DAIRYING REPRESENTATIVES. CONFERENCS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2205, 4 June 1896, Page 24

DAIRYING REPRESENTATIVES. CONFERENCS.

Amee'ing of delegates representing various dairy factories in South Otago and Southland was held at Gore on Friday afternoon. The meeting was called by Mr James M'Lauohlan, secretary of the Wyndhanj Dairy Factory Company, who iook the initiative on a similar occasion last year, when the meeting was held at Bdendale. The following delegates were in attendance : — J. Mac Gibbon and W. Dawson (Gore) ; Jas. Milne, Jao. Cusbnie, Jas. Sawern, and Jas. M'Laucblan (Wyndham) ; W.*Dunlop (Island) ; D. Doull (Oretcont) ; Smaill (Inohclutha); A. Diokie, W. Pryde, and T. MacGibbon (Mjitaura) ; A. Mason (TapmuO ; Sonneso (-iparimO ; John Laidlaw (Waiauiwa) ; J. Kfllly and M. Heenan (Waime*) ; A. Wayte, Gavin D/okson, and D. Archibald (Obamita) ; A. Shirley and Jas. C.-aig (Edeudale) ; W. Sawers (Stirling) ; R. BalUntyne (Glenhf.m) ; and A. Gait (Mararua). Mr J. R. Scott (secretary National Dairy Association, Dunedin) and Mr J. T. Lang (Government dairy instructor) were also present. Mr James Milne (Wyndhatn) was vcted to the chair, and explained tha object of tbe meeting was to consider the proposals to be brought forward at the annu^d meeting of the Dairy Association in Dunedin on June 9. He hoped the various questions to be brought forward would be carefully goce into. • The Seoretary (Mr J. M'Lsiuchlan) read the committal's report on cheese boxes, showing that after last meeting the committee appointed had bsen enabled to mylffi arrangements whereby the "ring" for keeping the price of timber up had bsen broken ; also, that petitions for reductions of rail way freights, arising out of the last meeting, had been numerously signed, but the efforts had b=en without avail. .-/ HUTUAT, FIRE INSURANCE. Mr Scott explained tbe steps that had been taken regarding an effort to obtain cheaper insurance rates for factories. In oonsequence of representations he had made he had been enabled _to obtain insurance for a number of faotories at 10s per £100, but owing to want of cohesion amongst the different factories it was not possible to make the reduction universal, and now that tho insurance companies had raised their rates it would not bo possible to do anything in the matter. But Mr M'£3wan had a eohc-ms for mutual insurance, of which he (Mr Scott) did not know the details, though if they atoid together he saw no good reason why something in that direotion could not be done. Mr M'Bwan's schema, be believed, was one for mutual insurance by all factories throughont the colony, and as Government looked favourably on schemes for municipal insurance, &o , there was a possibility that some assistance might be forthcoming from them. Mr M'Ewan would explain his scheme at the con- • feronce. Mr Doull (Crescent) moved that the secretary be asked to prepare a report for the annual meeting of the association as to the lowest premiums at which insurance companies would take risks in factories and goods, and to supply all other information procurable. Mr Pryde said all the companies were bound by the tariff, so that the report would be of no avail. The Chairman suggested that some of the companies remiincd oatiide the tariff, but Mr Fcotti said suoh was not tho case; all the companies iv tho colony were bound by the 'tariff. ' Mr T. STurGribhon (Ma'au a) seconded the taoii >n pro forma. Ho did not think the nieetiog could do much, ai more light was vrauted, and until Mr M 4 Ewan, brought forward his scheme they could hardly, venture an opinion on it. Mr Cu3hnie said the motion w^s of no use seeing that cheaper rates were no"t obta ? nablo. The only thing they could do would be to waib for Mr M'Bwan's scheme, and he moved as | an amendment that the mstter be held over. Seconded by Mr Mason (Tapanui) and carried.

