THE OTAGO A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3613, 12 June 1923, Page 8

THE OTAGO A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual mooting of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held in the Victoria Hall on Tuesday. The presi dent (Mr D. Andrew) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of members. The Piesident. in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, stated: “It wiU not be necessary for me to comment on the show. The display you have all seen speaks for itself. Owing to the serious floods the committee anticipated a reduction in the number of entries in some sections, but it will be gratifying to members to know that in many classes there has been a considerable increase, and the total entries received this year are in excess of any previous year. “The society, since its inception, has had various experiences, but the past year has been one of the most event fid the society has had since it was formed. I do not think that its financial position has over been brought more prominently before members and the business community. Throughout the whole period of the Great W ar and until some few months ago the society had struggled on without making any special appeal to the public, and n was not until the Finance Committee submitted a full report that the General Committee fully recognised the truo position. It was only after several meetings and after full consideration that your committee, with full knowledge of their responsibility, decided to recommend that Tanuna Park should bo disposed of owing to the overhead charges in retaining that ground not only affecting the progress of the society,

bat having a most serious effect on its finance.

“It will be quite unnecessary for me to detain you by going into all the particulars of the results of these proposals which have fully appeared in the press, beyond stating that Sir George Fenwick, managing director of the Otago Daily Times, was so impressed as to the necessity of retaining the show in Dunedin, that he induced his directors to agree to open the Otago Daily Times towards an appeal for assistance, and, in addition, offered the first contribution of £250, which was afterwards increased at a meeting of shareholders to £SCO.

This generous offer placed an entirely different aspect on the whole position, and the proposal to sell Tahuna Park was withdrawn and a resolution passed that efforts should be made to raise £IO,OOO, and thus place the society' on a sound financial footing.

“The results of this appeal have been most encouraging, and you will have noticed from this morning’s paper that the contributions received and promised to date amount to £9496 13s, and I have every confidence that the balance required to make the contributions up to the £IO,OOO will he obtained. As an incentive to this being accomplished an anonymous contributor of £250 has offered to subscribe the last £250 of the amount, and my only regret is that I am not at liberty at present to disclose this generous contributor’s name. “In addition, we have obtained at least 1.50 new and many of the business houses in Dunedin have agreed to double their subscriptions. “The society is under a debt of gratitude to all contributors, and especially to the business community for their generous donations, and for the valuable assistance they have rendered in placing the society in such a satisfactory position.

“The balance sheet for the year cannot be considered satisfactory, but the main reasons for the position are fully explained in the report. “I would ask your indulgence whilst I read you a review of the position of our primary produce. BUTTER. The outstanding feature of the past season in New Zealand has been the enormous increase in tile production of butter, especially in the North Island. When the final figures are available it is almost certain that the increase in butter production will be about 46 per cent, more than last season, making a total quantity available for export of 65,000 tons. This is undoubtedly due to the excellent condition in which stock oame through the winter, together with the plentiful supply of feed throughout the spring, summer, and autumn. The quantity of cheese produced this year will be approximately 60,000 tons, which is about the same as last year. Ample shipping space has been available this season, with the result that by the end of May practically all the season’s output of butter and cheese will be shipped and away from the seaboard. The first- shipment of now season’s butter, totalling 2000 tons, left Now Zealand before the middle of October and reached the Home market during the third week in November. Since then there has been a steady stream of steamers, averaging about seven a month, which have lifted the output of dairy produce from almost every port in the dominion w ith very little delay. The enormous Increase in production came as a surprise to everyone. No one could have foretold it, and the shipping companies are, therefore, entitled to due credit for lifting the whole output so promptly. It is reported that at times they intercepted steam-

ers detailed for the Australian-Enghsh run in order to cope with the unexpected increase in New Zealand dairy produce. Until quite recently it looked as if the average price for butter throughout the pie tent season would be very satisfactory and average a, pay-out to suppliers at not less than Is 6d per lb on butter-fat. Just at j present, however, the Homo market is very depressed. The recent occupation of a portion of Germany by France so upset economic conditions in Germany that she was unable to pay for her usual imports, and had to reduce these as much as possible. The result was that she could not take her usual proportion of Danish butter. The Danes, being unable t-o sell to Germany, sent the butter that otherwise would have gone there to London This over-supplied the London market, with the result that butter fell £BO per ton in a little over a month. This means ar. enormous loss to New Zealand. Economic conditions in Central Europe are in a deplorable state, and until these get settled down we cannot look for steadiness in markets.

