DAIRY INDUSTRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 227, 24 August 1929, Page 4

DAIRY INDUSTRY

WHAKARONGO FACTORY. SHAREHOLDERS’ ANNUAL MEETING. The 16th annual meeting of shareholders of the Whakarongo Co-opera-tive Dairy Coy., Ltd., was held in the. Whakarongo Hall last evening, Mr T. Ranford presiding. An apology for absence was received from Mr F. S. Mcßae. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report stated that the year had been a very successful one. “A number of the company’s old suppliers resumed supplying the company and some new ones realised the advantages of supporting the local company, with 'lie result that there has been a gratifying increase in the quantity of butter-fat handled. We are pleased to say that tho indications point to a still further increase during the coming season,” continued the report. “During last year we were fortunate in making some very satisfactory sales of parcels of butter and we have now disposed of tho major portion of next season’s make at what appears to be the peak price for the Dominion, and this should inspire confidence with our suppliers. Casein has again justified its introduction into our operations and has enabled us to pay 2id to milk suppliers for this commodity. Suppliers will be pleased to learn that an equally good, or better, payout is practically assured for the coming season in regard to casein. A further payment will be made on account of last season’s supplies, this being provided for, and it will make the average payment for butterfat in the vicinity of Is 6d (which must be regarded as very satisfactory for a company receiving practically all whole milk) plus 21 d to milk suppliers on account of casein.” CHAIRMAN'S REPORT. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, 'the chairman remarked that the company had come through the past year very well. Although it had not been possible to sell the whole of the butter made, very good, prices ha i been received for the parcels sold. Already, the directors had made what was tne peak sale for New Zealand, the price being Is 6d less lcl for make until Febiuary, which included the major portion of the output for the year. November, December, January and February were the flush months aud, although slightlr higher prices might be hoard of, the speaker was confident that no factory would pay a higher price over the period- than Whakarongo. It was gratifying to know that the tonnage last year had increased by 41 tons. This was no doubt due to top-dressing and the better handling of the herds, and an increased supply to the factory. There was every prospect of a further increase this year. Compared with other companies, the cartage expenses bad been very low, and it had been the aim of tho directors to keep the factory in a very efficient condition. Strict attention had been given to the plant and great credit was due to the manager in that respect. The staff had given every satisfaction and were very efficient, while the manager had again demonstrated Ins ability to work the factory in a most capable and economic manner. The company was also fortunate in having a capable secretary in Air E. B. Jennings, who spared no pains in his study, of the company’s affairs. ■ Proceeding, Air Ranford said that the question of the collection of both cream and milk was rapidly coming to >.he front as a prominent matter in the industry. Factories in Taranaki were already picking, up inilk and this, would possibly have to be done elsewhere in tlie near future. At Whakarongo this had been a means of keeping the milk at the factory and last season a lorry had been put on for the collection. At present the directors were considering the question of arranging the collection on a contract basis. The drainage problem at the factory had bpen satisfactorily solved and a. contract let for certain work. Hie directors had decided to pay a bonus of ti-10d for new milk for the year and id on cream. It was hoped that the bonuses would be paid about the 20th or next month. In -conclusion, Air Ranford expressed tlie opinion that the company was entering the new year; with everything in its favour and a good season could be expected. Mr C. Puklowski seconded the motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. GENERAL. Air J. Lynch considered that the cost of collection was too high. It had, he said, cost id per lb. of butterfat. The chairman stated that the matter was regarded as important bv the directors and would be considered at an early date —in fact as early as possible. Air AI. E. Knudsen thought that the matter should have been given greater consideration at an earlier date, as it would be an awkward matter to introduce a change in the system once the season had started. Air Byers was also of the opinion that the cost of collection needed careful investigation and consideration. Air Lynch moved that it be a recommendation to the directors that the cartage question be considered immediately and this was agreed to. Air T. T. Jones asked if the amount of £SOO for fuel for tlje season could not be reduced. The chairman stated that the manager had effected a saving, but about three times more casein had been made last season than in the previous season, and this had accounted for an increase of 41 tons of fuel. The report and balance-sheet were then adopted. Air AI. E. Ivnudsen was elected to a vacancy on the directorate. On the motion of Air D. Prince, seconded by Air Byers, the chairman and directors were granted the usual honoraria. The directors and staff were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for services rendered during the past year on the motion of Air Lynch seconded by Air AI. Smith. -Air Knudsen returned thanks tor having been elected to The- directorate Air. A T. Bend all was 're-appointed auditor for tho ensuing year, and the “Standard” was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for reporting,the meeting. ' At a. subsequent meeting of directors, Mr Ranford was re-elected chairman for the tenth successive year.