CHEESE PRODUCTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 142, 17 May 1941, Page 8

CHEESE PRODUCTION

At a meeting of the Manawatu and West Coast Dairy Companies’ Association, this week, the problems besetting the industry in the change-over from butter to cheese were discussed. Attention was drawn to the shortage .of milk cans, vats, presses and other equipment, while the difficulty of securing additional skilled labour, a position already aggravated by the war, was stressed. One member said his factory had a staff of five and to run. a double shift, as suggested by the Government, would require a total staff of 18. Another company had appealed for its manager and first assistant, who had been called up in the] overseas ballot, and they had been in-1 formed that they should got married] men. To make the fullest use of the i equipment- available, it was probable that twice-daily deliveries of milk and double skiffs at the factories would be insisted on, also that factories which had idle vats would be required to hand them to factories which could make use of' them, it was stated. The meeting decided to ask the Dairy Division to give instructions in writing to dairy factories concerning the quantities of cheese they were expected to make during the coming season, and to advise them what new equipment and additional labour would be available. Dissatisfaction with the present system of charging for manure, whereby sacks are extra, was also expressed. It was decided to ask the Government to secure a reversion to the old system. with the charge including the sacks. A resolution of sympathy with the widow and family of the late Mr J. B. McEwen, of Wellington, was passed