DAIRY ASSOCIATION

Southland Times, Issue 18972, 20 June 1923, Page 6

DAIRY ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING. (Per United Press Association.) PALMERSTON NORTH, June 19. The twenty-ninth meeting of the National Dairy Association was held to-day, Mr A. Morton presiding. The chairman referred to matters mentioned in the annual report. The value of the butter exported in 1922 was £8,886,820, and in 1923 £10,324,574: Although there was such a noticeable increase in butter, cheese showed a decrease in quantity and value. With the possible exception of the East Coast, the Dominion had fared well. Having spoken of the bright side of industry, Mr Morton referred to less satisfactory features, particularly to the shipping of cheese. He said further representations to shipping interests would be made this week. There had been a gradual falling in freight rates, and there appeared to be a fair chance of obtaining a reduction of marketing produce and prices. The past season had shown many irregularities and there was no stability as yet. but it must be borne in mind that the figures were abnormal. The executive had been advised from associated banks, that they were considering a possibility of removing financial restrictions. No relief had been obtained in railway freight. He referred to the Empire Exhibition, and paid a tribute to the work of the Dairy Division, but this had been hampered by the inadequate staff. The expenditure on a properly equipped laboratory would pay in the long run. Mr H. E. Pay (Palmerston North) referred to the necessity of the popularising of herd-testing and pork industry. Messrs O. W. Williams, Bell, McCormack and Tosland also spoke of various aspects of the Association’s work. The election of directors resulted:—Hon. J. B. Gow (Auckland), Messrs J. B. Murdoch (Taranaki) and J. D. Brown (Wellington). A motion to hold the annual meetings alternately at Palmerston North and Auckland, was carried after considerable discussion. It was decided that the executive be requested to consider the question of representation on the Board and report at the next meeting. It was decided to pay directors £1 daily, additional to hotel and travelling expenses, and the chairman £l5O annually. Mr T. C. Brash spoke on the advertising of the Dominion’s products at the Empire Exhibition. He suggested a levy of 2/per ton on butter and 1/- per ton on cheese, which would produce £9,000 or £lO,OOO. After a discussion, the scheme was recommended to individual companies, the money to be collected at either end.