Cardiff Co-op. Dairy Go.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 96, 28 August 1923, Page 5

Cardiff Co-op. Dairy Go.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Cardiff Co-operative Dairy 00., Ltd., was held at Cardiff last evening. There was a large attendance of shareholders and Mi- J. T. Belcher (chairman of directors) presided. Apologies. wero received from Messr. s J. Stewart (director) and Mr T. H. Penn (secretary) who were unable to be present. The annual report stated; The output wad about 5 per cent, over last season and a record for the factory. The output of cheese was consigned with the exception of 1401 cases still afloat and in store, which have been sold at 9d per lb f.o.b. Butter* has been consigned except 44 boxes of whoy and 81 boxes of creamery which have been sold. These sales enable us to approximately fix the halalice due to suppliers at £'4325 4s 9d, sufficient to pay 2.71 d in addition to the Is 8d advanced. The cost of manufacture and placing f.o.b. has been at the rate 4Jd per lb of butterfat. The diretors who retire by rotation are Messrs Belcher, Patterson and Richards. Mr Patterson does not seek re-election. Mr A. J. Barr’s services as auditor are again available. Milk, 9,544,3281b5; butterfat, 382,4571b5; average test, 4.00; lbs. cheese to 11b butterfat, 2.701h5; lbs milk to lib cheese, 9.33; cheese (factory weight), 1,005,4591b5; creamery butter, 10,1491b5; whey butter, 28,073; butter overrun, .1408. , M'Jr'

The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said there was reason for congratulation on the results of the past year’s operations. The year was commenced hy placing the output in the hands, of Messrs Weddel and Co. on o]»n consignment, reserving the right to sell all or any part that had not gone into their hands at anytime. Notwithstanding many offers made, the directors adhered to the consignment policy, and this had proved good business, for the payout would he a fraction under Is KRd He was confident that-the payout was well above the average, and al- - the position of the company was an encouraging one. Mr 73elcher mentioned that improvements had been carried out both at the factory manager’s residence and other outbuildings, and also the provision of a large whey tank, holding 800 or 900 gallons more than the old one. With that expenditure he did not anticipate any further capital expenditure for a very long time. Certain financial arrangements had been made with the Campany’s bankers which had proved a benefit to suppliers. The chairman then briefly referred to the Dairy Control Bill which had passed both Houses. His personal view was in favour of the Bill. On the question of the exchange on Loudon drafts that was a heavy item, and when it was considered that foreign countries only paid about 2s 6d, while those belonging to the British Empire had to contribute 355, there was something wrong somewhere. The) report, was adopted. Eor the three vacancies on the directorate, Messrs E. J. Belcher, J. Richards and C. Marchanb were elected.

Mr A. J. Barr was re-elected auditor.

Mr Claude Marchant offered Ids congratulations to the directorate for the able and satisfactory way in which they had managed the business of the Company with such success. Be also paid a tribute to the ability of the manager (Mr D. Cameron). Tho chairman said that while it was difficult to make any forecast as to the future, the outlook was particularly bright. At the suggestion of Mr I). Shannon. it was decided to communicate with tho Now Zealand Daily Association relative to tho high rate of exchange being paid to hankers with a view to some reduction being obtained.

Mr H. Marchant drew attention to the economies effected by the directors and in paying a high tribute to Mr Belcher for his excellent services said that Cardiff was fortunate m having a man of such ability and trusted that Mr Belcher would agam servo them as before. (Applause.) Mr Belcher, in reply, said if his services were required heo was quite prepared to offer thorn.. He had been associated with the company for 32 years. (Applause). More scientific knowledge in con-

nection with the dairying industry

wag advocated by Mr Claude Marchant, who pointed out that while much pi-ogress had been made on the practical side of dairying, comparatively) little had been done towards the scientific side. He would suggest tliat steps be taken to establish a laboratory, towards the expenses of which each factory would contribute. Government subsidies being obtained for the purpose. In this connection he suggested that such department might bo established in connection with the Stratford Demonstration Farm. It was resolved that it boa: recommendation) to the directors to take the necessary steps and approach the Taranaki factories and ascertain what support would be forthcoming.

The chairman remarked that ho favoured a national scheme rather than a provincial one. Mr D. Shannon was strongly in favour of herd testing, and pointed out tho benefits to he derived from tho scheme.—lt was a recommendation to tho directors to obtain data with a view to a scheme being inaugurated in connection with the factory.

Tho usual honorarium was voted to the chairman. Mr Belcher, in returning thanks, said ho would do his host for tho Company, as in tho pasta . 1 At a subsequent meeting of directors, Mr Belcher wa s unanimously re-elected chairman for the ensuing year.