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Milking-machines During the period under review 1,425 new and 995 used milking-machines, a total of 2,420, were installed. In the previous year the figures were 1,375, 878, and 2,253, Check-testing of Milk and Cream Samples During the year officers checked the factory testing at 688 visits, and during these visits checked 4,104 samples. The check-testing revealed that with few exceptions the work had been carried out accurately and conscientiously. Warnings about compliance with the regulations were issued where necessary. Certificate-of-record and Government Official Herd-testing The C.O.R. and O.H.T. systems have been continued under the same rules as a year ago. Entries under C.O.R. have been well maintained, while entries under O.H.T. have shown a further increase. During the year 642 breeders were on the lists, compared with 627 for the previous year. Cows on C.O.R. test number 1,419 and cows on O.H.T. 9,649, compared with 1,484 and 7,900 for 1946, a decrease of 65 for C.O.R. and an increase of 1,749 for O.H.T. A noticeable feature is the increased number of cows per breeder, indicating a very desirable trend from the testing of a few selected individuals in the herd to the testing of the whole herd. Dairy Factory Managers' Registration Board New applications for registration dealt with by the Board for the year totalled 41, certificates being granted in 29 cases. At present 680 holders of certificates are on the register, 234 holding creamery managers' certificates, 375 cheese-factory managers r certificates, 6 first-class cheese and second-class butter certificates, 1 first-class butter and second-class cheese certificates, and 64 first-class certificates for both butter and cheese. Redundant Cheese Plant Cheese plant which became redundant as a result of the change back to butter in 1942 had a total list value of £64,000 at that time. Items which now remain unsold naturally have a greatly reduced market value. Endeavours have been made by officers of the Dairy Division in conjunction with representatives of the National Dairy Association to clear much equipment, and as a result little now remains in Taranaki and Manawatu, none in the South Island, and all that from Waikato factories has been congregated at the Karapiro Depot. A concentrated effort to dispose of this plant ,is now being made.

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