MAUNGATAPERE.

Northern Advocate, 20 July 1915, Page 1

MAUNGATAPERE.

DAIRY COMPANY'S MEETING.

A SATISFACTORY YEAR.

Keen Interest was taken in the annual meeting of the Maungatapere Dairy Company which was 'held in th 0 hall yesterday. About 80 shareholders were in attendance.

Mr W. Cutforth presided, and he was supported by directors J. Leng, J. Hayward, A. E. Phillips, F. G. Watson, D. Kerr, G. S: B. Morrison; with tlusecretary (Mr L. Markham), and the manager (Mr T. R.. McCarthy).

The balance-sheet showed a substantial surplus of £3510 4s 2d, and the directors proposed a dividend of 5 per cent, on paid-up capital, amounting to about £143, and to distribute to shareholders a bonus of 2%d per lb on. butter-fat supplied September 1 to April 30, absorbing about £2809, anci to donate £50 to war fund, leaving a balance to be carried forward of about £179. GRADING. Mr Hawken questioned the system of grading. • He complained that it gave the factory manager, too mucn power. He also contended that second grade cream should be made into second grade butter. The chairman pointed out that such a proposal was impracticable. The quantity of second grade butter would only represent a quarter of a box for churning, the amount of second grade cream being so small. The manager explained the system of grading. Mr Leng pointed out that according to the Government Dairy Commissioner the system of grading in use had increased the standard of butter last year to a higher point than in any previous year. On the motion of Mr Bray it was decided that the present system of grading stand. MOTOR 'BUS SERVICE. The chairman announced that the County Council had stopped the running of Messrs Hardie Bros.' motor 'bus which had th e company's contract for carting goods and butter to and from Whangarei. He asked that the members sign a petition which would be put forward asking the County Council to alter their by-laws to permit the resumption of the 'bus service. Mr A. E. Phillips explained why the County Council had stopped the 'bus running, and its effect on the roads in winter. OF THE DIRECTORS. f\ The chairman brought up the question of the payment of directors. He thought they should be paid, and that the meetings should be held in the day time so that those who lived at a distance could attend. Mr Leng proposed, and it was carried, that the directors should be paid 10s for each meeting attended, twelve meetings to be held annually. It was left to the directors to meet as they might arrange. AUDITOR. Mr G. A. Esther, Whangarei, was appointed auditor for the year, tin books to be audited quarterly, at £15 15s per annum, no travelling expenses to b e paid. CARTING CHARGES. Mr A. E. Phillips suggested that suppliers whose farms were at a distance should pay more for carting than those at a shorter distance. He considered it an injustice that those who were near the factory should pay the same price as those who lived so far as 30 miles away. In some cases suppliers did their own carting. They derived nothing from the company's carting yet they paid the same as others reaping the benefit. In opposition it was suggested that those who were near the factory were fortunate in their position. Thoy had the further advantages appertaining ia closer settlement, and conditions should not be made harder fo, , he outside settlers 'Whose cream 'was just as necessary to the factory.

■Mr C. R. Millington suggested a radius scheme with various prices. The chairman pointed out th.v. a radius scheme led to objections from those living immediately beyond any radius. Mr J. Haywaid emphasised chat on the formation of the company it was laid down that carting should be .lone at an equal charge to all. The chairman observed th.at the carting for the company cost less than in the case of any other northern company but one. Suggestions were also made by a number of outside settlers that those who had to cart their cream to the regular run or to the factory, should be paid. Mr H. Cleary asked if the inside suppliers were now too proud to be connected with those who put them on their feet in the beginning, viz;., the outside suppliers? He proposed that the old system continue. Mr Mc'Kinley seconded. There was no amendment and the motion was carried unanimously. PATRIOTIC FUXD3. Mr Holster proposed tii.it the company devote one half-penny per pound on butter-fat to the war fund until t'.ie war ends. The chairman said a war tax was to be levied and he thought it would ho better to wait until the end of the year and vote a lump sum. The company had voted £100 (two sums of JJii-J) already. It was not fair for them to pay double. Mr Holster said the Maungatapere company was the onl'- one not making a payment on butter-fat aud they would not feel one half-penny per pound. The chairman said other companies had not made a lump sum vote. Mr Hayward seconded Mr Holster's proposal. The company had made money out of the war aud he thought they ought to give some back.

Mr Holster agreed to a suggestion that his resolution should take effect for twelve months. The chairman pointed out that one half-penny on buttsr-fnt per pound would mean about £GSO. Mr. deary proposed an amendment that one-eighth of a penny be the levy, but the amendment was lost. Mr Leng then proposed a further amendment that a lump sum be voted If the directors thought advisable at the end of the year. This was carried without dissent. DIRECTORS /APPOINTED. Messrs Fraser and Watson wore elected directors. Mr Fraser filled the vacancy caused by Mr W. Cutforth's retirement and Mr Watson was re-elected.