IHD3NTINQ StATEBIAS. Mr Scott eaid the association indented gootta for some of the largest faotories, and ainea they had commenced so doing the price, of material bad come down, and the material wai of a better class and more reliable. Combination was wanted here again. If they bad an association and a secretarj thr-y should make th^ru do j the work. The Chairman and Me Dunlop (Island) referred to the advantages thoir factories had secured through dealing through the aeaocjation. . Mr T. Mac Gibbon (Mafcaura) moved that ,the meeting approve of the prinoipte of dealing | | for material through the association. The sucoess of all the factories depended on mutual j support. If they stood by one another they would be enabled to import suoh quantities. as | would enable them to get the best material on the most favourable terms. Mr Lang (dairy expert) suggested that they should go further end endeavour to keep & small stock of necessaries on hand, referring to j I the recent c=we of introducing a batter plant into the Wyndhara Dairy Factory, when if a few small things had been easily procurable the plant would have been running hrgnod order a fortnight before it was ready under the conditions which obtained. To provide for stocking material and plant a email capital would be necessary. He would like to bear' some opinioas as to the quality of the material the association supplied, for he had heard that batter and cheaper goods could bo elsewhere obtained, and this should not be the 'case. Mr Scott thought companions would he beside the question, which was not whether the association supplied better material,' but whether the prit ciplc of their indenting for the combined factories was a correct ona. Mt Cu*hm-j (Wyadlum) said that since the as'oclation stated inciting the price of tho material h*d become cheaper, though he could not nay whether this wan in consequence of their action. Certainly th« Wyndham factory proved the goods to be better value. For Instance, half the rennet they formerly used now sufficed. The Chairman corroborated this statement. Formerly they used 4oz of rennet per 1001b of cheese ; now the quantity was 2oa. Mr J. MtcGibbon (Gore) asked how the plan would work out where the oheesemaker contracted to provide everything. He might object to take over the material, and this would 1 lead to litigation. - They in Gore had tome experience of this. - ' Mr T. MtcGibbon (Matanra) thought that trouble might be got over by making cond<t : ona in the contract, and undoubtedly if they all dealt with the association it would be in a portion through ordering the quantity to obtain boh quality and price to best advantage. The motion waa carried unanimously. HEPRESIBNTATION IN LONDON. Mr Scott said the question of a produce representative in London had been broughb up before. L°.st year the association was asked to nominate a suitable peraon, and several part'es were nominated. The matter ended up by the Government appointing Mr Gray, an appointment he did not view with great favour. He felt very strongly in favour of adopting the course of beiDg represented at the other end, and Mr M'Ewan was a strong supporter of it. It had b?en said he (fee speaker) was not disinterested, and would have no objection to taking the appcintm^nb, hut he could assure them that he would not thick of doing *o — it would not bo it him at all. Mr T. Mac Gibbon (Mataura) said the question was one that should be treated very circumspectly. Experience had not led them to. think very highly of some former appointments. If a selection were ni.ide it should be a good one, and care should ba taken to provide that tho man after ho had gained hia experience was not snapped up by seme of the cheese brokers. Mr Wai te (Otamita) said they had done all they could at this eTtd ; but a good deal remiined te be done at Home. Cool store should be provided at the landing place, and in his opinion the Government staff of graders should be takea to the other end. The money 'now spent here should be enough to give the thing a fair start there. If competent men were sent Home they would find markets in London and the provinces for the different classes of cheese, which would, he thought, .be disposed of to much greater advantage. He movfed thit at the annual meeting of the association the q-!°Hiion be dhcused as to whether Tit is de«ir&blo tor the Govi-rn.wnfc to establish a. depot in London for the gradiug and distribution of New Zealand dairy produce, and on what Unas. Mr Mason (Tapanni) seconded the motion. Mr T. HacGibbon (Mataura) moved as an amendment that the matter of appointing a produce representative in London be held over for di*cu*Biou in Dnnedin. He urged that they should go slow on this question in view of past experience.— Mr D. Doull (Ccecoent) geconded. Mr Heenan (Waimea) «ould not agree with the amendment, as they were likely to get more benefit from tho motion. At present agents and middlemen were tumbling .over each other trying to sell their fctuff when it landed,'regardless of coat. They wanted combination here, and the appointment of their own representatives at the other end, and all their talk here would not help matters unless they were represented there. He at ked, What had the association done at the other end P Mr Scott said nothing ; the executive would do whit they (the representatives) l'ked. It was for them to combine, aad mike tho association the sueue.-s it should he. The nmenduieuli was lost, and tho motion carried. THE SECRETARY. The question of the function*, work, and position of the eecretary and the association was considered at some length, the general feeling being that it would be a wiee move to secure Mr Scott's undivided energies fot: the work, though to do so it would be necessary to secure the coopsration of the Canterbury factories or otherwise increase the present sub3criptions. It was mentioned that it was probable that the Canterbury factories would shortly fall into line. Mr T. Mac Gibbon (Matauro) moved that tho matter be held over pending the decision of the annual meeting on other important qaestions submitted. If the annual meeting decided on carrying out the proposals submitted it would follow, owing to the increased work, that the secretary would have to devote all his time to the association.— Seconded by Mr Dunlop. „ I Mr Wayta moved as an amendment — " That the meeting is of opinion that the secretary should devote all bis time to the association." If a man had two irons in the fire it was only naHuwl thiif, on- o r them would receive most attention, tU u4-'u 4 -' '< > -' ; n-I \ii-fi for a monxnfc to refieofc on Mi fc-ojii - tJ..o.jucleU by Mr Smarll (Inchclutha). Mr James Cushnie (Wyodham)_ supported this view, which he had loDg been in favour of and had striven to effect on former occasions, when want of funds prevented the course being taken. In "reply to a question, Mr Scotfc said all the Otago and Southland factories (28) were connected with the association, and three in Canterbury* Probably anothe^ dozen or io in

