The Guardian And Evening Star, with Which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1927. METHODS OF CONTROL.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 June 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with Which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1927. METHODS OF CONTROL.

The subject of dairy control is a much vexed one and is greatly in the minds of the farmers just now. The value of dairy Droduce is so great to this country that the whole subject has a far reaching effect. Just now a good deal is being promised in regard to scientific research, and no doubt much value will be derived therefrom. Probably the best source of relief for those directly interested in dairying is in

regard to matters where they call help themselves. Nowadays when prices are down, and the prospect of remaining below the high-water mark of the past, there is more reason than ever why methods of helping, themselves should lie studied by the dairy farmer, fn a passing reference to dairying in South Westland in a recent issue, the matter of centralising the manufacture of dairy coin modi tics was mentioned. But the possibilities in regard, to wider co-operation in that matter are greater in promise than any loeal or narrow centralisation. Home separation and motor transport have simpilied the possibilities in regard to centralisation for the manufacture of dairy produce, and with this knowledge the man on the land can approach such a scheme without any t|ii7ilms of fear as to the quality of the article which can be produced. When the Contest Dairy factory was promoted here some time ago, we felt impelled to favor “o project because of the great possibilities presented for more economical produetion. We must confess the results demonstrated have exceeded our expectations. The transport of cream from any part of the dairying district of Westland has been carried out by motor very satisfactorily, and the quality of the article put on the market or exported has been all that could lie desired as regards grade. Having established these two essential points governing the manufacture, it follows that production oil a large scale from a Cenfral factory must lie more coono-

mical than with the same quantity of cream handled at four or five factories ' run simultaneously and in competition. Just now when prices are low for commodities, and it is necessary to economise, it is opportune to refer to the matter, and remind those concerned how they may help themselves in this matter. We know there is something of a stumbling block, in the concerns | already established, but if a fusion were contemplated that barrier should not be insuperable. Other much larger concerns have found it possible and expedient to bring about amalgamations when necessity pointed the way, and there should be business ability enough in the management of the several concerns involved to find a way to overcome tne initial difficulty. The first essential appears to be to bring together the management of tlie several concerns to talk over any possible schemes towards achieving a fusion which must give the supplier a better ref urn. As a case in point, we see the Wnitaha factory going into liquidation because the district suppliers can obtain lx'J-tor returns elsewhere from larger factories. And Wnitaha is going out without obtaining for its shareholders that security which was obtainable by a carefully thought out fusion with a responsible going concern. The experience for the Wnitaha has lieen unfortunate, but it should be a lesson to other parts not to throw away assets which under proper negotiations might be saved wholly to the shareholders concerned. The Wnitaha case seems to suggest that the time for a general fusion is at hand, and if other districts wish to profit accordingly, action should not be delayed unduly. Any district holding its sup]iers together could do more to secure favourable fusion terms than a district in which the suppliers have already ceased to work to mutual advantage. Here then is a method for tlie suppliers to take up in regard to the control of their output, which is of far more importance to them thnn the price of the manufactured commodity at the moment.