It is reported that there is an accumulation of over 10,030 tons of “colonial butter, which includes Australian, Argentine, and New Zealand, on the Home market. Retail prices, however, have been reduced to Is 6d per lb. and despite the early spring and heavy production throughout the Northern Hemisphere, it is anticipated that the retail price of Is 6d will rapidly stimulate consumption and pave the way for an improved market. Recognised authorities at Home admit that the world’s production of butter is insufficient to warrant the retail price on the Home market of Is 6d per lb continuing for any length of time. At a retail price of 2s pier lb it is estimated that the consumption of butter throughout the United Kingdom is 5080 tons per week and margarine not less than 4000 tons per week. It wall thus be seen how a reduction in the retail price to Is 6d quickly increases the consumption of butter at the expense of the margarine trade. As soon as the accumulation in stocks at Home is worked off, there seems to be very little fear of any further accumulations during the ndxt few months. Since February Australia lias shipped very little butter, in fget. that country is now drawing substantial supplies from New Zealand for their local winter requirements during June and July. Likewise New Zealand shipments to London have already tapered off and will have practically ceased altogether by this time. “The rise and fall in cheese values throughout the past season has been phenomenal. When the present season commenced in August -September last, the Home market values were equal to barely 7gd f.0.b., Now Zealand —in fact, prices at Home had been very low for some considerable time. The market had been oversupplied with New Zealand and Canadian cheese for several months and the outlook seemed very black. Opening prices for August-September make in New Zealand were 3d per lb, but soon rose to 9d and 9Ad. The trade at Home had suddenly awakened to the fact that the accumulated over-supply of stocks had disappeared into consumption owi rig to the low retail price of lOd per ib. The Canadian season also resulted in a reduced production of 30 per cent.; consequently from December onwards the market was practically dependent on New Zealand supplies. Prices rose to 150 s per owt, but with the approach of the Northern Hemisphere spring and further heavy arrivals from New Zealand, a collapse in values set in about the end of April. The market suddenly dropped to below 100 s per cwt, or to about Sd, f.0.b., New Zealand. Prices have gone still lower since, and those factories that have sold their JanuaryFebruary make onwards at prices ranging from 9d to 10d, f.0.b.. New Zealand, will be able to congratulate themselves, and have more than made up for any losses on sale at 8d and 9d per lb, f.0.b., earlier in the season. MEAT. The outstanding feature of the meat trade during the last two years has been the good average prices that has been obtained for both mutton and lamb and the very low price that has been obtained for beef on the London market, which is practically the only market as far as this dominion is concerned. Tile three competing countries for the supply of refrigerated meat for the British markets are Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. The following figures will be of interest showing how sunplies have been maintained from these three countries during the last three years:— —Argentine Shipments Ist Jan-Slst. Dec.— MUTTON. LAMB. BEEF. Carcases. Carcases. Qrs. 1.020 1,393,923 527.317 4.804,562 1921 2,134,482 1,527,137 4,473,570 1922 2,229,549 2,048,808 4,863,170 Jan.-Murch, 1923 833,430 729,721 1,528,850 —Australian Shipments Ist Jnlv-30th June.— 1920- 602,714 657,326 1,042,614 1921- 870,823 1,312,938 669,755 1922- Julv-March (9 months) ... 1,656,306 2,484,001 474,441 —New Zealand Shipments let. Nov.-31st. Oct.— 1921- 2,511,412 4.634,815 249.593 1922- Estimate 1,750,000 4,400,000 400,000 In beef the Argentine has the great advantage over Australia and New Zealand in the fact that she can put the meat on to the London market in the chilled condition, whereas both Australia and New Zealand must send it in the frozen state. Chilled beef brings a much better price than frozen. The manner in which the Argentine is keeping up her supplies of beef would indicate that the price 19 one at which she can continue to produce, whereas in Australia and New Zealand the beef industry has become quite unprofitable to growers.

“The most satisfactory feature of the meat trade from the New Zealand point of view has been the good prices that have been obtained for lamb, but the figures given above show’ that these good prices are drawing out supplies at a very great rate. The total shipments to Great Britain during 1921-22 season were nearly eight million carcases as compared with approximately five aaid a-half million to six millions in the years immediately preceding the war. It is really astonishing how the markets have absorbed these large supplies at tho very satisfactory prices that have been obtained —quite 75 per cent, above prewar prices. For the current year (that in w’hich we are now engaged) it is evident that the total shipments of lamb from Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand are going to exceed those of last year by roughly a million and a-half carcases, and they will accordingly reach the record total of nine and a-half millions. New Zealand will not quite equal last year’s shipments, but against this the Argentine is expected to exceed hers and the shipments from Australia will be quite double those of last year. These very large shipments are

causing prices to recede, and we now have a weaker market than we have had at any other time during the current year. In mutton, while New Zealand is falling off tlie Argentine is forging ahead. Her shipments this year should reach the three million mark, while Australia, too, will not be very far from the two million mark. Notwithstanding New Zealand’s falling off, it is evident tliat the shipments of frozen mutton this year from the tlrree countries are going to reach a total of 6,750,000 carcases, as compared with 5.600,000 last year, or an increase of 1,155,000 carcases. Taking lamb and mutton together the increase in shipments over last year from New Zear land, Australia, and the Argentine will be, roughly, 2,600,000 carcases.

