DAIRY COMPANY'S YEAR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 52, 21 August 1939, Page 5

DAIRY COMPANY'S YEAR

•*r \ 1.,, -■ . FV * -i ' OPOURIAO SUPPLIERS MEET f'* ■ ' - •g # ' V REVIEW The thirty-ninth annnal meeting of the Opouriao Dairy Company's suppliers.took place in the Taneatua Hall on Thursday, when the Chair, isiaii of Directors Mr W. L, Richardson, briefly outlined the progress of the company over the year. The annual report stated that the estimated season average payout per pound buttcrfat (all grades) was 16.16 pence per lb to suppliers of; milk and 13.46 pence per lb to supliers of milk and cream respectively. In the year just concluded the stocks of dairy produce for export, unsold at the date of balance, had been valued on the guaranteed price basis less estimated charges and stocks for local consumption had been valued at the 13resent wholesale market price less due allowance for charges. The amount available for distribution on this basis, would provide for a further payment of 2d per lb, over the whole season for suppliers of milk and 3d per lb for suppliers of cr<?am making the season average payout over all grades 17.94 pence to suppliers of milk and 16.18 pence to suppliers of cream. BUTTER AMALGAMATION.' Elaborating on the year's events, Mr Richardson said that meetings had been, held between the directors and the directors of the Rangitaiki Dairy Company, with a view to the amalgamation of the two concerns. As however no finality could be reached the Opouriao Company had requested the executive Commission of Agriculture 'to assist in bringing about a settlement, with the result that a meeting was held on October 12 last and the whole question fully discussed. It was finally decided on the recommendation of the members of the commission that the Opouriao Company should dispose of its butter making business to the Ran., gitaiki as it was considered uneconomic. t 0 continue with such a small output. The license was handed over to the Rangitaiki for the consideration of £400 which had ben placed to special reserve fund. The company had since then confined its operations entirely to the manufacture of cheese and whey butter. UNFAVOURABLE SEASON. The adverse * weather conditions which prevailed last season were country Avide. Following a Avet win. ter the spring was dry and cold, an J. in February an unprecedented drought AA'as experienced, Avith the result that inilk supply dropped seri onsly the output decreasing by about 22 per cent. "I am pleased fcio say however/" continued Mr Richardson, ''that in spite of the unfav} ourable AA-eather our payout compares very faA'onrably with others made in the Auckland province." The sum cf £500 had been spent on repairs and both factories were Avell equipped for the coming season. The suppliers Avere remaining loyal and he felt that the company could look forward to a much increased supply during the coming year. Though the price to be paid by the Government AA'as uriknoAA'n it AA'as felt chat this could not be below last season's figure. Mr Richard, son concluded by thanking the managers of both factories for their ser_ Alices and loyal co-operation during the past year. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Congratulating the chairman on his appointment, Mr F. Yeoman said that lie Avas sure the company's busi ness Avas in A-ery capable hands.

.The three retiring directors Messrs A. K. Prince, J. S. Rae and G. R. Yeoman were declared formally reelected owing to no ether nomina.tions being received. Mr F. Prideaux was re-elcted auditor. MAORI SUPPLIERS'* PLAINT* Speaking on behalf of the Maori suppliers Mr Tui apologised for the absence of many of them owing to the death of a very highly respected tribal lady. He added that the Maoris would like a further rep. resentative on the directorate, and complained that very little notice had been given suppliers with refer, ence to the date of the meeting and the closing day for nominations. He was supported in this contention by Mr T. Davics who recommended that in future steps be taken to notify all Maori suppliers at least a week in advance of the closing of nominations. The chairman accepted the recommendation stating that the whole trouble ivas more a misunderstanding and xvas most unfortunate. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks' to the Directors, the. managers and the £taff. on the mo : _ tion of Mr Ruddick.