DAIRY INDUSTRY

Waikato Times, Volume 84, Issue 13209, 26 June 1915, Page 2

DAIRY INDUSTRY

MEETING OF RANGIATEA SUPPLIERS.

The farmers of thn district met on Tuesday at Mr H. Ingham's, when Mr Goodfeliow outlined the wurk of the Waikato Dairy Company for the past season. Mr R. S. Sircombe presided. Mi Goodfeliow said he was pleased to report that the company was still leading in home separaf'on—the system it had succeeded in establishing six yeais ago—and its rate of progress was truly astonishing. Although the past season was acknowledged the worst for 40 years their returns had shown an increase of 10 per cent. Another feature of the year's trading had been the volume of business transacted by the suppliers' buying agency, and the directors had decided to give a rebate on purchases. This afforded a striking example of the advantages of co-operatve buying. Although the growth of feed during the past season had not been satisfactory the. high prices ruling on the British market had to & large extent compensated dairy men for the decreased yield of b'ltterfat. Margarine had been a formidable competitor yet butter was still preferred by all who could afford to biy it. The company's produce had been sold to advantage, and suppliers would be pleased to learn that the price paid for cream delivered daily to the railway would average Is 2d per pound, whilst the price for cream delivered three days a week would be |d less. The high return was in a large measure due to the policy inaugurated last year of paying a premium price for dairy cream. The scheme had proved an unquali q ed success and numbers of letters had been received from clients

abroad complimenting the company on the excellence of its product. This statement vas received with much satisfaction Continuing, the speaker said that the attention of all dairy factory directors was occupied by the inadequacy of existing freezing facilities. The company was making arrangements to ensure ample accommodation for the coming season's requirements and suppliers need have no misgivings on that score. Their directors were fully alive to the importance of providing against any possible disorganisation of the oversea transport service. With reference to the company's exceptionally easy share system the speaker emphasised the fact lhat in all legitimate cases the company would buy back at par the shares of suppliers who wished te give up dairying. Statements to the contrary had been freely circulated and he wished to give them an absolute denial. In reply to a question as to the suitability of the district for cheese making Mr Goodfeilow said that at present none of the Otorohanga country was sufficiently advanced for that purpose. He pointed out that cheese was a highly payable proposition given favourable conditions, but for some time to come the settlers would find home separation more profitable. The chairman moved a vote of thanks to Mr Goodfeilow who expressed his pleasure at meeting the farmers. He hoped that the coming season would be a prosperous one, and assured them that their directors could be trusted to watch their interests closely. The meeting then concluded.