THE CHEESE INDUSTRY.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXVI, Issue 3454, 5 November 1915, Page 2

THE CHEESE INDUSTRY.

OPENING OF A GROUP OF FACTORIES. The official ceremony in connection with the opening of the new cheese factories at Waitoa, Ngarua and Lower Waitoa, took place at Waitoa on Wednesday. There was a surprisingly large attendance of settlers present from different parts, numbering nearly 300, and proceedings throughout were of a most pleasant and enjoyable character. Among those present were Mr B. J.> Thomas, chairman Piako County Council; Councillor J. D. Moriso'n, Te Aroha Borough Council; Mr J. A. Clothier, president Thames Valley A. P. and, H. Association ; Mr F. M. Strange, chairmain of directors of the Te Aroha Dairy Company. Apologies were read from Mr Norrell (Mayor of Te Aroha), and other gentlemen, who regretted their inability to be present. Provision has been made at' Waitoa for dealing with 5000 gallons of milk, with pasteurisation: Ngarua, 4200 gallons, without pasteurisation.

The new Waitoa factory is complete in t every detail, and well equipped for its purpose. The building is well up to the time, and the machinery and appliances are most complete, reflecting "credit on Mr E. Gillman, the architect, and E. A. Chester, the builder.

The refreshments wete latd out very temptingly,- the tables being nicely decorated, and a hot lunch provided, to which full justice was done by the guests.

The singing of the National Anthem commenced the proceedings. ■ Mr A. C. Hubbard, chairman, bt directors of the Thames Valley Dairying Company, "presided, and, proposed " The King," which was loyally honoured. ",'• ; '.'. ' v:: " /:;■■■ ■'. ...'■ y-.yy'r: 1. ■.-.' ;,;\ '

Mr Hubbard said, her was pleased to see such -a large attendance, especially of representatives of other dairying companies. It was a proud day tor the Thames Valley; suppliers. The company, .from; a small beginning 14 years ago, now had -factories turning out 8 tons dt butter / per day. The capital value of the plant was 000, and the turnover last year ,£185,000. This season they hoped the turnover would be .about 000. The cbmpany's policy, had always been progress arid advance, and they had ever endeavoured to*meet the demands of the suppliers. H6 outlined the circumstances which had led to the erection of the Waitoa cheese factory! Waitoa now had one :of the most up to-date and largest cheese factories m the province. The Waitoa factory was ,hardly complete, but they had decided to hold the opening:function before the vats were installed and operations commenced; The sup-\ pliers were hardly unanimous in going m for cheese, so it had been decided to keep on the creamery as well; but he was sure they would all recognise later the manufacture ot cheese was best;* Unless 'Something unforeseen happened, the makers of cheese were going to get* a better return than butter makers. Butter had decreased in price owing to people haying been compelled, by the high prices rilling, to go in fbr substitutes. He coupled the toast with the names of Mr Scherer, who bad taken a prominent part at Ngarua, Mr Wagtaff, Eastport Road, and Mr Hansen, Waitoa. Mr Hubbard expressed pleasure »in declaring the factory open. .' Several other gentlemen spoke; Mr, Scherer stating that during the last six years cheese had gradually gone up in price, until now the excess of cheese exports over butter was £100,000 in; value. :

Altogether the funcition proved a happy and profitable gathering, and a toast " The Boys at the Front. practically terminated the proceedings as several needed to catch the afternoon express homewards. ,•'.■■'