Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th, 1917. THE SUCCESS OF DAIRYING.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th, 1917. THE SUCCESS OF DAIRYING.

Evidence of the success of dairving in Westland is supplied first hand by the annual reports of the local factories now being made public. 11 was indicated last week that the average yield from the herds supplying the Wataron Cheese Factory with milk was £2O per head for the season. On Saturday the annual report of the Arahura Butter Factory disclosed that the suppliers received 1/8 per lb. for butter fat manufactured during Oetdber, and 1/7 per lb. for that manufactured during the succeeding months of tho season. Both results are excellent, and shows conclusively what the district can do in tho matter of dairying. Tho returns place beyond all doubt the future which is before this district ns settlement. extends, and dairying pursuits grow in favour. Tho climate is specially suited to the growth of pastern,go and it only requires the enterprise 0,1 tho part of the farmer to ensure rich returns being won from the land. There is plenty of land adaptable to pastoral pursuits, and ns there will he aii assured demand for dairying products for an indefinite period, the industry is one that should never look back. Certainly dairying in the Wataroa district is in some temporary peril because of indiscriminate recruiting, but with tho representations that have been made to the authorities, this danger should be avoided, and the permanency of the industry maintained. Co-operative dairying has much to commend it. The Arahura Factory to which reference has been made,-is an interesting example of what can be done successfully in this respect. Those who remember the commencement of factory butter making at Arahura will recall that tho inception of the Company was .brought about under interesting conditions. Tho factory began with a very small number of suppliers and with quite a minimum number of cows. But the enterprise thrown into the venture was such that tho concern has never looked back. the undertaking was launched there was an effort to capture the milk supply for another town, but the settlers threw in their lot with the co-operative principle, and the results appear to be such that they can hardly have reason to regret their enterprise and choice. It is whispered that once again there is some suggestion of diverting the local milk supply, but with the experience enjoyed over the past few years, the wise supplier will think twice before severing his connection with his own managed concern, wherein all possible profit goes direct to the suppliers. As a business principle there should bo no doubt about the decision to remain loyal to the concern which has stood good to the district over the term of its existence. What these two factories have done is but typical of the valuo to settlement of the other similar concerns throughout the district. They all result in large sums of money accruing that the suppliers who reap the well-deserved profit for their labour. Both cheese and butter will be in strong demand throughout the coming season. as it is likely the products will bo demanded by tho Imperial authorities This market will ensure shipping facilites, and that secured, the price is certain to bo right. The industry thus has a good future ahead of it, mul in tho advantage to be derived, a large section of this community will participate.