During the last four years New Zealand has reduced her sheep stock by, roughfly, four millions, so it is evident that we have been exporting from this country a million carcases a year more than our surplus, This, of course, cannot continue. The outlook, therefore is that New Zealand in the years just ahead of us, will ship less mutton and lamb than she has done in the last three years. It is possible tliat the drought they are now experiencing in Australia will affect her shipments for next season. It is probable, therefore, that wo have now about reached the maximum amount of mutton and lamb that can be supplied from the three countries named in the near future. The more distant future it is impossible, of course, to forecast. It is doubtful, however, whether we can look for mutton and lamb to maintain prices to equal those that have been ruling this year and last, although there is no apparent reason why prices should not be maintained at a profitable level.

In beef, however, the outlook for New Zealand from an export point of view' is not at all good. A very largo proportion of the beef that we kill in this country comes from the dairy breeds of cattle, and is not, therefore, of tho best quality. The New Zealand quality, therefore, to start with is not equal to Argentine beef. In addition to this, we have the handicap of frozen beef versus chilled. It seems evident, therefore, that we caiuiot compete with the Argentine in beef. We have never, however, been large exporters of beef; our exports have rarely exceeding 25 per cent, of our total killings, the remaining 75 per cent, being consumed locally.

A large proportion of our cattle production is now’ a by-product to the dairy industry —i.e., when prices of cattle are good, dairymen rear their calves; when cattle are at a low price, dairymen utilise their skimmed milk and other food for pigs, and the calves are destroyed. It seems likely, therefore, that in the very near future tho supply of beef cattle raised in this country wall not bo more than is required for our own local consumption. Against this has to be borne in mind that there is a considerable area in the North Island where cattle must be kept regardless of whether they are profitable or not in order to keep down the fern and other rough pasture growths. Unless a certain number of cattle are kept the country cannot be maintained in proper condition to graze sheep. Notwithstanding this it seems likely that the production of beef cattle will fall off until the price obtained for fat cattle for local consumption becomes a remunerative one.

The feature of the last year has been the substantial rise tiiat. has taken place in all classes of wool, the most gratifying aspect being the rise that has taken place in crossbred wools which form the greater part of tho New Zealand clip. “Stocks in the hands of Bawra are being steadily reduced. At March 31, 1921, they amounted to 2.209,083 bales; July 31. 1922, they amounted to 1,218,377 bales; and at March 31, 1923, they were dow’n to 664,000 bales. 0£ this last total 415.000 bales were Australian wool, and 249.000 Now Zealand wool. The stocks consisted of 26,000 bales of Merino, about 120,000 bales of halfbreds, and the balance crossbreds, slipe, scoured, etc.

The Wool Year Book for 1923 estimates that during 1921-22 season the trade absorbed about two million bales in excess of current production. This doe 3 not mean that two million bales more were consumed than were grown as a certain amount of it would probably be in t.ho shape of additional slocks held by the trade. Sir Arthur Goldfinch, who controls Bawra at the London end estimates that (lie actual consumption of wool ending September, 1922. was 500 million pounds greater than the total production of the same year. This would be, roughly speaking, a million and a-half bales, or, to put it in another way, consumption exceeded production last year by about 17i per cent. From a statistical point of view, therefore. the outlook for wool is good, but statistics are not always infallible, and consequently wool growers should act prudently and not allow themselves to become oversanguine. lest anticipated results should not be realised. It must be borne in mind that Central Europe is in a most unsatisfactory state at the present time. To give an idea of the condition of affairs there, it is onlv necessary to mention that the Russian rouble is to-dav worth only one-fortieth of what it was 12 months ago; the German mark is worth only one-thirty-fifth of its value 12 months ago; the Austrian kroner is worth only one-seventeenth of its value 12 months ago; the Polish mark one-fourth; anff the Hungarian kroner one-third of their values in tho previous year. These are all great wool-consuming countries. and with their finances in such a deplorable state it evident that they cannot be counred to support the market substantially. Then again it must be borne in mind that increased prices under almost all circumstances restrict consumption. While the outlook for wool, therefore, is good, it will net do to be carried away by extreme optimism that may only result in disappointment. The consumption of one and a-half million bales more than production sounds very large, but when it is remembered that it means only 171 per cent, of the total production and that a fall consumption of 171 per cent, balances things again, it makes it. appear in a somewhat different light. Then, on the other hand, sheep stocks have shown a steady decrease the world over during recent years, but against this improvement in the quality and management of sheep ine.reaio the productiveness per head of stock. _ The fruit export business has made far* tiler progress during the past season, oloso upon 20,009 cases Having been shipped to overseas markets, as against 5000 for 1922 Largo areas are coming into bearing each year, and within tho next, few years it is confidently expected that 200.000 cases w-ill be exported, provided markets are pay able. Prices in London at present arc not

