WOODEND FACTORY

Southland Times, Issue 19357, 24 September 1924, Page 8

WOODEND FACTORY

ADJOURNED ANNUAL MEETING. A BREEZY INTERLUDE. The adjourned annual meeting of the Woodend Dairy Factory suppliers was held last night, when the chairman of directors, Mr Colin McKenzie, presided over a fair attendance. CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS. In moving the adoption of the report (already published) and balance-sheet, he said they had a pretty strenuous year, and the prices obtained were not as big as he would have liked. The cows had gone off during the dry spell, and this accounted for a drop in the milk. At the commencement of the .season they sold at 101, but after that the market dropped and they were faced with taking a big drop or consigning. They had accepted Bjd for two or three shipments, this being for cheese up to the end of January. They did not get an offer for February and they did not do so well, the February cheese being sold at 82/- to 84/-. They had sold a little cheese at 8d towards the back end of the season. They would have to consider the appointment of two dairy inspectors, and also the raising of the grade from 88 to 90. The raising of the grade appeared to be favourably commented upon, and the general opinion was that they should improve the standard of their produce and maintain their position in the markets. There were plenty of countries that could make second grade cheese and place it on the London market cheaper than they could. They would have to keep up the standard of their produce. Mr H. Wilson seconded the motion. A few questions on the indebtedness of the factory were asked and answered satisfactorily. DIRECTORS ELECTED. t Messrs C. McKenzie, G. W. Skerrett and W. T. Parker were nominated for the directorate, and Messrs G. W. Skerrett and C. McKenzie were elected. In returning thanks, Mr Skerrett said they were evidently satisfied with the work of the past directorate. The season had been a difficult one, and should they be dissatisfied with the work of directors they always had their remedy. He hoped, however, that when he had finished his term they would still be satisfied with his work. Mr C. McKenzie said he was one of the old originals, and he thanked them for j again electing him to the directorate. i Mr W. T. Parker said although defeated Ihe was not disgraced. His main reason for 1 standing was that he did not think the retiring directors should have a walk over. Messrs Scandrett and Sons, were reappointed auditors at a fee of £4 4/-. It was decided to hold the annual social on October 3, and a special committee was elected to make the necessary arrangements. DAIRY INSTRUCTORS. The Chairman, in introducing the farm dairy instructors, said other factories were voting against the appointment of instructors. They all knew what to do to improve their milk, but they did not always do it, and they also knew that the standard of their milk must be kept up if they were going to make good cheese. They could not make a first-class grade of cheese unless the suppliers brought in first grade milk. “To test the feeling of the meeting,” said Mr W. Hudson, “I will move this meeting favours the appointment of instructors.” Mr G. Skerrett seconded the motion. Mr W. T. Edge: I would like to hear the mover express opinions why he wants instructors. “It is plain that instructors are wanted,” said Mr Hudson, “as we have got to produce a first-class article.” He said they could do with a lot of instruction, and also capital to carry out the recommendations of the instructors. If they were not instructed how to send a first-class article how they were going to raise the grade? The instructors were to be appointed for Southland and they would have very little time to come near Woodend if they attended to their work. The instructors would show them how to get another gallon from the cow. (Laughter). Mr Edge: I knew I would get him. (Renewed laughter). A supplier: If you get an instructor, like that I am with you. Mr Hudson: I really do not know what the instructors’ duties will be, but they will probably earn their salary. At least, they will if they come near my place. Mr Edge said they were only going to have two instructors for Southland and he would like to know how they were going to carry out their duties. If they brought along a pocket full of finance to assist the farmers something might be done. The instructors might put too much expense on the farmers’ shoulders, as he never knew how far they would go. When the late Hon. R. McNab introduced his concrete yards proposal the farmers turned him out. “I suppose,” he concluded, “we can heave the instructors out if they want too much.” Mr Wilson said there was plenty of room for improvement, and he favoured their appointment.

Mr H. Dustin said the finance was too big a hurdle at present. They all knew how to get good milk, but they did not have the necessary finance to buy the necessary articles.

Mr Edge said that all suppliers would be made to cool their milk. It a better water supply and a cooler were provided on every farm, it would do a lot of good, even if the factory had to finance the improvements. The motion was lost, only two voting for it.

Votes of thanks passed to the directors, secretary, manager and staff and the Press were carried in the usual manner. The Chairman was voted an •honorarium of <£lo 10/-.

At a subsequent meeting of directors Mr C. McKenzie was re-elected chairman.