LARGE-SCALE DAIRYING

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12084, 30 June 1932, Page 3

LARGE-SCALE DAIRYING

One of the most interesting personalities in the dairy farming industry of the Dominion is Mr J. J. Paterson, of Manaia, Taranaki, who milks over 2000 cows on shares. Half this number is farmed in Taranaki, the balance being milked on his farm at Tatuainu. in the Waikato. Mr Paterson is by far the biggest dairy farmer in New Zealand, and it is claimed that he is the owner of the largest dairy herd in tlie world. With the average man the control of these immense herds of dairy cows would be sufficient work, but Mr Paterson also farms about 10,000 sheep. Left an orphan when five years of age, Mr Paterson, who is now 73, commenced work at the early age of nine, being apprenticed' when 14 to a blacksmith. After his time as an apprentice was served, he commenced business on his own account in Manaia. In the early days of that district, considerable areas of Maori laud were available close to Manaia at reasonable rents, which rents, in many distances, were paid years in advance. Mr Paterson was successful in securing some of these blocks, on which he commenced cattle and sheep farming, gradually extending operations each year. About 25 years ago Mr Paterson decided to change over from grazing dry stock into dairying. Further purchases of land were made, in each case Native leases under the control of the Public Trustee being preferred. Under this system of purchase, the only outlay Was for the improvementSj thus leaving the purchaser a capital available for erecting the dwellings, sheds, and purchase of dairy stock. Mr Paterson built up his herds until he had over 2000 cows milking .