DAIRY CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1922, Page 1

DAIRY CONFERENCE.

[by tei.bgbAm— r kb thess association J

WELLINGTON. May 18

The conference of representatives of the co-operative dairy companies of the Dominion opened to-day. The object is to consider the bext means to deal with the .disposal of exported dairy produce It is proposed to form a company with a capiat of a million sterling, owned and directed by dairy companies, aided by special legislaioii and supported by the State financial hacking. The South Island delegates expressed disapproval of the scheme in lace ol the details. They declared Hint they had n*t forgotten the marketing com. mission, the burden ol w hich was leil to the South to carry. The delegates had no authority to give way the South Island’s “birthright."

After considerable discussion, the following motion by Mr Baker (l’apatawa) was carried: “This meeting being thoroughly representative of the dairy industry of the Dominion expresses its entile approval of the proposal to set up a compulsory organisation to client itally control the handling, distributing and marketing of our export dairy produce.”

After further discussion it was resolved that the nominal capital of the company he £2.50,000. WELLINGTON, May 18.

At the dairy conference it was resolved that in the event of the Govern, meat refusing to introduce" the necessary legislation for the formation of a company with £2.5,000 of a capital, the committee have the power to request legislation for the formation ot a scheme which will be acceptable to the industry. It was agreed that shares should he applied for and allotted to all the manufacturers of butter and cheese, in proportion to the total export, the first issue not to exceed 015,000. On the question of representation on the directorate, the North Island agreed that the South Island have four. The South Island wanted five.

The chairman said the conference had reached a rock, on which it might split It was a critical point, but one which he thought could he well left over until to-morrow to decide on details ot the London Board. It was stated the ex isting channels of distribution will he used.

It was resolved that the Government lie asked to introduce the necessary legislation to make compulsory the marketing of all export dairy produce through the company and give power to the directors to make all nccessniy levies on the produce, such levies to he on a percentage basis and not to exceed one and a quarter per cent on the gross return ; and that in the first instance the levy he credited to share capital. It was also resolve I that the Gove nment lie asked to give the necessary guarantee for financing shipments etc. The mealing resolved to recommend that the Government establish a superfine grade fur belli butler and cheese on u basis of !!2 points and over for butter, anil fit p inis and over for cheese.