DISPOSAL OF CALVES.

Thames Star, Volume LXII, Issue 17409, 21 July 1928, Page 5

DISPOSAL OF CALVES.

MEETING AT TURUA.

QKG A NIS A TION FAVOURED.

COMMITTEE APPOINTED

One of the most important matters that confronts the dairy farmers on the Hauraki Flams during the next three or four months is the disposal of calves at a satisfactory price. The high price given for calf skins last year caused many calves to be killed for the sake of their skins. There is every indication that the satisfactory prices veal on the Home market will be maintained (.his year, and exporters are now organising to keep the English and Continental market supplied. A. meeting of farmers- living on the Hauraki Phi'ns was held at Turua Hall yesterday, when this side of the dairying industry was discussed. Mr A. H. Rogers, chairman of the Hauraki Plains Dairy Company, presided, and after announcing the object of the meeting, called upon Mr V. E. Masters, of the National Dairy Association, to address the meeting.

Mr Masters, who was well versed in h's subject, stated that organising for the buying of calves on a co-opera-tive basis had been agitating the minds of those connected with the farming industry for some t'me. At a recent conference of dairy farmers held at Palmerston North, a remit was carried that this branch of the farming industry be organised on a co-operative baVs. It had been tried in Southland, and had proved most satisfactory to both the farmers and to the exporters. In the. opinion of many, it was time that a similar organisation should be started on the Plains. Briefly, the idea was that each district would be managed by a local committee, who would see to the cartage and freight of the calves to the nearest railway station. There would be an advance payment of 8/- per head, provided the cartage and railage would not cost-more than 1/- per head. He understood that the district was most favourably situated as regards cartage and railage, and he estimated thai the advance payment would be about 7/6 at the works, Horatiu. There would also be a substantial bonus at the close of the season. A regulation had been enacted by the Government that the calves must be five days old. The most important matter for the farmer waa that the calves should be properly nourished and healthy before they are sent to .the works. The speaker advocated farmers viewing the matter broadly, and by supporting this co-operative enterprise they would be benefiing not only themselves but the whole district. Mr Hicks asked how the Association proposed to pay for the calves.

Mr Masters replied that the cheques would be paid through the dairy companies.

In answer to a question who would reject the calves, Mr Masters replied that the carriage contractor would have' the right of rejection. He impressed the necessity of appointing a capable man as cartage contractor. Mr Madgwick moved that the meeting adopt the scheme as outlined by Mr Masters, and set up a committee to organise the cartage, etc.

This _ was seconded by Mr -. Dale and carried.

The chairman suggested '.he . *ea be between the Gulf and Netherton.

This was agreed to, and the following committee was appointed: Messrs A. H. Rogers, J. Law, W Madgwick, E. A. Chester and W. McDuff.

A vote of thanks to Mr Masters terminated the meeting.