very satisfactory, but it is hoped that a decided improvement will be manifested by the time the first Otago shipments reach ■tondon within a week’s time. A new market is being tried out in South America, two shipments having been sent forward. The first has arrived and prices are very satisfactory, and as this market absorbs over-sized fruit which is not wanted on the European market, it is being carefully watched by shippers. ft is gratifying to note that Otago province stands second on the list in regajd to quantity exported for the season, although many of the northern provinces have been exporting for a considerable number of years. Owing to adverse weather conditions prevailing throughout this season agricultural farmers have been heavily handicapped. With a great deal of labour most of tho crops have been safely marketed, but unfortunately the recent floods have severely damaged stacks in the lower levels. Wo aro all aware of the element of risk attached to cropping and tho natural tendency is for farmers to turn their attention to that branch of farming which shows the best returns with the least amount of labour and risk. For this reason the higher prices ruling for wool and lamb have meant that tho area under crop ha 3 been considerably less than last season. Government statistics show that throughout New Zealand over 2CO.CGO acres less have been sown in white crop. Prices realised have been satisfactory. As for the coming season the present indications are that the area broken up will again be lower for the reason already mentioned, also to tho fact that the weather conditions have prevented the usual autumn sowing of grain. The question arises, therefore, whether there will be sufficient wheat available next season for our own requirements; but without Government control the law of supply and demand will mean higher prices .aid this will bo an. incentive for an increased area the following season.

As far as seeds are concerned here again the weather conditions have prevented the usual area being saved, with the result that in some lines prices are high. In other lines v;e usually have to look for an overseas demand and unfortunately up to the present there has been very little inquiry, but although late, it is to be hoped that outside markets will be found.

The results of experiments show that in Otago Central we have an ideal district close at band where small seeds, some of which are imported into New Zealand, can be grown to perfection. Seme of the samples available are excellent in quality and cannot be equalled outside or elsewhere in New Zealand. The production of seeds in Otago Central district, therefore. will require to bo fostered for it will yet be a valuable asset to Otago.

In closing my remarks I desire to take this opportunity of expressing my sincere sympathy with all those both in the town and country who have suffered loss through the unfortunate floods, and I wish to express my sincere thanks to every member of the committee for his cordial assistance during my term of office.

Mr E. C. Ilazlett said that in the absence of their vice-president (Mr G. Black), who is at present in England, he had been asked to second the motion. .As they would sec by the balance sheet., the Summer Show had shown a loss, this being caused by the bad weather experienced. The reference made by the president to the subscriptions and to the appeal started by the Otago Dailv Times was a very timely one. Iho result had been most gratifying, and ne thought the thanks of the society were due to the Times and also to those members outside of the committee wiio had collected substantial amounts. Not only had the society gained by the subscriptions breugnt in, but there had also been an increase of membership totalling something like 200. This was another gratifying aspect of the society’s operations during the past year. 'J hey should try to increase their membership by every means. The speaker said that negotiations were still in progress between the Railway Department, lhe St. Kilda Borough Council, and the society in connection with a fresh railway siding to the park. The St. Kilda Borough Council, he might say. was very sympathetic to the society. When tho present, negotiations were finished, and if they were satisfaclory to the society, they would go into the question of improving the park. They had decided that in the meantime no great sum would be spent —only sufficient for the immediate repairs. Mr W. Robertson (Middlemarch) expressed th. opinion that the weakest point in connection with tho society was the Summer Show, which seemed to be responsible for- the bulk of the loss. On t-i.e front page of the Summer Show catalogue there were 45 names —some with honours in front cf them and some with honours behind them. The society had a splendid committee, and lie wished to congratulate it cn tho success that had attended its efforts to increase tile subscriptions The 45 names to which he had referred represented only two exhibitors, and *hey were responsible for on'y three entries. IJe thought more interest should be taken in the show bv the committee. lie did not think the show couid be run successfully unless more enthusiasm was shown by breeders in coming forward with entries. On the committee of the Canterbury A and P. Association there were only nine men who were not exhibitors. He, considered they could run a show in Christchurch, and he must confess that he came back to Dunedin feeiing disappointed. There was plenty of show stock cn the Taieri. and he thought they could hold a very good show in Dunedin. lie hoped that at the l ext show they would have very much better exhibits of cattle, horses, and sheep than they had had in the past. Mr D. Murray (Balelulha) said he took exception to the remarks made by Mr ±\obertson. If it were not for iho exhibits from Dunedin, Invercargiil, and elsewhere the Christchurch show would not bo worth looking at. They had not a Clydesdale horse in tho community, and he would defy any man to contradict him. The motion was carried.

Mr D. Andrew was re-elected president, and Mr George Black was re-elected vicepresident Tho vacancies on the committee were filled by the election of iho following:—Dunedin Messrs E. Ilazlett, R, A. Ewing, F. Freeman, and T. T. Ritchie; Taieri, Mr J. W. Blair; Paimerston-Wai-liemo —Messrs A. Fleming and W. Gardiner; Bruce-Clntha —Messrs Thoa. Scott and D. M Lennan; Central Otago, Mr W. Moynilian. Messrs Barr, Herons, and Co. were reappointed auditors, and Mr R. B. Tennent was reappointed Government representative.

On tho motion of Mr W. Gardiner a •very hearty vote of thanks was accorded the hon. veterinary surgeons—Dr C. J.

