THE WAITAKI DAIRY CO’S TURNOVER.

Western Star, 6 March 1917, Page 2

THE WAITAKI DAIRY CO’S TURNOVER.

That Southland is a province of great possibilities is amply demon, strated by the success which has attended the Waitaki Dairy Company’s enterprise in establishing a modern butter factory in Invercargill. Previous to their starting, all the butter manufactured in Southland was not sufficient to supply the local markets, and large quantities had to be brought in from the North Island. The position is now reversed, and in addition to providing for local consumption, the Waitaki Company has sent away during the last three months considerably over 100 tons of butter for export. Starting in the spring of this season with a few suppliers, they quickly gathered together a large supply, and by the end of January 450 farmers wore sending cream, and 100 tons of butter were manufactured. This at £IBO per ton totals £28,800 in value. In comparison with other butter and cheese factories in New Zealand, their December and January outputs rank higher in total value than any other factory in Southland, fourth highest in the South Island, and in comparison with factories working entirely on the home separation system, it was the fifth or sixth highest in the Dominion. The largest output for any one day during these months was 5786 lbs of butter.

lii conversation with our reporter, Mr A. H. Mackrell, manager for Invercargill, estimates that the butter industry in Southland will develop rapidly and soon become a very important branch in Southland’s products. The supply the Company is receiving comes largely from fanners who formerly made butter at home in the old-fashioned way, and while their output in. the first six months has reached such huge proportions, it is only an introduction, and next season’s output will probably double itself.