DAIRY INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1938, Page 6

DAIRY INDUSTRY

A COMPANY MEETING

(Per Press Association—Copyright). HAMILTON, August 25. “The second year under the Guaranteed: Price Scheme has fun its courste,- and-owing to good ’realisations, and after allowing for a supplementary payment, a fairly substantial credit is assured in the Dairy ludiisytry Account,” commented Mr W. MarIshall,- Acting-Chairman of Directors ;of the New Zealand Dairy Company, |at tiiei annual meeting to-day, “This will, in all probability, be carried forward; but it is inherent in the scheme ’ that, at some date, as values fall, a deficit will he encountered.

“The scheme, as it affects the producer,! has been a fertile source of discussion in the industry, and it is exceedingly gratifying to record that, at every iioniinion gathering of representatives, held during the year, complete unanimity was reached. 1 think the Dairy Board lias proved its value as an executive'of: the industry, The National Dairy' Federation has demon.strated its .usefulness, and the Farmers’ Ujiiop lias shown breadth of vision. The* cumulative effect of this has been to obtain an agreement with the Government, ’ which was acceptable to tlie representatives of the industry) as to the. procedure to be followed [in] advising what the price should be. “A reduction of G.o per cent in general production recorded for: the ■Dominion/as a whole, is a serious matter for. the industry, and the country; and it so happens that wp have readied' the peak of dairy production in the Auckland province. It must have '['ar-fe&cliihg' consequences, tor The industrial activity associated witn ..developmental, work, from the point ■of commencement on the .farm to cite ;placiiig of the produce f.o;b., has contributed in no small ■ measure to the rapid adyadcenienl of the province,” added • Ajr Marshall. “Reasons n»r* the decline .which, I think, require attention,../u;p a difficulty in obtaining suitable f.a.,i;m labour, and diseases in stock. Undoubtedly, the former, is the greater,-contributing factor, and it is (imperative that some change should b.e effected before further harm is done.”

The (compensating price campaign ■was supported by the shareholders of the Company and it was decided to contribute Gd . per ton on the butter and ,3d per ton on the cheese manufactured by the Company, such assistance to continue for one year.