surplus produce, can turn lull attention to quality and in securing the fullest service to themselves in the conduct of their business. No doubt with a guaranteed price it is important to see that quality is maintained and so receive the highest grade price. AA’ith the absence oi competition for supplies, full attention can be devoted to the handling of cream to the host advantage, and the internal economy of the factory can have the fullest attention. By the centralising of manufacture many savings should be brought into effect. Th'at was the ideal in mind when the local factory was first launched, and the experience has been to demonstrate the practicability of the movement. The settlors are to be congratulated 011 coming together in the manner in which they have, and to hope as an outcome of the new unity created. the dairying industry of the district will enter on a greater era of prosperity for the future.