DAIRY FACTORIES

Southland Times, Issue 22994, 14 September 1936, Page 3

DAIRY FACTORIES

KENNINGTON The annual meeting of the Kennington Dairy factory suppliers was held in the hall, Mr J. Calvert presiding over a full attendance of directors and some 60 suppliers. The chairrnan, in his report, dealt with the British market, the cost of production, the finances of the company and the new legislation as it affected the industry especially in regard to the Government’s fixed prices and shorter working hours. He said that the finances of the company were in a healthy condition. At the beginning of the season the balance of loan owing to the Bank was £925 but had been reduced to £594 16/10 and he considered that in two years’ time, if nothing unforeseen happened, the company would be free of debt. Dealing with the Arbitration Court, he said the assistants’ award of 52 hours a week on the basis of the 1931 wages was satisfactory for the industry but had the 40-hour week been passed, in their case, the cost of production would be £3 0/8 per ton or .868 pence per lb. for butterfat. It was considered that a halfpenny per lb butterfat would cover increased costs of wages but that with regard to other charges such as repairs, fuel etc., the total costs would be £d per lb. butterfat. The fact was stressed that the supplier should send in good quality milk and he would receive a premium for finest grade cheese. The managers had so much at stake that they would reject border line milk. Two suppliers took exception to the sale of the early part of the season’s milk to Underwood because of the inconvenience occasioned suppliers but the chairman stated that any trouble caused would be compensated for by the saving in costs as it was well known that in operating the factory at the beginning and end of the season was the costliest in wages and fuel owing to the small quantities of milk being handled. Some discussion took place on the forming of a Dairy Farmers’ Union but it was the unanimous opinion of the meeting that it -was not advisable to form a small union but that all farmers should join the Farmers’ Union. Complaints were made regarding the calf lorries not running to time-table and that calves were being left on the roadside for an unreasonable time at collecting points. The secretary was instructed to inquire into that matter. There were four candidates for the vacancies on the board. A ballot was taken and resulted in the retiring directors, Messrs A. Hain and W. G. Moncur, being returned. A vote of thanks was passed to the manager and staff, the directors and secretary. At a subsequent meeting of the directors held immediately after the general meeting Mr J. Calvert was elected chairman for the ensuing 12 months. RIMU REPORT The annual report of the Rimu Dairy Factory Company states that the season under review has been somewhat better than the past few seasons, the market remaining steadily on the rise throughout, no very great fluctuations in prices having to be recorded. During the year 1059 crates were forwarded for export, and were disposed of as follows:—83 crates were shipped on consignment and the remainder was sold prices ranging from sjd to 61 d a lb, less 14 per cent. A further payment of 3d a lb butterfat on all milk received during the season will be available for distribution and paid out at the annual meeting. At the end of the season Mr

K. Henderson, who had been manager for the past ten years, resigned, and Mr H. T. A. Barnett has been appointed to the position. At the annual general meeting of shareholders it will be necessary to elect two directors, vice Messrs R. Grieve and W. Stewart, who retire under the company’s Articles of Association, but are eligible for reelection. WOODEND The annual report of the Woodend Dairy Factory Company says that with the exception of 99 crates of. cheese which were shipped on consignment, the whole of the export output was sold at 6d a lb f.0.b., less 1J- per cent. Advance payments have been made to suppliers of 1/- a lb butterfat for first-grade milk for the months of September to January and for April and May, while 9d a lb butterfat was paid for February and March milk. From August 1, the New Zealand Government took over the whole of the export cheese and butter, consequently all the coming season’s output must be sold, to it. A branch of the New Zealand Dairy Farmers’ Industrial Union of Employers has been formed in Invercargill, and Mr W. Hudson, one of the directors, has been appointed a member of the provincial executive committee, which is now taking steps to control members. The condition of the building and plant has been well maintained during the year and everything is in good order to begin the new season. The old pasteurizer was done and. the directors were fortunate in procuring a good used one, which was installed at the beginning of the season and has given every satisfaction. At the annual general meeting of shareholders it will be necessary to elect two directors, vice Messrs G. C. Jennings and G. Perkins, who retire under the company’s Articles of Association but are eligible for re-election.