DAIRYING AMALGAMATION

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13811, 16 July 1918, Page 5

DAIRYING AMALGAMATION

GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. CONFERENCE SUGGESTED. IN SOUTH AUCKLAND DISTRICT. Mr D. Caddie, Director of the Dairy Division of the Department of Agriculture, has addressed the following letter to the several dairy companies operating in the South Auckland district :

"Dear Sir,—ln view of the widespread attention which is being given to the extension of the dried milk industry, more particularly in the Waikato and neighbouring districts, it has occurred to us that the time may be opportune for suggesting some form of amalgamation as between the owners of the present dried milk factories in the Auckland province and owners of other factories which arc about to be erected. If such an amalgamation be possible we believe it would be in the best interests of all concerned, as it might mean a reduction in the number of dried milk factories required in a given area, prevent undue competition for the milk supply, insure the delivery to the factories of the milk in the best of condition and in other ways prove a more economical basis for carrying on this branch of the dairy industry If this proposal be a feasible one, we are willing to call a meeting of the parties immediately concerned, say, at Hamilton, on a date to be arranged. Of course, this could only be a preliminary meeting of representatives of the factories already in existence and those about to be established. In the event of the principle of the amalgamation being affirmed on that occasion, a further meeting of representatives of the butter and cheese factories in the various districts could be called to consider the whole question of extending the system of co-operation in connection with this new movement. A similar letter is being addressed to the managing director of the Waikato Co-operative Dairy Co.; Mr E. Allen, chairman of the Cambridge Co-oper-ative Dairy Co.; Mr G. Buchanan, chairman of the Thames Valley Cooperative Co.: and the chairman of the Waihou Valley Co-operative Dairy Co. On receipt of a reply from these gentlemen and yourself, it will then be determined as to whether the proposed preliminary meeting be held to discuss the subject. We might say in conclusion that we have the authority of the Hon the Minister for Agriculture in making this suggestion. Awaiting the favour o\ your reply— *'