HALCOMBE

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3432, 21 August 1926, Page 10

HALCOMBE

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A meeting- of the suppliers of the Cheltenham Dairy Co. was held in the Hall on Tuesday morning, when Mr. O. Hull (manager), Mr. C. Dormer (managing director) and Mr. W. McLennan (director) wore present. Mr. Dormer (chairman) addressed the meeting, regretting the small attendance. as these country meetings were held with the intention of getting into direct touch with the suppliers, and such opportunities were few. The balance-sheet, of which all were cognisant, must bo considered satisfactory, considering the difficulties experienced during the season. The season had opened with a specially bad spring, followed by a dry summer, which had had the effect of decreasing supplies to the amount of 200 tons. However, the balancesheet compared favourably with other companies. The pay-out was a little loss than last year. Owing to (ho prolonged strike, the early supplies of butter which usually realised the highest prices, had been held up in Wellington. The strike had also had the effect of increasing the overhead charges for storage, transport duties, extra interest, etc. The packing expenditure was lower, owing to decreased production. The company’s bonus for the season would be ltd which would be paid out at the end of the month or the beginning of next.

Touching on herd testing, Mr. Der-’ mcr stated that the number tested during the season was disappointing, probably due to the bad season, in - ducing the farmer to think it was not worth while. The speaker urged the dairymen to give this matter their serious consideration, as fully half ot the dairy cows wore • not producing more than 2001bs. of butter-fat tor the season, which amount did not pay, for their upkeep, pointing out, t a . some cases this could really bo traced to underfeeding. Regarding the pig farm results showed that it had turned out a profitable proposition. In years tenders for the refuse milk had only brought in £6l 4s l«d yearly whereas the profits from the pig farm had realised £323 2s lOd, which must be considered encouraging. Tho speaker enlarged on I' lo g . work done by tho North Island miry Companies’ Pig Association, whose object, was to get as many Pigs exported as possible, which would create a better local demand. An effo t being made to extend branches of the Association over the country; th local price would then bo. governed by the export price, and he urged the suppliers to give the movement, every support, which would carry with it no liabilities. Referring to the Dairy Control, which comes into force next month, after prolonged organised opposition, voting papers had been issued to shareholders, but only one-third had used them, but the large majority had been in favour of full control. Under the. new system tho supplies of each company would have a vote on the tonnage basis, limited to butter v inch is exported. After careful consideration the company together with ot.icr companies, had decided in favour Ov cream grading, which bill was before Parliament at the present time, and was almost certain to be passed. The company were confident of being able to collect samples ot cream which would do away with the necessity ot keeping each supplier's cream separMr. Dormer specially stressed the necessity of better breeding, testing, and feeding. The country 10-day was not so good as it used to be, as everything had been taken out of .he land, and very little put back, and tho dairyman could not hope to carry on successfully without resorting to top-dressing .and making Provision for winter and spring feeding. The feeding was the most vital point today. and demanded the earnest attention of all those engaged in the dairying industry.

Mr. Hull, who spoke, on the proposed cream grading, said that in the event of it becoming law it would be necessary to grade the whole of the cream at the factory and pay out on the grade. Working on a basis of Is 6d per lb., first grade would receive Is Rd. superfine grade Is R*d. and second grade Is Rd. which system should induce the dairyman to produce agcod article. For a period of 10 years the Cheltenham Company had obtained a good average grade, over 03 points which spoko well for the quality of cream supplied, but unfortunately there were a few who did not supply good cream. If thi«? Bill was passed, the speaker proposed to bring in half pint supplies •in bottles, taking out a small sample for butter-fat testing. Those careless enough to obtain a second grade test, would receive a visit from the company’s farm and dairy instructor, who would proceed to that farm and endeavour to correct the trouble. Referring to testing. Mr. Hull pointed out that every sample was held over for a period of five days after testing, and anyone dissatisfied with their test should make a point of visiting j the factory where the sample would j be rc-tostcd. as the company was out, to give a square deal. Mr. Hull, whnj * 3S resigned the managership of the company in favour of a position on | the Hairy Division Board, .said that) owing to that fact, he was able to; say that, Tor the whole of the seven years he. had been with the company, one and a,ll had worked whole-heart-, edly for the. success of the company. Mr. Me Ben nan also added a few words, endorsing the previous speakers' remarks, and commenting on the working and economical methods employed at the factory. On the motion of Mr. .1. B 1 linden, Mr. Hull was congratulated on the grade of butter produced during his managership. On the motion of Mr. W. B. Kaulding, | the director and manager of the pigi farm were congratulated on the suc-j cess made of the business. Mr. Dernier, in replying, said thanks were mainly due to Mr. Sinclair. On the motion of Mr. BUmdon, seconded by Mr. Elgar, a vote of

thanks was accorded Mr. Hull for his valued services. Mr. Hull, in replying, stated that for seven years ha had done his very best in furthering the interests of the company. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded ihf meeting.