GOLLECTION OF CALVES

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10888, 16 July 1928, Page 5

GOLLECTION OF CALVES

BONELESS VEAL LOCAL COMMITTEE’S REPORT. On Saturday afternoon the members of the local committee which is dealing w.th the matter of the collection of calves met in Pahiatua, there being in attendance Messrs P. Davies (Hamua), G. Keast (Mangatainoka). D. O'Brien (Pahiatua), and J. F. Bilby (Eketnhuna). Messrs T. Moss* and J. G. Brechin, representing the National Dairy Association, were also in attendance to report on all matters which were of importance to the scheme. Apologies for absence wore rece ved from, Alessrs P. Law. son and M. Aipnss. Air Davies presided, and stated that since the committee had last met, a general meeting of representatives from all districts who were joining in the national co-operative scheme and forming the pool had been held at Palmerston and a comprehensive report upon progress had been made. This was to the effect that a very much larger number of calves would be available than was anticipated; more especially if farm collection was adopted in preference to the depot suggestion, which had boon adapted b}- this district. It was considered advisable that the local committee stay its hand until this report was available and for that reason he had instructed the secretary of the committee not to advertise for tenders for cartage. At the suggestion of the chairman. Air Brechin outlined the whole situation as now disclosed, and stated that by far the larger number of committee's had '.•©ported that .farm collection wars most favoured in their districts. Woodvillo and Dannevirke districts bail not yet finally decided which scheme should be adopted but would meet during the coming week to decide the matter. The districts which were in favour of farm collection wore Manawatu, Waikato. AVairara.pt;, while farm collection had already been adopted by the whole of the Taranaki district.

Conversations with the representatives of freezing companies hact resulted in much interest being taken in the matter. and there was no doubt that favourable terms 'would be offered the pool so far as k'lliug. freezing, and shipping was concerned. It had been decided, said Sir Brechin, to make the first advance to farmers not less than eight shillings per calf, a very excellent advance indeed, and it was “u;p to” farmers to see that their calves were carefully handled, 'and off good qua..ity. The success .of the business meant a great and growing income to .dairy-farmers from wlmt was previously a waste product, and there was no saying where the matter would end if care was taken to consolidate the position. By doing this farmers could prevent tlfe wrecking of the scheme by proprietary interests.

Mr Keast stated that in his opinion the principle ol farm collection should be adopted. It was simpler and he had no doubt that it would appeal to farmers more than would the depot system. It would probably bring more and better calces into the pool, and, he thought that this should be taken into consideration. Mr O’Brien asked if there was any objection to the deputing of calves if certain factories considered it best to go on these lines. The chairman thought that while this could not Be prevented it might he better to call for tenders straight out for carting r'rem the farms to the several railway stations in our area, and he moled accordingly; the resolution being carried .

It was agreed that tenders be called forthwith, these to close on Friday. 20th inst., so that they could be dealt with by the meeting which would take place the following day. In declaring the meeting closed, the chairman stated that he believed that great work was being undertaken by the National Dairy Association in the interests of the dairyfarmer, and it certainly looked as though the boneless veal business was one which would bring a great deal of money to settlers Farmers should stick together during the early days of the scheme, and “cut out” anything which would tend to prevent the full development of the work. Alin or matters did not count, declared Air Davies and what diet count was the solid support of every farmer in the early stages. If all were firm friends cf the pool, it. would pmve a lasting and good friend of the farmers.