COSTS AND QUALITY.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1933, Page 4

COSTS AND QUALITY.

The discussion by the Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union of the future of the dairy industry was decidedly interesting. The proposal to reduce costs by the closing-down of redundant manufacturing plants has a good deal to commend it. It is not surprising, however, that a proposal to eliminate all privately owned dairy factories was rejected. As one delegate pointed out, the question of finance had to be considered if proprietary establishments were to be bought out, and there are many who would regret the elimination of all competition in dairy manufacture. The suggestion that costs be reduced by closer co-operation between factories in regard to such matters as cartage, farm inspection, and even the closing down of certain factories has been made frequently at gatherings of members of the dairy industry. The Farmers’ Union was asked to support compulsory reorganisation of the industry by the Government, but this also was postponed for further consideration, and in view of the growing desire within the dairy industry that it shall be self-contained and self-control-led a compulsory reorganisation seems unlikely to be generally welcome. That there is waste and overlapping is admitted, but it looks as though reform in this direction should com? from within the industry and not be imposed by any outside authority. There will be general approval of the support given by the Farmers’ Union to the movement for improving the quality and cheapening the cost of milk, cream and cheese supplied to local markets. It is one that is likely to benefit the larger cities more than the centres of population in Taranaki. In this province purveyors of milk and cream are often the producers too, and competition has kept the quality up and the price from being exorbitant. However, it is satisfactory to note from discussions at the recent dairy conference at Hamilton as well as that by the Farmers’ Union that the value of the local market is being recognised by the dairy industry. As consumers of butter New Zealand residents lead the world. The figures in regard to milk and cheese are not nearly so satisfactory. ,The industry Is trying to improve them, and if it meets with success It will have gone some way towards removing the fear of overproduction.