The Western Star. (PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY.) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1891.

Western Star, Issue 1571, 17 June 1891, Page 2

The Western Star. (PUBLISHED 81-WEEKLY.) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1891.

Dairy factories, so far as Southland is concerned, have been anything but profitable undertakings. The reason for this is not far to seek. Instead of starting a few factories in suitable districts at sufficient distance apart to allow each of thorn to be worked up to its capacity, and with enough capital to cover cost of plant, etc., they were rushed up in all directions within two or three miles of cnclt other, and in most cases only about half the capita! required was raised. Therefore in most cases they had to work largely upon borrowed money, paying a heavy interest for same, and with the circumscribed area from which they obtained their supply of milk, could only command about half the quantity that might otherwise have been put through, coupled with a serious decline in the value of cheese and butter the year after they started, it is no wonder that many of them are in difficulties. At the meeting of the shareholders of the Aparima Dairy Factory, held on Wednesday last, it was painfully evident thal most of the directors were sick of the work they had had in financing the concern up to the present. The money received for the rent of the factory, which had been leased for the past season, was not sufficient to pay interest on the overdraft, and they find themselves getting deeper and deeper into the mire. The lessee suggested that the only means of making the factory pay, was to form a fresh company to take over the property and work it on the co-operative principle amongst suppliers only. A motion was then tabled by Mr Huberts that the factory be sold. Mr M. Hayes moved as an amendment that unless sufficient shares ware taken up within one mouth to relieve them of their financial difficulties the factory be sold. We were glad to see that the amendment was carried, as it will give those most interested iu the carrying on of the industry an opportunity of coming forward to assist iu ••educing its indebtedness, and place the concern on a sound financial footing. The recent advance that has taken place iu values of butter and cheese makes the time of re-organising the factory an opportune one. and it is to be hoped, for the credit of the district, that the efforts of the pr nn iters iu this direction it will bo successful.

As tluire arc a considerable number of ju-ju employed afc the Round Hill Syndicate’s workings and afc the various sawmills between bore and Wakapatn, wb» reside in Riverton and comb b )mo on Saturday evenings, ifc would prove a groat convenience to them if tho railway department ran a train from Riverton to Oropuki on Monday m iraiugs. At present they bave either to walk back to camp on Sunday evening or lose a day in waiting for Monday evening’s train to take them tbo-e. In our opinion tbt Nightcap.; train could be. sent along at soon as it arrives in Riverton (d.lb a.m ) without entailing any extra ex pan'!? on the department, save a faw b . of coal, and that would be more . a made up by the number of p:-opl 10 would ride instead of walking, i j present. Ifc will be scon on reference to our advertising columns.

that His Worship the Mayor, in compliance with a requisition, convenes a public meeting to request the Railway Commissioners lo grant the concession .