THE CHESSE FACTORY CONVENTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7222, 10 January 1885, Page 5

THE CHESSE FACTORY CONVENTION.

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.] Hamilton, Friday. The Cheese Factory Convention was held in Hamilton Chamber of Commerce to-day, when delegates from the five cheese factories met, viz Paterangi : Messrs. German and New I and. Rukuhia: Messrs. Buttle and Steele. Cambridge: Messrs. Richardson and Kincaid. Te Awamutu: Mr. Bridgeman. Waikatoor Hamilton Factory : Messrs. Seddon and Swarbrick. Mr. Seddon occupied the .chair. The Chairman said the directors of the Waikato Cheese Factory had found an increasing difficulty in the management of the concern, owing to the fact that the directors of the other factories did not act in unison with them and with one another. There was an increasing difficulty in making remuerative sales of cheese—one factory cutting under the other. This and other reasons had rendered united action of the several factories necessary. The objects for which the Convention was held were : First, to secure a redurtion of cost of freight by land and sea ; secondly, to decide on the best external market; thirdly, to take steps towards getting a reduction of import duties on cheese in other colonies; fourthly, to consider the best means of packing the cheese; fifthly, that establishment of a cheese and butter box manufactory; and, sixthly, to frame a uniform style of balancesheet for all the factory companies, so as to enable the public and shareholders to compare the working of one factory with another. It was resolved that an association be formed, to be called the Waikato Dairy Association, to consist of the delegates of the various factories, for the purpose of watching and promoting the common interests of the dairy industry. Mr. Seddon was elected permanent Chairman, and Mr. Carter Secretary. On the motion of Mr. Newland, seconded by Mr. Bridgeman, the Chamber of 'Commerce, Hamilton, was fixed as the place of meeting. A discussion arose on the cost of freight, and it was stated that the only reply received from the Government to the application for such a reduction by the railway, was the stereotyped answer that the matter would be considered. From Te Awamutu cheese was charged £2 10s per ton, from Hamilton 45s per ton by the railway, while from New York to Liverpool, and from Liverpool by rail to the Midland counties, the whole cost was 29s per ton. It was unanimously resolved to ask the Government to reduce the railway freight on cheese to the same rate as on potatoes or similar agricultural produce, and to request the tocul members, Messrs. Lake and Whyte, to support the request. If these rates were not lowered the Government would be guilty of handicapping the local industry out of existence. With respect to freight by sea, it was stated that it was not so muoh the vessel's freight as the extra charges that mounted up to so extortionate a sum, and it was resolved th 3 Secretary should write to several Auckland shipping agents asking them to quote charge for delivering from Auckland to a London warehouse. Mr. Bridceraansaidthecheese they sent to London cost £1 6s per ton freight, charges fromTe Awamutu to London. The fact that Auckland dealers in cheese were inclined to give lowor prices this season than last season, by playing one factory against the other, wan stated, aud discussed, and it was resolved to fix a price per lb., below which no factory belonging to the association should sell within the provincial district of Auckland. The meeting then adjourned, leaving the remainder of the business for discussion at the next meeting.