N.Z. MARKETING ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19498, 5 June 1925, Page 4

N.Z. MARKETING ASSOCIATION.

ANNUM. MEETING. Tho annual mooting of the New Zealand Producers’ Co-operative Marketing Association was held in the Art Gallery Hall yesterday morning, when the chairman (Mr H. J. Middleton) presided over a fairly large attendance. Tne Chairman briefly moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet, and commented on tho fact that the association was in the interests of producers, Ihey were pleased to have Mr M'Farlano with them, and were glad to know that he was going back to carry on the good woi'ii ho had been engaged in during the last two years. Later he (the chairman) was going to ask Mr JVFFarlane to say, a few' words, and was sure members would be interested in listening to him. The report and balance sheet covered the ground pretty thoroughly, and ho did not propose to make any comments on cither, but would formally move their adoption. Mr Jiorsyth seconded the motion. Mr H. "iL Fisher, in the course of a few remarks, pointed out that dock charges had been reduced from 50s to 20s. Mr T. Moss -said ho was pleased to know that at the end of tho five years they had come out so well, and he hoped they would be able to show that the organisation was a strong one at the end of next year They had a great deal to thank Mr M'Farlane for. He- had been of much assistance to tho association. Mr Harper said ihey were not out to make profits. . What they wanted w 7 as a better service. Mr T. Mold said whatever premia there were came from the savings of the company. -rhey wore not piolits in the ordinary sense of the .word. From the very inception of the association his lac-lory had been loyal to it, and every pound ot cheese hud ocen put through it. ihey had nad £4i> reoate tho first year, and next voar tho rebate w T ont to pay up shareholders shares. Continuing, he said that it would bo it sorry day for the industry in the South Island if the South Island • Dairy Association went out of existence. By supporting it they were looking after the interests of tho man who did not give his support, but that was simply narrowmindedness on the part of tha£ man. If the association went out. they would ail be at tlic mercy of “the other follow. ’ Further, ho contended that in the Dairy Control Board they had the very association they wanted if tho Marketing Association only hud the necessary power. If people would only support tho Dairy Association to a greater extent it would bo a better organisation than it was to-day. Mr Annit expressed the pleasure of the shareholders in the Southland district in having the annual meeting in Dunedin, tie for one was glad indeed that ho had not been put to tiie inconvenience of crossing “that nasty strip of water/ .In conclusion, he congratulated tho association on tho successful year that had just closed. Mr Ji S. Grieve complained that tho slow manner in which they got their return was a serious drawback and a decided weakness in the company, Mr G. Herron disagreed with the previous speaker, saving that ho had always found the case to b© just tho reverse. The association, indeed, had been very prompt, h© thought. . Another speaker also paid a tribute to the work of Uio Association. Mr .Fisher said that the association filled one of the most important parts in the development of their industry. Tho organisation was to' bo complimented on the manner in w-liic.h the business was run. The animal report was then adopted. The retiring directors, Messrs E. Hardin r. (Hawke’s Bav), ,f. R. Thacker (Canterhu'ry), and A. H. Jones (Southland) were ro-oloeted. Mi- G.- D. MT'arlano (tho London rcriresenlative). in (he course of ,an interesting address on aspects of tho business from the London end, remarked that their goods had reached- the £1,500,000 mark, and when tho Control Hoard came along the association should ho brought into a strong position. At Iho present time the London agency was not getting nearly the quantity it could handle. Mr Thacker, a member of the Control Hoard, said that they need have no fear of what the board would do as long as they appointed to it men who would servo the industry and tho people. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report stated that tho quan tity of produce, handled during tho past season amounted to approximately 4 per cent, of tho total quantity of butter ex ported from Now Zealand and 10 per cent of tho cheese. This constituted a fresh record for tho association, and placed it in tho position ot being wo largest indi yidual unit in tho safe and distribution of Now Zealand butter and choose. After ■the year’s expenses had been mot, and the sum of £250 hud Jbccn written off preliminary expenses, £39 (4 9s 6<l was left, available for distribution to the shareholders. Tho directors had decided that after paying a dividend of 5 per cent, on all paid-up capital, absorbing tho sum of £206 17s 6d, tho balance be rebated to the shareholders in accordance with tho amount of business transacted with tho association, such remote to bo-in tho form of a credit against each such shareholder’s unpaid capital. This had meant that a considerable number of shareholders now had all their shares fully paid out of profits, and had received substantial amounts in cash in addition. This year’s rebate had amounted to 4 per cent, of tho commission, making the net charge 2 per cent., instead of the usual 2£. The amount of produce handled during tho season now under review was 75,154 boxes of butter and 93,490 crates of cheese, which realised the largo sum of £1,219,039 4s lOd, which showed an increase over tho previous season of £194,997 2s Id, which must be considered satisfactory. It was confidently expected that the present season’s operations will show a corresponding increase. The prices returned to consignors during tho past season were quite satisfactory, and in many cases more than held their, own with competitors.