Annual Meeting of Kaitaia Dairy Co., Ltd.

Northland Age, Volume XII, Issue 45, 19 August 1943, Page 1

Annual Meeting of Kaitaia Dairy Co., Ltd.

At the annual general meeting of the Kaitaia Dairy Company held in the A. and P. Hall, Kaitaia, on August XI, the Chairman of Directors, Mr. E. R. Bird, expressed concern over the decline in production over the past two years amounting to 21.64% for the Dominion. The chief factors causing this decline, he said, were drought conditions

in the Auckland Province, labour shortage, fertiliser shortage and the general discouragement of producers whose reward for their work compared unfavourably with that in other industries where a 40 hour week plus overtime with guaranteed minimum rates of pay would continue to encourage population drift from the farms to the cities. The Id increase per lb. he said won’t compensate for the decline in production, and although costs had accrued since 1939 there was no retrospective payment to offset them. In Australia a higher price had been recommended than that which was

ruling here. Statistics for their distinct showed that average factory returns per cow had dropped from 2141b5. to 1701bs. since the 1940-41 season and annual production value per cow had dropped from £ls 11/4 to £ll 15/10. Primary Production Council Speaking of the Primary Production Councils, Mr. Bird said that up to the present they had little power but might be given tremendous powers at short notice. In the Mangonui County

they had concentrated on the question of manpower for farms, and there was a move to keep them going after the war. The members of the local Council were : Messrs. W. Hoskin, C. J. Barriball, W. Vickers, F. Holder, T. Coulter, H. Parker, J. E. White, H. M. Thompson, C. B. Michie, E. R. Bird and L. A. Mclntosh, (secretary). Any district which considered that it was not adequately represented could call a meeting and have the position remedied. Fertilisers Concern was expressed by a number of shareholders at both the quantity and quality of fertiliser available, and the following resolution was passed unanimously : “That this meeting of shareholders qf the Kaitaia Dairy Company, Ltdurges upon the Government the urgent necessity of continuing to explore every possible avenue for the increase in the import of phosphates; and in order to maintain or increase production of essential foods, fertilisers should be placed in the same category as munitions of war.” Rates In a lengthy discussion on the increase in rates, Mr. Bird said that it was one of the costs that were promised would be held, that the increase was nearly all on account of hospital rate and it should be checked now. Mr. L. G. Thompson said that hospital rates should not be a charge on the land but should be a capitation charge based on the population, and that everyone should make a stand

to have the incidence changed. Mr. E. Nilsson said that the 3/increase per bed was only a drop in the bucket and would only produce an additional £SOO in rate reduction. He was in favour of direct action and agitation now as the Hospital had to have the money and the roads would suffer. Mr. C. B. Michie remarked that it was the first time that rates had been discussed at a Dairy Company meeting. Under the present system he said farmers were paying 9d or lOd in the £ towards hospital costs as against about 3Sd by other sections of the community who were getting- the same service. The following two resolutions were then passed unanimously : 1— “That this annual meeting of the Kaitaia Dairy Company protests to the Government against the raising of the Mangonui County rate as being a breach of the stabilisation principle and the promise made by the Prime Minister that “major farm costs be held.” 2 “That the incidence of hospital rating should be reviewed and that the hospital rate as a charge on the land be abolished.” Rehabilitation Mr. H. Lamb in raising the question of rehabilitation said that as yet no provision had been made by the Government for returning servicemen after nearly four years of war. He advocated the making of land available by the Government and said that existing farmers could supply all the stock needed. If millions could be spent on destruction it should be possible to provide money for production. Mr. Bird agreed that the matter was most important and that the Company would support any resolution urging the Government to break in suitable land in the district in readiness for the men when they returned. Mr. H. M. Thompson suggested the

formation of a young stock pool as had been done in Whangarei where farmers had already guaranteed 800 heifers to assist returned men in stocking their land. Mr. Nilsson said that after the land was ready for stocking an estimate should be made of its productive value to avoid the hanging of a millstone round the occupier’s neck. The breaking in of the land should be done by contract and thus keep the cost per acre at a reasonable figure. The following resolution was then passed : | “That this meeting urges upon the j Government and Rehabilitation Board the urgent necessity for the immediate development of all useful farmingland in this district for the purpose of establishing servicemen on the land immediately on their return from overseas and that this Dairy Company offers any assistance in its power.” Separator Testing The factory manager (Mr. W. R. Craig) suggested that farmers who suspected poor skimming by their separators should send .a sample of skim milk to the factoryrfur testing, and in any case he said it was advisable to have a test made twice a year to avoid possible butterfat loss. Bobby Calves Mr. Bird warned farmers that tiuek drivers would have to leave “skinners” at the gate if not up to standard and that their record last .season was one of the worst in New Zealand with 7/4 of rejects. Bobby calves were still required urgently and if they were fed and brought up to weight they might fetch up to 12/this season. Rabbit Menace Mr. C. B. Michie expressed concern at what he described as the alarming rate of increase of rabbits in the North and hoped steps might be taken to deal with the matter before they became too firmly established. It was decided to investigate the possibility of getting a Government subsidy with a view to keeping the menace under control. Election of Directors

The two retiring directors, Messrs. W. Metcalfe and H. Parker, were reelected unopposed for the coming term. .Director's Fees Director’s renumeration was fixed at the same rate as last year. Auditors There were two nominations for the post of company auditor for the ensuing year, Messrs H. C. Robinson and Sons, and Mr. L. G. Thompson, of Kaitaia. On the show of hands by the suppliers present, Messrs. H. C. Robinson and Sons were declared elected.