FARM MACHINERY UNIT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 20, 4 September 1946, Page 5

FARM MACHINERY UNIT

LINK WITH DAIRY COMPANY FIRST EXPERIMENTAL YEAR Mr I. Withy who last year championed the creation of a new Farm Machinery Department in the Rangitaiki Dairy Company’s activities, gave an interesting and instructive talk to the annual meeting of shareholders last week on the same subject together with figures and estimated outlay which would be necessary to launch the scheme in this district.

Mr Withy who recently visited Kaikohe with Mr I. Gow where such a scheme is in force under the sponsorship of the local Dairy Company said that it had been decided by way of testing the unit out to form a small company of four who would be willing to operate a- hay-baler tractor truck and pick-up estimated to cost £1487 on a nominal capital outlay of £1750, such sum to be produced by the Rangitaiki Company, on a joint and several from the four concerned. The effect would be that the new group, though working through the company would have its own liabilities, assets and responsibilities. The idea was to-ex-periment in order to get the information first-hand for the benefit of all concerned. When it was proved, it could be adopted officially by the company as a new branch. The group hoped to be able to bale hay at 7.4 d per bale, but this would be advanced to 9d in order to wipe off the capital outlay. It would only need an assurance of 30,000 bales for the coming year to prove its success.

Mr Withy produced a hypothetical balance sheet for the approaching season setting a target which he said he was convinced could be achieved. The whole matter now rests with the Directors, who will doubtless give the matter careful consideration.