Reakes, Messrs W. D. Snowball, W. D. Blair, and John Danskin. Air 11. C. Cameron said that it was 26 years since he had taken up the position under the High Commissioner in London as the produce representative for the Dominion. He then had to deal with work in connection with the New Zealand products sent Home. In those days it was not such an easy task for a products representative to carry on work in their interests as it now is. They would remember that there used to be a great deal of false selling of Argentine and Australian meat as New Zealand. New Zealand then, as now, had a great reputation for its products, especially mutton and lamb, and it was his duty to institute prosecutions, in such cases, against the fraudulent traders. The speaker said that he was not surprised that New Zealand could not compete with the Argentine in beef. He had gone out to tho Burnside sale the otuer day, and certainly lie had seen there, as at the Winter Show, some splendid cattle. They did not, however, have cattle like those in the Old Country °, r in the Argentine, for the simple reason tnat in these two countries they went in for quality. In New Zealand they apparently went ip for “quantity.” The Home farmers went in for intensive feeding and killed their animals off at 18 months or two years. They consequently got small joints, well marbled, and not like those from four, five, and six year old bullocks. The Argentine farmers were securing the very best blood in Great Britain. He had been in Inverness about 12 months ago, end there he had seen a Shorthorn bull, 18 months old, which had been sold to the Argentine for 4000 guineas. Continuing, the speaker said that New Zealand excelled in one thing, and that was butter. There was no butter in Great Britain that beat New Zealand ’futtcr. (Applause.) Danish butter was good, and it came on the Homo market icgularly. The »question was often asked why New Zealand did not get as good prices as Denmark. The difference was on account of the system under which Denmark marketed her butter. The Danish farmers sent the same brands regularly week by week, to tho same agents, on th® same market, and they became known. These brands of butter were then demanded, and a higher price could accordingly be obtained for them. The Argentine was also' sending her products as direct as possible to tiis various markets throughout the Old Country. The speaker referred to the intermittent service which was naturally associated with cargo steamers. He would like to draw their attention to the fact that, they had mail steamers now running to England. They ran regularly almost to time-table, and wont into Southampton. There the steamers discharged their passengers, and took their cargoes on to Tondon. He thought it would be a very simple plan if they could get portion of their cargoes discharged at Southampton and sent on from there to the markets of the West Coast cf England, where there was a good demand for New Zealand products if they could be regularly and expeditiously delivered (“Hear, hear.”) This had been the first Winter Show he had attended in New Zealand. He had seen a good many shows in England. They were, of course, bigger, but he had never seen one with a better allround display of produce. The speaker said that the society unfortunately had not nearly sufficient space to show the exhibits to advantage, and he thought that it was a wonderful display that they had got in the building. The cheese in the exhibit showed great improvement as regards finish to what it was some years ago. In fact, taking the show all round, he con-

sidered it could form the nucleus of a- firstclass exhibit to be sent Home. He might suggest to the Hen. Air Nosworthy that he might secure a good many of the exhibits for use in the Empire Exhibition, to be held in London next year.

Air D. AJurray said that in his opinion the two and three year cattle in the show could not be excelled for shipping purposes, and he knew what he was talking about.— (Applause.) He had never seen better beef than that of the young cattle in the show, and he was a tradesman. In connection with shipping, they had no chance with chilled beef. He had been Home 16 years ago, and he had not seen anything finer than this chilled beef. It was not the beef that was wrong—it was the freezing.— (Applause.) At the invitation of the president, Air D. Jones gave a short address. He said the operations of the Meat Board had caused them very grave concern this year owing to the enormous quantities of meat which were going forward from Australia and the Argentine. It was really wonderful that Great Britain had been able to consume Hie enormous quantity of meat that had gone away arid that prices had kept tin as they had, especially in view of the hard rimes being experienced in the Old Country to-day. He did not know that he could agree with the president when he expressed the opinion that we had passed our maximum in regard to output. We were apt to overlook the fact that there had been a very material increase in our ewe (locks each year. Last year we had about 500,000 more lambs, and it was known that a larger number of old ewes had been kept tbis year. lie thought we would have a record number of lambs next season if we had favourable condiiions. In connection with beef he believed we were going along lines that would be most profitable. The position in regard to the export of meat new was more hopeful than it had been for some time. The Meat Control Board had been keeping a large quantity of meat, which, without regulation, would have been on the water or in Great Britain to-day During April and May only about half the quantity that was despatched during tho same period last year went forward. If all the ships available had been filled the freezing stores would have been empty, London would have been glutted, and he believed that the market would have been very bad, though not so bad as it was in 1921. Tho effect of the regulation was being felt io-day, as we had a firmer market than e had a month or six weeks a.iro and the prospects were very encouraging Ihe price offered for lamb to-day 'was pad Per lb or perhaps a little better The improvement was due to the small quantity shipped and tho statistical position. We had about 500,000 fewer carcases than we had in New Zealand at ibis time last year, and that was assisting us. What we wanted was a steady and profitable price, and he thought this was one of the results we would get through the regulation of shipping. \

