WAIKOUAITI DAIRY FACTORY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3004, 11 October 1911, Page 18

WAIKOUAITI DAIRY FACTORY.

WAIKOUAITI, October 2. The twenty-third annual meeting of the Waikouaiti Dairy Factory Company was held in the Public Hall on Saturday afternoon! Mr George Maxwell (chairman of directors) presided, and there was a large attendance of shareholders. The report for the year was read by the secretary, and was as follows :■—" Herewith vour directors beg to submit the twentythird annual report and balance sheet for the year ending August 31, 1911. The factory commenced operations on September 19, 1910, but closed down for the season at a much cai-ller date than usual—viz., May 30. This was due to the very dry weather experienced, the result of which was most disastrous, as only about a third of the quantity of milk that was anticipated was received. The number of suppliers was 51, and a little over 75 tons of cheese were made—the lowest amount since 1899. The following arc the figures:—Milk received, 1,821,590ib; highest test, 5.0; lowest test, 2.8, butter-fat, 65,4371 b; pounds of milk to lib of cheese. 10.78; pounds of cheese- to lib of butter 4at, 2.58. The price paid throughout for milk was lid per lb of butter-fat. Factory material was provided for an ordinary season, and a considerable amount of this remains in .hand for use during the incoming year. In consequence of the partial failure of the springs supplying the factory a large quantity of water had to ,ba carted to supplement the' springs. Upon confirmation at the annual meeting, the directors recommend the payment of the usual dividend of 5 per cent, to shareholders. In accordance with the articles of association, the retiring directors are Messrs George Fry and William M'Dougall, both of whom otter themselves for (re-elec-tion." The balance sheet showed the total receipts for the jear to have been £4361 19s sd, and the expenditure £3829 5s lid, leaving a credit balance of £532 13s 6d, while the sum of £478 Os 6d stood to the credit of the profit and loss account. In moving the adoption of the -report and balance sheet, the Chairman said that the past year would be remembered as exceptional, because of the very dry season experienced. The balance sheet showed that £36 had been paid for water, and. taking everything into consideration, they might be thankful that tilings were no worse. The expenses had been kept down as much as possible, but, whether tlhe supply of milk be great or small certain expenses went on as usual. One thing 'which he would like to bring forward again was the pasteurising of the whey at the factory. The directors had made inquiries regarding the cost of the necessary plant, and the installation would have taken place. last season if the circumstances had warranted the expenditure. On account of the death of Mr George Diack, a vacancy had occurred on the directorate, which had been filled by the appointment of Mr Robert Runciman. As JMr C. M'Donald had given every satisfaction as manager last season his services had been engaged for another year. The directors, having disposed of the coming season's output of cheese at a very satisfactory figure, "had decided, to pay out for milk at the rate of Is per lb of butterfat, and should the season be a good one this price would be supplemented at the end of the. season by the payment of a substantial bonus. The motion was seconded by Mr W. Russell and canned. Messrs Fry and M'Dougall, the retiring directors, being the only persons nominated, were declared by the chairman to be duly elected, and Mr J. A. Hopcraft was re-elected auditor. On the motion off Mr Russell, the dividend of 5 per cent, was confirmed, and the usual fees were voted to the directors. It was decided to call a special meeting at an early date to disousa the question of pasteurising the whey. A long and animated discussion took place regarding th© best method of improving the factory water supply, a resolution being proposed by_ Mr W. Hallum that boring operations be immediately commenced, but this was ultimately withdrawn,

as it was thought advisable to wait uatal the poll on the borough water supply scheme had been taken. It was decided to hold the usual social, aaid a committee was appointed to attend to the necessary arrangements.