Chrifitchurch would s&o:% come ib, TEA maximum subscription was £5. Mr M'Lauchlan (Wyndhatn) said that when agents, effected the tale of cheese fh Doneuix} they oharged 2^ pcj o«nt., and if the aßEociaticttl oharged a percentage that would gp some wa|f toward providing for the secretary's salary. Mr Scott laid that was his idea of the mattflj\ - The amendment was carried, MISCaaiLAKEQUH, She meeting being principally of " cheaseJf men, the question as to whether the Govern; mont should continue to chill butter free 0 cost was held over, and no decision w&f com* to as to whether the Government should D< asked to equip a dairy experimental station fj: the South Island. The questions of cop! chambers and the proper temperatures fo) cheese and butter were considered expert quotf 4 tions, and these too were left over for discul" sion at the annual meeting, RAILWAY imKIGHT3i Mr T. Mac Gibbon moved that the delegates use every effort to secure a reduction in railway freights on dairy produce. This was essential For the development of the trade, and tbe strongest representations on the subject should be made to tho Government). Mr M'Lauchlan (Wyndham) detailed what had been done as the result of last year's meet^ iug. A petition had been forwarded containing about 1000 ngnaturee, praying for a reduction and giving numerous reasons in support, p, decutation had also waited on the authorities^ buu with little result. I Mr Cushnie (Wyndham) supported the motion, strongly, and thought that a determined effort , at present, when they wero on tbe eye of a general election, might prove successful S if it didn't, t$ > would be tempted to join the National Aesocia* tion,— (Laughter. ) Mr Scott said the only resulfa of theft;, endeavours had been Sunie very paltry oonce<« aions. He thought they should continue to ! agitate, and a determined effort might get " 1 recognition. Tho policy the railway management adopted — that of getting 3 per cent.*— waj( wrong and should be altered. The railwayfi should be made the main arteries and stream* to dfcvtlop the country's resources. The motion was carried. OCEAN FREIGHTS. Mr Scott asked whether the factories in Southland would be satisfied with a monthly I service instead of the present fortnightly ond, If they would be, it wan possible a reduction might be obtained, fie did not think it mattered for cheese, though tho more frequent »ervico wou'd be more advantageous for butter, Mr Lang thought to go back to a monthly service would be a letwgradu atop. The cheesQ had to be kept for throe weeks before shipment;, > and it might happen that the produce would be some six or seven weeks made before being shipped, and some of it might go off flavour, i Mr Wayte (Otamita) thought if it would not keep for that lime it way sot fit to stud aV< all, Mr T. Mac Gibbon die! not think the cheese factories.' should do unytbing in the inntter tp the detriment of the butter trade. He moved that the delegates ba instructed to endeavour to secure cheaper freights. —Mr Cuehnie leconded the motion. It waa generally agreed that the monthly service would suit Southland, and the motion wa« carried, - A DISCRi'T?J.NCY-. Mr Doull (Crescent) drew attention to the prices obtainicg in London for New Zealand cher-sa as compared with Canadian and United States and English and Scotch produce. New Ze.ilanda were sold at from 34s to 40s, Canadians 53 to 6s more, Cheddars to 665; and - Cheshires to 765, or double the price of NeW ZeaJands. How did this come to pans P Wai S their -cheese so much inferior to Canadian^ Three or four years ago it wasfetching more. He moved that it be an instruction thai the matter be brought up for discussion, and th^fc a suggestion be made to tha Agricultural department that the Agenfc-general, fchrougtt. the dairy expert at Home, make every pog;»ible inquiry as to how the discrepancy comes about), and what means should be taken to remedy it. Mr Scott said he was jnafe in receipt of a report from Trengrouso to the affect that New Zealands were fully equal to beet Canadians, The reason the price wts so low was thai dozons of agents were tumbling over each other trying who could sell New Zealand cheese thej cheapest. Many factories sold through tho bar?k, who placed the cberse (of all qualities) in the hands of big firms, who disposed of a line of from 1000 to 5000 cases of gond, bad, and indifferent oheese from various factories at, eaVj 37s 6d for the line. A Home agent for the factories would put a stop to that. ' i Mr Doull asked how the Canadians managed, their business. Mr Scott said large firms bought the cheeie at the factories. He shrongly advocated brand* ing thechee3e "Southland," "Otago," and «0 on, stating that ib was an acknowledged facfc ; that the southern New Zealand cheese was a superior article ; and in any case the peculiar characteristics of cheese from certain districts commanded itself to particular buyers ; and if the different districts were defined they would get better results. After some further discussion tho motion was carried. WAYS AND ME4H3. On the motion of Messrs T. Mao Gibbon and Cushnie, it was decided to make a levy of 10a on each factory represented for the purpose of paying expenses incurred. COMPLIMENTARY. Mr Doall said ha noticed that Mr John Sawera had retired from the service of the department. Mr Sawers and Mr Robbins had been tha pioneers of tho dairy industry in New Zealand, and ha thought it would be only courteous for the meeting to express its admiration of their conduct at all times, and tbe services they had rendered to the industry, and their regret that thoy had found it necessary to retire. The motion was seconded by Mr Cushnio, and carried by acclamation, and A vote of tbaoks to the chairman brought) proceedings to a close. — Wyndham Farm er.