N.D.A. CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 181, 3 July 1931, Page 7

N.D.A. CONFERENCE.

REVIEAV BY DELEGATE.

THE OUTSTANDING FEATURES. “From the point of view of a butter factory delegate the National Dairy Conference was disappointing, but no less interesting, as it was a 100 per cent, cheese conference,” commented a prominent, Alanawatu Dairy Company representative this week when reviewing the discussions which took place at New Plymouth. “This led us to believe,” he added, “that there was nothing wrong with our butter, but something radically wrong with our cheese, though I must say tlie position was faced manfully. The conference was attended by nearly 600 delegates from all over New Zealand. It was the largest attendance ever witnessed, and the .proceedings were the most important yet held. “The annual meeting of the National Dairy Association, preceding the actual conference, was productive of several interesting discussions. Following the address delivered by the Alinister of Agriculture (Hon. A. J. Aturdoch) at the conference things sthrted to move. The Alangatoki remit calling for the appointment of an administrative head for the industry was carried, and a committee was established to make recommendations later to the conference. The members of this committee are to be complimented oil the able manner in which they brought their proposals beiore the collide nee in the very short time which they had at their disposal. This concluded the first day’s proceedings and, as tlie hall was too small to accommodate the huge gathering, the venue of the conference was changed to the Opera House. “Addresses were delivered by Mr AV. Al. Singleton, Professor AY. Riddet, Dr. E. Alarsden, Air A\ 7 . A. lorns and Air Dynes Fulton, as well as other prominent men, on the two following days. The discussions on the remits were very interesting and some sound arguments were advanced by the Alanawatu delegates. Apparently the Dairy Produce Board is in good favour with most delegates, as three remits regarding the reduction of its personnel and dispensing with the Government nominees, and also a suggestion that a vote of producers he taken on tlie question of the retention or abolition of the hoard, were all lost. Personally I think that the farmer should have a say in this matter, as he pays for the retention of the board by a levy on his butterfat. “The milk grading remit was the subject of a long and animated discussion, and was eventually approved by a majority of four votes. Considering the difficult times which the farmers are passing through, it will certainly come at a bad time, necessitating heavy expense to every farmer supplying cheese, especially tire small man who is finding it hard to kec-j> liis head above water. Nothing perhaps may eventuate, because although the remit was carried, it was by suclr a small majority. On the other hand, we must bear in mind that we have to put a superfine article on the Home market and to do this we must have superfine constituents from the beginning. or else lose the market. “The remit suggesting a return to full-cream cheese in place of the standardised product was by far the most important before the conference, and was carried by a large majority. It was noticed that there were some very strong points aired at the conference in favour of the retention of standardised cheese, but this is a matter for comment by the leading cheese factory, delegates.

“The opinion of many delegates was that the method of voting was of a crude nature, and there was no check on the right to vote. There should he something more business-like when the conference is held next year. The speaking on the remits was much too prolonged, and some delegates did not have the opportunity of advancing their views. lam not in any way reflecting on the capacity of the chairman, Air A. Atorton, to handle such a large gathering. He is a wonderful man and well deserved the beautiful grandfather clock which was presented to him in recognition of his twenty years’ service.

“Tire decision to hold next . year’s conference in Palmerston North met with loud applause, and wo trust that the citizens will give to the delegates and their wives just as good a reception as that which we received in New Plymouth,” he concluded.