DAIRY INDUSTRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 232, 30 August 1938, Page 12

DAIRY INDUSTRY

REXDALE COMPANY’S MEETING

SEASON IN REVIEW.

Mr T. H. Verry, chairman of directors, was in the chair at the 29th annual meeting of the Rexdale Co-opera-tive Dairy Co., Ltd. “The Government commandeer of dairy produce continues and will be in force again during the coming season, althougn no basic price is yet announced,” stated the report.; “It is expected that the price will be well above that paid during the year'under review, farm and factory costs having risen to an unexpected level. The - average payment for the 1936-37 season was 14.87 d per lb of butterfht (all grades) as against our estimate of 14.166 d per lb, the additipnal return being secured from the dairy produce pool. For the season under review the average advance on butterfat (all grades) was 13.97. d per lb butterfat and the amount available in the appropriation account is equal to a further 1.76 d per lb of butterfat. After bringing the balance down from the previous year, it has been resolved to make a final payment on all butterfat of 2d per lb, and this will be available at the close of the annual meeting as usual. It is noted that the average test of 4.608 per cent, is the highest in the history of the company, and the yield of "cheese is consequently affected. It is a matter for regret that we had as much second grade milk as the statistical table indicates, and it is hoped that, during the season just opening every supplier will assist the factory staff by delivering nothing but the best article. Cheese is paid for according to grade; the higher the grade the better the price received. The farm accounts show that, after making up a loss in the first year, there is a profit of £42. 19s lid, which is carried forward. A-satisfactory position is indicated, for which reason it is not now necessary to make large provision by way of depreciation. The retiring directors are Messrs E. L. Lloyd and W R. Ross, who are eligible for reelection and have acceptad nomination.” ... , i The chairman said the year had been an uneventful one. No major work had been done. Suppliers would notice that the wages were well up, but not more than had been expected. The statistics showed a proportion of second grade and this, no doubt, was partly due to the very hot summer. , , . , Mr R. J. Smith asked why Australia paid out more than New Zealand. Mr Brechin said the Paterson scheme was responsible in part, but Australia had also done better on tlie open miirket. Messrs Lloyd and Ross were re-elect-ed directors. Mr W. C. Harrington was re-appointed auditor. The chairman read a letter from the auditor complimenting the company on its fine financial position. MILK COLLECTION.

The question of the collection of milk bv lorries was brought up by the manager (Mr L. R. Wards), who supplied a number of details. He grouped the factory’s suppliers into eight groups, wliich lent themselves for easy collecting and would take only 47 miles per day, or if the whey was to bo taken back to the farms it would be 100 miles per day. Another way would be by tank lorry, but he favouied the cans. The scheme would require two lorries. The chairman said it would assist the farmer a great deal, and would practically mean the saving .of one man’s labour. Mr Ward thought the factory would be much bigger to-day if the collection of milk had been started several years ago. Mr M. Lawson, the closest supplier, agreed that it would he a good idea. Mr Lloyd pointed out that it was already done in the Waikato. The chairman said the main factor was the time it would save. It was agreed that the directors give consideration to a scheme for milk collection by lorry.

Mr Ralph asked whether the factory had anything to gain from it. The chairman explained it would probably be an advantage and increase the supply. The factory could produce more cheese without increasing overhead. It was agreed that the scheme would probably bring the factory new suppliers and hold old ones. LABOUR SHORTAGE.

The chairman touched on the shortage of labour in the district, saying that the territory was down to bedrock, with no spare labour in the case of sickness.

Mr Jensen said he had had the position brought home to him very forcibly when the question of a position on the farm had been dealt with. They had had 32 applications, all from married couples. The single men had gone off to the public works, where they had better wages. The chairman said tho question of accommodation on farms was one of the basic reasons why there was such a shortage of labour.

Mr Wards dealt with matters in connection with the suppliers, congratulating them on the past year. The farm instructor, he said, had given, on tho whole, a very good report.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks .to tho manager and staff. A vote of thanks was also carried to the secretary and his staff.