DAIRY FACTORY MANAGERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3312, 5 September 1917, Page 16

DAIRY FACTORY MANAGERS' UNION.

The annual meeting of the .Otago and Southland Dairy Factory Managers' Union wag held at Invercargill on Friday, Mr John Sawers (president) in the chair. The President moved the adoption of the annual report. As to the dispute before the Conciliation Commissioner, had it not been that the war 'was going on he did not think that t>no of them would have accepted the 10 per cent, bonus. They would have to be prepared for a greater fight in the future than ever in the past. Land that 12 years ago could bo purchased for £8 or £lO per acre was now realising £4O, and it was possible that the farmer would not be in as good a position as now, with the inevitable effect upon wages. Mr Fisher, one of tho representatives of the directors, had informed the Commissioner that the dairy-farmer was receiving only per cent, profit, and it was strange if that were the caso that ho could give £4O an acre for land and £l9 for cows. Only that the Empire was at war the union would have questioned tho report and asked Mr Fisher to furnish proof. Everyone of them was worse off with the 10 per cent, bonus than before the war. Referring to the quality of the milk supply, he said the quality was capable of considerable improvement, and he expressed regret that tho assistants had not received substantial consideration when they approached tho directors for an increase in wages. Mr M'Queen seconded the motion, which was carried. It was decided that where, a factory manager was required to separate whey or milk or make butter, an extra assistant bo always employed. The following were elected officebearers : —President, Mr John Sawers; vioe-nresident. Mr M'Donald; executive— Messrs W. Wyeth (Brvdone), W. Stewart (Momona), A. Dodds fWinton), J. O'Toole (Wright's Buisli). C. M'Donald (Owaka), A. Dobio (Thornburv), George M'Kerehar (Anarima). A. Harber (Woodlands), and William Byers (Tisbury). It was deoided that the incoming executive have a petition ei?culated anions' the managers to be presented to tho Minister with a view to an improvement in the quality of tho milk supplied for the manufacture of cheese.