THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 11586, 23 October 1901, Page 3

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

A. meeting in connection with the dairy industry was held in the Library Hall, St. Andrews, last evening. Mr D. Anderson was called upon to preside. t Mr Thomson, chairman of directors of tne South Canterbury Dairy Association, said that he was pleased that the meeting had been called locally, as it was far better that any steps take:: should be spontaneous. He mentioned that St. Andrews was an ideal district for dairying, the only drawback being the want of water, but with their well known enterprise the settlers could be trusted soon to obviate this. South Canterbury was the only part of the colony where dairying had not been established long ago. If they had not taken np this matter themselves there were others who would have done so, and he had correspondence from a, gentleman who represented Reynolds and Co., Auckland, stating that he was anxious to start the dairy industry in South Canterbury. They " had the matter in their own hands. The company was to be rum on co-operative principles, and it was the only way to run such an industry successfully, as nil the profits, after paying a certain dividend to be fixed upon, would be returned to the suppliers. That day instructions had been given to the architect to call tenders for the central building in Timaru, and he thought the building would be ready about the new year time. He thought it would be better in the meantime for the St. Andrews suppliers to send their milk by the morning train to Timaru, as the time suited admirably. Next spring, if things shaped at all well, a creamery could be erected at St. Andrews. He instanced the case of the Taieri and Peninsula Company which, although at one time in very low water, could now boast that its shares were quoted at a. substantial premium. IT" anything came to pass that would interfere with the sheep traffic, they would be in Queer Street unless they had something, such as dairying, to fall "back upon, as the graini market was, according to the present price of cereals, hardly worth the candle. He announced that he and Mr Dixon, who was also present, would be pleased to answer any questions that might be put by the settlers.

Mr Morris asked how many shares had been taken up. and Mr Thomson replied that about 2600 had been allotted, and that another few hundreds had been applied for. In. the meantime, he thought that if 4000 shares were taken up the company would have no difficulty with their finances. As time went on, the directors would be prepared to erect creameries in any part of the district where the necessary amount of shares were taken up and the cows guaranteed. Mr Hurdley said that people did not seem to fully appreciate all that Mr Thomson had done in the matter. For the last six months he had practically devoted all his time to the business in order that the industry might be successfully established. He asked if farmers realised that the price of butter in summer would be 9d at the least, instead of the present price, which often was not more than 4d. He advocated the growing of lucerne as feed for cattle, as it was admirably adapted for a climate such as this. One great advantage to the suppliers would be the punctual payments made out the 20th of each month for the milk supplied. Mr Thomson stated that if the St. Andrews district by next spring would take up 300 or 400 shares and guarantee about. 150 cows, the directors would be prepared to erect a creamery. Mr Anderson asked what the railage on milk to Timaru would be; also if it wa» the intention of the directors to call up the full amount on each share. Mr Thomson said that he believed the company would be prepared to pay the railage on the milk to Timaru, as itwould reallv be a. saving to the company, because for' a time at least they would be put to no expense for a creamery. ±U<J skimmed milk was, he believed, returned free by the railway authorities. li.eiiwould only be one or two calls on shares in the meantime, awl part of the balance of the shares could be deducted from the suppliers' cheque for milk. 1 Mr Dixon said that for the first season the butter made at the central factory would be consumed locally. In subsequent -ears there would be a good surplus and. it was intended to ship this to the Old Country. It:, time it was intended to supply the town of Timaru with pasteurised milk and this would be a boon to all. Other dairy companies had been started m South Canterbury, but none had been run on a proper co-operative principle, and tins was the reason of their non-success. In response to the invitation of the chairman, many of those present signed applications for shares, and a good deal ot enthusiasm was displayed.