National Dairy Association.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 33, 7 August 1896, Page 2

National Dairy Association.

The Directors' report, which is to be cons: lered at the adjourned meeting to be hud in Haweia today, says {inter a Ha) : — It is disappointing to see a falling-off in the output of both butter and cheese. This has no doubt been caused by the low prices last season driving some of those who lack confidence in dairying into other modes of farming, and the better prices of grain in the South Ibland. We often hear the remark that " dairyiu.fj does not pay " ; yet we venture to say that there is not one dairyman in Mi'W Zealand who can say how much it r.i.stsbim to produce a gallon of milk. It cannot be saiel that dairying does not pay until it has been properly tried. We find that a large number of our dairymen are thriving at the business; so we may reasonably conclude that it does pay whenever a little intelligent thought is given to it. It may not pay wbere the average cow only gives 1251bs of butter per year, but if this is increased to 2301bs the result will be different. It canuot be made a success without a little labor in thinking and system in working. If dairying can be made to pay in any country it should be here, considering the natural advantages we possess. Shipping arrangement during the past season havo becu fairly satisfactory. The rates from May till end of October have been reduced by an eighth of a penny per lb. on both butter and cheese, so that the early shipments of next season will get the benefit of this reduction. During next season it is expected the mail steamers will call at Waitara and New Plymouth, which will mean a considerable savins to shippers. The winter show at Dunedin last month was a great success, both as regards exhibits and financially. It is to be regretted that a similar exhibition has not been arranged lor in the North. It only requires a little genuine enthusiasm on the part of members to bring this about, and we hope the matter will not be lost sight of, and that next year we shall witness an exhibition of dairy produce worthy of the district, and you will be called upon to discuss the ques tiou of haying a good winter show for the West Coast, holding same at Hawera and New Plymouth alternately.