, Mr _ .Tames Bogg proposed the toast of tne visiting Ministers, the Hon. Mr Nosworthy and the Hon. Mr Stewart. The speaker said that he hoped the Ministers of

the Crown would recognise the importance of their winter show s and come to Dunedin regularly on the occasion of future shows. The lion. Air Nosworthy expressed p. ear lire at having tho opportunity of meeting members of the society. He had noted some of the remarks made by Air Begg, who had stated that th ere was a time when the people of Dunedin and Otago felt that they were neglected by Alinisters of the who were hardly ever seen in this part of the country. Things had changed, however, and they were lucky to be here as Ministers after the. general election.—(Laugnter.) lie appreciated very much the invitation extended to him to be present in company with the Hon. Downie Stewart, wnose father was so well known in these parts.—(Applause.) It was a pleasure to be associated in Parliament with the son of a pioneer who had done so much to makefile dominion what it was to-day. He | (Air Nosworthy) appreciated very much what he had seen at t.he show, and he heartily congratulated the society on it. He would loom forward to still greater progress the next time he was hero as a result of the larm school that had just been held and tne one they were going to hold next year. They could rest assured that every member of the present Government would leave no sfone unturned to do ail they could to assist the society in every way possible. JTe hoped thafc times would be better in the inture than they had been in the past, and he hoped the Government would have money to carry out some of the ideas in ”ie minds of different Alinisters not cnlv from an agricultural and pastoral point of view but from many others. The society rad made tremendous progress since it started running a stiow. He did not think the work of the A. and P. Associations was appreciated to the full by a great many people. They put in a great deal cf time and thought into their work, and were deserving of tho heartfelt thanks of every member of the comm,unity. Lie trusted that the societv would have a long period of prosperity in front of it. J lie different Alinisters, and especially the Minister of Agriculture, had to see what they could do for the agricultural and pastoral community, but the biggest job was to get a Bill . through the House. He did not know exactly what the legislation next session in regard to agricultural and past-oral matters would be, but [ from his point of view he did not want a ! lot of little bills. Ho preferred something | pretty solid and pretty big. He hoped to | do something that would ultimately benefit ; the whole of the people. What they had j to consider was how they could develop | their resources to tho test of their ability, j and consolidate their interests, and draw I themselves into a body so strong that they ! would be able to demand from the middle- | man a fair and just charge for the disposal of their produce in the markets cf the world. If they got what was fair and just they would be content. —(Applause.) The Hon. Downie Stewart said that, although his interests were primarily city interests, and his duties lay in the main along other lines, he fully realised the importance of the primary industries, and the phenomenal increase that had taken place in certain lines of export, particularly in the dairying industry. New Zealand could supply almost one-third of the butter imports to Great Britain, and did actually supply something like one-half of the cheese imports. This bore eloquent testimony to ihe productiveness of the dominion and to its enormous possibilities in tho future.— (Applause.) The speaker went on to say that tho primary industries of-the dominion could help the secondary industries, and referred to the difficulties which best their manufacturing interests. The manufacturers were approximately in the same position as the farming community might be through the restoration of the old conditions. If the experiences of previous wars were to be taken as a guide, they were in for a time of great instability, and while they might make temporary recoveries from time to time, the tendency was for a downward grade. They must therefore endeavour to increase their production, hold their own markets, and extend them wherever possible to other spheres.—(Applause.) So far as the Government was able- it was willing and anxious to assist in every way. and he was also sure that there would be r.o lack of endeavour on the part of (he farmers and the wool growers of New Zealand to cope with any difficulties that might arise. He had been amazed and interested at the splendid exhibits at the show. The Otago A. and P. Society was to be congratulated on iho splendid effort put forward by the citizens of Dunedin, and particularly by the Otago Daily Times, and Otago Witness Company, to put it in a financial position and one which would free it from worry. He thought that the response had been an extraordinary one. and very gratifying, and he congratulated the society on the result. —(Applause.) Tho ether toasts honoured were “ The .Judges and Visitors (proposed by Air ,T. B. Waters and responded to by Alessrs B. Tripp, South Canterbury; and Duncan Sa-meron, Papakaia). and “The President” (proposed by Air Crosby Morris and acknowledged by Air Andrew). The proceedings were brought to a close with the singing of a verse of th© National Anthem.

SECOND DAT. The annual meeting of the South Island Dairy Association was continued on Thus day morning in the Overseas Club’s rooms. The president (Air H. J. Middleton) occupied tho chair. DISEASED STOCK. The Chairman introduced a remit from the executive —“That the Government be urged to legislate to prohibit free trade in dairy stock affected with contagious diseases.” The Chairman spoke of the losses incurred through contagious mammitis, contagious abortion, and contagious sterility. The object of the remit was to prevent any farmer whoso cows were diseased from quietly passing them on to somebody else. Air Criovo seconded the remit. He agreed that this was a very important matter to the dairy farmer, and as a matter of fact the-v were now forced to take some action. Mr T. Timpany said that the remit was one of the most important that had ever come before tho association, and he hoped that it would receive the whole-hearted support. Air J. Buckingham said that they were asking for legislation on this matter, hut lie did not think that they would get it. They could not get it for the human race, so how could they get it for their animals. — (Laughter.) The remit received general support and wag carried unanimously.

