THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 395, 21 April 1902, Page 4

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

ADDRESS BY GOVERNMENT EXPERT.

A largely attended meeting of farmers and others was held in the Masonic Hotel sample rooms on Saturday monring, when Mr Cuddie, one of the Government dairy experts, delivered an address. Mr James Macfarlane occupied the chair for a time, hut having to attend another meeting, Mr R. M. liirrell took his place. Mr Cuddie, who was received with applause, gave a most interesting and instructive address. He pointed out that the value of dairy produce exported from New Zealand for the period ending the 31st of March, 1901, was £1,0.19,0-13, an increase of £117,081 over the previous year, and a further substantial increase had been the result of the past year’s operations. This gave some idea of what the industry meant to the farmers in the way of financial support. He scouted the idea that- the business was being overdone, and said those who were in the best position to judge declared they had nothing to fear from such competition. He referred to the great strides that were being made in the industry in many of the new districts, and stated that the farmers were well satisfied with the returns for their labor. What appealed to the majority of farmers who went in for tlie industry was the regular monthly payments which they received for the milk, as compared with being compelled to wait for a whole year for returns from other branches of farming. In the dairying districts of the colony prosperity could be seen on every hand ; the value of land had increased ; tlie farmers had been able to pay oiT their liabilities, erect comfortable, dwellings, and highly improve their properties. A large number of farmers - were receiving from £7 to £lO annually from each cow. This was ndependent of what was made from the rearing of calves and pgs from skim milk, the feeding value of which was generally put down at ?,d per gallon. Seeing the prospects for the future of dairying were so bright, there was no reason why a co-opera-tive factory should not he established in a central position in this district, and he made to pay. He thought the people here had certainly a splendid district, which was in every way suitable for dairying, and lie was surprised that they had not made more progress.. However, they would now be able to profit by the experience in other districts, and get a start on proper lines. The first consideration was to have a sufficient supply of milk. The working expenses would he nearly the same whether tlie supply he 300 or 600 gallons daily ;. above 600 and up to 1500 gallons the expenses increase hut slightly. The larger the supply of milk, the smaller would he the cost per ib of butter manufactured. The smallest number of cows with which it would be safe to begin with was 4(H), provided they he a fair average lot. Aged cows which had not been milked regularly were not suitable for dairying. It, however, took years to build up a first-class herd. Experience had proved that tlie breeding of what was known as the dual purpose cow—that was a cow suitable for either milking or beef— was not a thorough success. To get the best success, dairy Farmers must breed cows for milk alone. When this was properly carried out, tlie farmer would have made sufficient profit to give his aged and infirm cows a decent burial. In the selection of a sire, one from a pure breed of a:good milking strain should he chosen. No farmer should attempt to keep more cows than he could conveniently feed and handle. A less number, well fed and cared for, would be found to pay far better. Tiie question of supplying cows with a i fair quantity of feed during the winter months was often lost sight of by some dairy farmers. The cattle were allowed to get so low in condition that they came in poor and sometimes unhealthy in the spring. It was not advisable to ! have cows fat at calving, but they should he in fair condition, for it was not to be expected that a cow could put on beef and at the same time produce milk to tiie best advantage. It might not be generally known that tiie different kinds of fodder given to cows had little effect on the quality of- the milk produced ; that was to say, they could not feed butter-fat into a cow ; that was all. a question of breed and the individuality of the cow. Of course, when abundance of succulent feed was given, tlie flow of milk could be increased, and more butter.fat obtained in t))a(/ way. Tlie question of labor in connection with the milk business carn.e in for a good deal of criticism. Jt was, however, not so serious as a great many supposed. When fair Wages were paid, and the employes received a little consideration at the hands of the employers, little djfficulty occurred. In other dairying districts, milking on the share system was adopted with very satisfactory results. Mr Proudlock, of Nuliaka, pointed out that the settlers in that district were able to start a factory, but had difficulty in regard to the grading of butter. Mr Cuddie said tlie Government paid the freezing charges, less a small amount. From Nuliaka it would he necessary to ship to Wellington. The butter would not, deteriorate to any great extent in being shipped that dis. tance. It would be better if there were a grading store at Napier, but there was not a sufficient quantity there yet. Replying tp other questions, tiie expert stated that there was a difference of opinion with regard to tlie best breeds, but he deemed it advisable to get a milling strain. In rc- j Terence to the cost of grazing a milk cow per annum, Mr Cuddie said it was reckoned on the West Coast it took two acres to feed a cow. Less than that would do it in places. 'Hie maximum profit, including pigs and calves, was £l3 per cow. That was where a man bad carefully selected his herd. Splendid calves could be reared on skim milk, with crushed linseed or crude cod liver oil, at a cost of about 3s per calf. The great tiling was to give them the milk warm and sweet. Mr Walsh said that a great difficulty was the obtainment of bulls of good strain. Mr Bell said this was a matter the Farmers’ Union should take up. | Mr Ljssant Clayton said that in each province in Canada there was a State farm, where bulls could be ■ obtained. Mr Lomax, late of Wairoa, thought the farmers here were as far advanced with regard tp breeds as on the West Coast, and they need not be alarmed in that respect. He thought it very necessary that all dairy factories have a freezing chamber included in their plant. He hoped that, Government would frequently send round experts. He concluded his remarks by proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Cuddie. In replying. Mr Cuddie said that all factories had a plant for the cooling of their produce before sending it out. Mr Akroyd said that as they were thinking of going in for dairying in Hie Waimata district- they would like Mr Cuddie to see the country there, and give them advice. He asked if there was any reason why there should not be a Government grader at Gisborne. .Mr Cuddie replied that it was a matter lor the Department to fix up, but lie saw no difficulty, provided there was the quantity of produce. The Chairman seconded tlie vote of thanks p> 'Mr Cuddie. He was sure the advice would prove very profitable. "Mr A,- Y. Ross' also spoke, pointing out to the meeting that, was the first fruits of tlie Farmers’ Union. He proposed a vote of thanks to their provincial secretary, Mr Clayton, to whom much credit was due. Mr Clayton, replying, said that he agreed with Mr Ross's remarks as to his meeting being tlie first fruits of

the Farmers’ Union. When questioned as to what good the Union was doing, lie had told hi.s questioners that they, as a young body, were only crawling now, hut would afterwards run. At the opening of the railway at Coronation time, Sir Joseph Ward would address them under the auspices of the Union. Mr Clayton pointed out the benefits to lie derived iiy tin small farmers joining the Union. I'lie farmers could fie tiie rulers of the district. The Union was in no way a political movement—it was solely m

the interests of the farmers. The assertion that the squatters were running it could he obviated hv the smaller men joining it. 'Then they would have the majoritv vote, and

they could fix the policy of the move, ment. He saw sio reason why there

should be any antagonism between the small and big men. This, lie hoped, was a thing of the past. He concluded by referring flatteringly to the expert. they had been so fortunate in securing.-

A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting.