FIFTY YEARS AGO

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 58, 27 May 1942, Page 3

FIFTY YEARS AGO

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY IN ITS INFANCY The following, which should be of interest to old-timers round the district,. is a clipping from the "Bay of Plenty Times" of 50 years ago. We don't knew what was the outcome of the gathering, but perhaps some of the residents who were in the district at the time could inform us whether this was the start of, or led up to, the formation of the present Dairy Company. "On Thursday last there was. a considerable gathering of Te Puke settlers at Mr Roger's store, to meet Messrs R. Reynolds and Farley, who attended to give information; and discuss the desirability of establishing a dairy factory in that district. Mr Chaytor was voted' to the chair, and the matter was thoroughly gone into." "Mr Reynolds stated that If the settlers would, guarantee an average of i3OU gallons daily for nine monthscut of the year, the firm would pay 2% per gallon (imperial measure) from September to December, and :kl per gallon from January to May. There was some hesitation on the part of those present about guaranteeing a supply of more than 400 gallons and Mr Reynolds therefore j offered te' submit a proposal to' his directors to pay 2 :i-ld all the season for a 100-gallon supply. All whey would be returned pro rata to settlers supplying milk, who could thus; be able to rear their calves." This is a first start of a large ready money concern of this nature in the Bay of Plenty and a hope was expressed that it might ultimately extend, its sphere of operation into other portions of tlie district. At the close of the meeting and on subsequent clays, the guarantee form has been very numerously signed and it is hoped that operations willi be started as soon as circumstances will pernvlt.