CONTRACT FORMS. The executive submitted the following reJyTt “That it bo a recommendation to memberg that when making sales of produce tney should insist that the association’s contract form is used.” AW AY. Bryant moved the motion on behalf of the executive. After a lengthy discussion Air G. Fisher moved as an amendment that a committee be consisting of two representatives from tne butter manufacturers of the South Island and two representatives from the North Island, two representatives of the eheese manufacturers in the South Island and two representatives in the North Island, and the executives of tho South Island Dairy Asociaticn and the National Dairy Association, this committee to go through tne form of contract submitted and make any alterations or amendments it may think necessary. The executives then to have tne power to complete a contract form with the purchasers, Mr Read (Ashburton) seconded the amendment., wiiich was carried on the voices. The foil owing representatives were appointed:—Messrs Hughes and Fisher (cneese) and Alessrs Agar and Bowman (butter). REPRESENTATION OF SOUTH CANTERBURY. , Air Meredith, representing the Win mate Co-operative Dairy Company, moved—i hat in view of the extensive and increasing dairy interests in South Canterbury, and considering that this very large district has no representative on the executive of the South Island Dairy Association (Lid.), we respectfully submit that the time has arrived when South Canterbury should be represented on thus executive.” The secretary read some figures which had been prepared by the dairy division of the Department of Agriculture. These showed that the shipments, converted into butterfat, were as followsßluff, 11,645,0721 b; Canterbury, 8.050,4181 b; Dunedin, 5,361,610 lb. Southland had four representative on the executive. Otago had two, and Canterbury two.

Air John Fisher moved as an amendment that the executive be increased to nine members, and that the extra representative be a Canterbury man. This proposal was seconded bv Air Agar. The remit was withdrawn, and'Air Fisher’s motion was carried. It was agreed that the new representative be appointed at the next annual meeting. FREIGHT ON THE RAILWAYS The V. niruna Co-operative Dairy Company submitted the following remit;—“That the South Island Dairy Association of New Zealand approach the Government with a view of getting a reduction on the excessive freight on butter and cheese as at present charged by the Railway Department.” Air Fox submitted the remit. He said that at the present time their produce was costing about 5d rev ton per mile. It was costing them £1 13s 2d per ton to carry their produce from Wairuna to Dunedin. Mr Herron (Pukerau) said that he thought the rates were excessive. It cost his factory 29s 9d per ton to carry their produce from Pukerau to the Bluff. Before the war the charge was 11s per ion. It cost his company £350 for railway freight in a season. He thought they should take steps to get the freight reduced. The Chairman said that there was really not much need to have the remit on the order paper, as the executive had been working hard to get the freights reduced, and it intended to carry on its efforts. Air Hansen asked if the Alcat Board had secured a reduction in the meat freight on the railway. The Chairman : Yes, the Meat Board °-ot a reduction. „Mr Grieve said that he had been one °i the deputation which had gone to Wellington wnh their president." They had seen the manager cf the railways but he Was sorry to say that they had" hopelessly faded to get a reduction. The railway people, however, had been very sympathetic.—(Laughter.) Air Rutledge said that it was a question of votes. They should approach their members of Parliament to take this matter up The speaker said that they should take steps to get a better arrangement regarding the return of milk cans, and they should also try to get a reduction in the freight on cream. He thought the time was approaching when they would have to consider if it wouid not pay them to introduce motor wagons and carry their cream from central points. No wonder the railways were losing £9OOO per day. He also thought that cream should not be put in onen trucks. He bad had cream sent to him in open trucks oil a hot summer’s day. The railway officials were their servants, and they had a right to listen to them and give them something i n reason. He had to pay an average of £1 Cs 7d per ton for the carriage of cream, lie would quote the following charges made by the railway for freight over distances of 15 miles and 30 miles : V' 001. 5s 7d and 10s lOd per ton; oats, 4s 3d and 7s; chaff, 3s 6d* and 5s lOd ; wheat, 4s 3d and 7s; cheese, 10s 6d and 17s sd; cream, 10s 4d and 15s sd; butter 10s 6d and 17s sd. The Chairman said that the value of the stuff to be carried had a bearing on the railway charges. . Air Clark (Ashburton) said that he considered Mr Rutledge was right when he said that they were hedged around with l'egxdations. lie did not know how Air Hansen had only to sign one consignment note for the cream sent to him. The speaker said that he, like Air Rutledge, also had to sign a separate consignment note for each supplier s cream. The remit was unanimously adopted. Air Fisher then moved, and Air Foster seconded—“ That it be a recommendation to the Railway Committee to tabulate the figures given to us and that the association direct a copy to every factory with a request that the directors pass a resolution calling upon the Government to review the figures and make a substantial reduction, and that a copy of such resolution be sent to the Aiinister of Railways and the respective members for each district. Further, that in the circular to tho factories they should be requested to ask every supplier to take the matter up and communicate directly with liis member of Parliament,” Air Foster seconded tho motion, which was carried. Air Fisher explained that the Railway Committee would bo the committee in existence last year. AWARDS COAIMITTEE. Tiie Woodlands- Co-operative Dairy Company submitted the following remit—“ That in future the Awards Committee be the executive of tho association, with power

