PATEA DISTRICT MEAT CO.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 January 1929, Page 6

PATEA DISTRICT MEAT CO.

PROFIT ON YEAR'S OPERATIONS.

SUCCESS OF VEAL INDUSTRY.

“Notwithstanding the keen competition for all classes of stock, the year’s operations resulted in a profit of £lB9 15s 3d,” stated tho report submitted to the annual meeting of the Patea District Meat Company at Patea yesterday. Mr. A. T. Christensen presided over an attendance of 10 shareholders. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, the chairman referred to the profit made during the past year. This, he said, although small, had been made in spite of the many difficulties with which the company had to contend. The company had commenced the season-very well indeed, but on account of the very small amount of money available to call upon, it had to realise on its supplies as it 'received ' them, with the result that' some big losses had been experienced in regard to both lambs and wool.; Nevertheless, the works had, he claimed, met the requirements of the farm-. ing community. It would be a great calamity to the district should the' works cease operations. Last season had marked a record in the number of lambs handled This year prices were better and good work was being done by the company. Shareholders should be satisfied' that the object of the company had been attained, and the works kept in operation. Mr. C. D. Dickie pointed out that the District Meat Company had always gone in nd bought when farmers wished to sell, and stood off when farmers desired to pool. As a resu.t the company had not handled any big proportion of the calves killed at the works last year, but had financed the pooling and killed on behalf of the farmers. A somewhat similar position existed ,in connection with the pooling of pigs»This meant that the company could not show the returns it should have on account of the' pooling schemes. The chairman mentioned that the Patea company had been the first one to start the “bobby” calf trade in. New Zealand. Ho remarked that if people realised tho trouble the company had to get the veal industry going in New Zealand they would be surprised. Most of the calves had been, pooled last year, and he felt confident .that the. prices realised by the farmers were equal to, if not better than, other companies had returned. The same applied in the case of tho pooling of pigs. .- • • Air. Christensen said he felt certain the trade would increase and that pooling would be stronger in future than it was at the present time. The report and balance-sheet were adopted without discussion. The retiring directors, Messrs. J. RCorrigan and G. McGregor, were icelectcd unopposed. ~ Air. J. D. G. Thompson was re-elected auditor at the same remuneration. On tho motion of Air. Hemingway,, a vote of thanks was accorded the chanman, directors and staff for the woi carried out last year. It was very comforting, .said Air. Hemingway, to find that no loss had been sustained on the year’s working.

general items

Dry, browned pastures in many parts of South Taranaki, and particularly »n the Patea and Waverley districts, bear evidence of the effect of the recent hot weather. In some cases sheep are to be seen grazing in paddocks browned by the heat, the grass higher than the sheep s backs.

The unusual sight or an old man In a bath ehair being towed along the highway by a motor cycle in the vicinity or Hawera was seen on Sunday.

“Prospects for all our produce in New Zealand is- very excellent indeed. I have not known financial and farming Conditions better than in 1929. There are abundance, of feed and plenty of money in the country.” Such were the remarks of Mr. A. T. Christensen, chairman of directors, at the annual meeting, of the Patea District Meat Co. yesterday.

Fire destroyed a dwelling and contents, the property of Mr. R. Ferguson, Waiteika Road, To Kiri, during the week-end. The house and outbuildings were insured for 1450 and the contents for 1200 in the Southern Union Office.

The Kiwi Ladies’ Lodge picnic was held on the Mokoia beach on Sunday. About 50 members and their friends enjoyed an excellent day's outing. The three-legged race (men and women), wheelbarrow race and pick-a-back race created much fun for the competitors and onlookers. Perhaps the most mirth provoking event of the programme was the walk, run backwards and crawl race. Many other amusements were indulged in, such as swimming and fishing, which combined to make the outing most pleasant.

The monthly meeting of the V omen s Christian Temperance Union was held in Hawera on Friday, when there was a fair attendance of members. Mrs E. S. Emmi'tt was elected president and Mrs. W. G. Simpson secretary for the coming year. Sympathy was expressed with the Rev. and Mrs. Oxbrow on the recent loss of their sons. Mrs. Ollernshaw, eenr., was appointed delegate io the conventions to bo held in Wellington in March. It was decided to hold a garden party next month. Mr. and Airs, Corry, of Glover Road, offering their grounds for the occasion. Mesdames Curtis and Hurrell served afternoon tea at the close of the meeting.

Miss Lynda Bullock, Hawera, notifies that she is prepared to taka pupils In elocution, commencing February 5. Her telephone number is 2625.

The. Hawera Druids will hold their annual picnic on the Moturoa beach, New Plymouth, on Sunday. All Druids and friends are cordially invited. The fares are 4s 3d for adults and 2iS for children. The train leaves Hawera at 9 a.m.