Sharing the Cost of Dairy Instruction

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7031, 15 December 1932, Page 8

Sharing the Cost of Dairy Instruction

ADDRESS TO REPRESENTATIVE MEETING-.

A gathering of farmers and dairy company directors was yesterday addressed at a special meeting of the Manawatu and West Coast Dairy Association by Mr. W. M. Singleton, director of the dairy division of the Department of Agriculture, on the question of dairy farm instruction. The speaker was extended a welcome by the chairman, Mr. A. C. Broadbelt. Mr. Singleton explained that his desire to meet those interested in tho industry had been brought about largely by the withdrawal of one of the companies in the group which, while not affecting his department, had the effect of increasing the cost of the dairy instructors to the other companies. Reviewing the history of tho block movement, lie stated that the agreement permitted either the association or tho department to withdraw on giving six months’ notice, but the companies had taken it that they as individuals could withdraw on giving the necessary notice. There were some unsatisfactory features about the system as operating and he suggested that each year a meeting should be hold about tho month of December to review the position and to ascertain the intentions of tho participating companies. It was unnecessary, ho added, for him to stress the value of tho dairy instructors, but he did desire to stress the necessity for factories to aim at a high standard of quality at the present time more than ever before.

Mr. Sawyers, a departmental officer, outlined the cost to the individual factories as a result of the defection of the company mentioned when based on the returns of butterfat for the 193.1-02 season. The withdrawing company had paid £93 and this sum had to bo distributed among the other companies, although there was a prospect that the expected increased returns would not entail the increase estimated. Mr. R. Davis .(Mangawhata Company) supported Mr. Singleton’s contention that quality should bo aimed at and that it was necessary for the supervision to be continued. Mr. N. Campbell (Awahuri Company) also maintained that the inspection was highly advantageous, for the presenting on the London market of some inferior produce would do harm to New Zealand produce as a whole. He sincerely hoped that the withdrawing company would come back again. Mr. Singleton stated that there was no reflection upon tho withdrawing company, the meeting had been called merely to consider the course, of action to be taken as a resllt of the defection of that company.

Representatives f>em the Cheltenham, Eangitikei, Kongotea, Bainesso and Whakarongo companies supported the present system and a motion that it be a recommendation to tho companies in the block to continue the scheme was moved by Mr. Davis. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion, which was carried.

Mr. Davis further moved that a subcommittee consisting of Messrs. Broadbelt, Campbell and Davis be set up to consider ways and means of improving tho system. Mr. Robin (Bainesse) seconded the motion, which, when put to the meeting, was carried. At the request of the meeting, Mr. Devino consented to confer with the sub-committee.

Mr. Bingicton stressed the desirability that companies should carry the scheme through the season and, that it be after the annual review, that a company desiring to withdraw should give notice of its intention, which would take effect the following winter.

Mr. Knudsen advanced the suggestion that unless notice of withdrawal was given before January 31, the company would, perforce, have to continue with the system through tho following season. Tho speaker moved that the contract in the group be amended, so that it became obligatory to the company to give notice, before January 31 in any year of its intention to withdraw from tho farm inspection system the following season. , Mr. Purcell (Cheltenham) seconded the motion and when put to the meeting was carried. The chairman, in thanking those present for their attendance, expressed the hope that somo benefits rvouitt re-' suit.