A Central Dairy Factory

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1923, Page 2

A Central Dairy Factory

MOVEMENT GROWING

Mr H. T. Barry, of Westport, a visitor to the district at present. Ims taken an interest in the movement for a central dairy factory for North Westland County. embracing the area south of the Tereniakau liver. Mr Parry v.tut has been spending a few days in the Kokatahi-Koitei angi district was approached hy the settlers there i-> afford any information available as to the financial possibilities for a icntral factory. Mr Parry's knowledge cf the industry and its working under a centralised scheme, enabled him to supply a good deal of useful information, with the result that a number of settlers are becoming converts to the idea. It is well-known that at Kniter: tie', there is. or v as. the intention .of erecting a factory. Kokntahi contemplated a rebuilding scheme. The idea for a central factory was a- very opportune one For that particular distriet. and enquiry in and about. Hokitika points also to the project being fav< rahly considered here likewise. To-dav. accompanied by Mr \Y. Jamieson, of Koitcrnngi. Mr Parry is visiting Arahura with a view to consulting with the d hying .settler- in that settlement on a central scheme. In the opinion of Mr Parry, a great saving can lie effected in management costs by centralising operations, while the ordinary income can he ■ .-really aegmented by the extra revenue to accrue for by-products. Centred in a town a very profitable retail business would lie possible, and with cool storage, and the opportunities for chilling beef,

mutton, bacon etc., for export to Canterbury as the market favored, a. profitable trade could lie created. Mr Parry looks very favourably on the scheme for the benefit of dairymen generally within a ttide range of the factory, while the settlers as a whole would benefit from the convenience to be afforded for their perishable exports which could lie stored in the cooling chamber which would he erected in conjunction with the factory.

The site for the factory would be a matter lor future consideration, governed by the available water supply, contiguity tn the main roads converging from the .surrounding districts, and ready access to the railway line. The matter is one which no doubt the townspeople would support in capitalising. as a local factory here would he a very useful adjunct to the town, and supply a long felt want. No doubt ; f something of this nature is not do-”-, quantities of cream, ice. and oven butter and cheese at certain periods of the year will he imported from Christchurch. when the daily train is operating. tl would be preferable in i vet ■■ way to have the trade locally and the money kept in the district for the benefit of the settlers. Doubtless the next

few days will see n definite develop menu of the heme for a centr'd dairy factory