Bigger Batter Production Need Indicated

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1942, Page 2

Bigger Batter Production Need Indicated

Questions affecting the dairy industry throughout New Zealand were considered at the annual meeting of the Bay of Plenty Dairy Association, at which the northern ward member of ihc Dairy Board (Mr. A. J. Murdoch) and the secretary (Mr. C. If. Courtney) were present. Mr. Murdoch returned to Whangarei yesterday. The conference discussed the new prices for belter and cheese and, while recognising that every effort had been made by the Dairy Industry Council in securing the best prices possible for dairy produce, the consensus of opinion was that they did not in any way meet the extra costs involv'd in production. However, under the present difficult conditions the association felt that il should not make any protests. (Heater Butter Needs Increases were being paid from the fund accumulated by the dairy industry's own efforts, it was staled, but an assurance was given that producers in the Eav of Plenty district would still continue to exert their best efforts to maintain and, if possible, increase production for the nresent season. Speaking on behalf of the Dairy Board, Mr. Murdoch impressed on delegates the necessity ol' increasing, if possible, the butter production, as there were indications that a greater amount might be required this year, while at the same time the yield of ](10,000 tons of cheese should be maintained. Labour Difficulties A good deal of apprenension was expressed by delegates regarding the amount of labour available for the season, and while il was felt that perhaps at the present time manpower committees were giving more consideration to farm labour called up for military service, the conference was of the opinion that this*question required the urgent and serious consideration of the Government.

Regarding fertilisers, it was realised that production would be difficult this year on account of the curtailment of superphosphate fertiliser supplies, with its resultant effect on production generally. It, was considered that the Minister for Agriculture should make an announcement at the earliest possible date regarding the allocation of fertilisers for the season.

Transport, Pig Supplies

The question of transport was also considered by the conference, which expressed an opinion that any serious inroads into the contracting and carrying systems of dairy companies would have a derogatory effect on producers’ services, and the Dairy Board was asked to keep a close watch on the position.

When pig supplies were being discussed, the conference suggested that the Minister might make a pronouncement on the'subject, as there had been some indication that corkers might be required more than ba'coners.

Last year the Bay of Plenty producers were urged to make heavy plantings of maize and as a result heavy crops were produced. Prospects, it was stated, were not so good this year as there were difficulties in securing' labour, and as a result smaller 1 areas would be sown.