to add to their number if thought desirable.” The motion was moved by Mr Timpany and secorded bv Mr Ross. Mr Fisher, after discussion, moved as a. further rruondment —“That in future the Awards Committee be appointed by the executive of the association.” 'ihe amendment was carried by a large REGULAR SHIPMENTS. The Menzies Ferry Co-operative Company submitted the following remit: —“That in view of the serious losses sustained by Southland factories through the long intervals between shipments the executive be authorised to negotiato with any shipping companies who are not parties to the present contract and arrange a contract that will ensuro the pre-war conditions of regular fortnightly shipments from Bluff.” Mr J. Caldwell moved the remit. The Chairman said that there was a Shipping Commilteo in existence, made up of representatives from the two associations. This committee was going to see the shipping people in conference next week, and at would make the best effort possible to get improved conditions. There were no other people, however, trading in New Zealand outside lie Inchoape Combine, and so there were no other companies they could ideal With. He did not know that they oouki offer sufficient attractions to any outside companies to send their boats here. They might be able some day if they had Unity of control and guaranteed to give a tompany tie whole of their stuff. They had tried repeatedly to get better oon-

ditions at the Bluff. A great deal of the delay was caused after the vessels had been loaded at the Bluff. They were kept hanging about the coast, picking up additional cargo. Mr Agar suggested that the two dairy associations might be able to get into touch with the Meat Control Board, and the three of them could act in getting better shipping facilities. Ho moved as a.n amendment—“That_ it be a recommendation to the ex ecu tiro that when negotiating the shipping contract with the National Association it also join up with the Meat Control Board in order to have a more influential body to protect the interests of the dairy farmers, and that attention be given to fortnightly shipments, and the inclusion of the Bluff.” Mr Hansen seconded the motion. Mr Lamb (the secretary) said that they had joined up with the Meat Control Board last year in regard to shipping, but the final result was not at all satisfactory to their association, and they gained no advantage whatever. The Meat Board fixed up its contract, and then told the association that it could fix up its contract. Mr Caldwell stated that he withdrew his remit in favour of Mr Agar’s amendment.— The amendment was then put and carried. REGULATION OF PRICES. On behalf of the Henley Co-operative Dairy Company Mr Bryant moved—“ That the cheese factories of the South Island form an organisation for the purpose of regulating the price of cheese on the local market.” The motion was seconded by Mr Timmins (Fairfield).

In the course of the discussion it was stated that if the motion was carried it won 1 d involve a breach of tire Commercial Trusts Act, and that those responsible would be liable to_a. heavy penalty. The motion was'lost by a large majority. Mr Neiderer (Gorge Road) moved —“That we still believe that the Southland factories would get better service if a branch of the association were established in Southland, and ask that the association again take into consideration the advisability of opening a, branch in Invercargill.” Remits to the same effect -were forwarded by the Oteramika and Waikawa Valley Co-opera-tive Dairy Companies. The mover stressed the impotance of the proposal, and stated that at a meeting held at Edendale recently the feeling -was unanimously in favour of the establishment of a branch in Southland. There were some splendid firms in Southland who wanted to get the business of the factories. These firms_ were getting stronger, and if the association delayed too long it might have difficulty in getting that- business. There were 75 factories in Southland, with an average of 1000 oorys each, and a lot of material was required to meet their wants. The Chairman stated that a project was on foot for cool stores in Southland, and when it was carried into effect no doubt the man in charge would take control of the goods required by the association for that district. The motion was lost on the voices. CONCLUSION. Mr 11. Mitchell was re-appointed auditor of the association.

The Chairman’s honorarium was fixed as before at lOOgns. Mr Hansen moved that, a hearty vote of thanks be passed to the secretary (Mr Lamb) and his staff for the courtesy always extended by them. Mr Hansen' said he hoped that they would continue to do their work in the future as they had done it in the past.—The motion was carried on the voices.

Mr Agar moved: “That this meeting places on record its appreciation of the services -of (ho members of the executive, and that the two retiring members (Messrs T. A. Buckingham and R. Arnott) be presented with medals.” —The motion was carried by acclamation.

The Chairman returned thanks for the confidence expressed in himself and his colleagues cn the executive. They would carry out the wishes of the meeting in connection with gifts to Messrs Arnott and Buckingham. As a matter of fact they had met their two retiring colleagues at a little function on Tuesd-ay last.