The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1927. DAIRYING INTERESTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1927. DAIRYING INTERESTS.

TnF.RE were some points touched upon bv Mr W. A. Jamieson. Chairman of the Wetland Central Dairy Factory, at the annual meeting this week, worthy of more than passing attention. In the first plfice, he spoke of the pleasing prospects cf the concern, which

being of local interest, is a matter for congratulation. The Company, as established here, built with an eye on the future, and there is the capacity in the commodious factory to achieve a great deal in the seasons to come when the suppliers realise the personal value of centralisation. His second point was in regard to the matter of production, and what tho dairying people should do to combat the lower prices with which they must he content—namely, more production. This will he possible, as Mr Jamieson pointed out, by feeding the soil with fertilisers and top-dress-ing. and not the least of all, surface draining. From all accounts the greatly enhanced yields in dairy produce in the North Island are duo to the attention given to feeding the soil. Vnother factor as governing the ro'urns for the produce, is the adoption if centralisation where possible, so ns to cut down overhead costs and give improved returns to the dairyman. Mr Jamieson indicated that centralisation here would mean at least ljd per lb. of butter fat. As .some of the centralised .-'onccrns in the North Island are able to pay suppliers Is fid per lb. just now. the estimate of l.ld is evidently below the mark, and might easily he 2d more per pound, seeing that the present payment here is now Is 3d. Figures talk, and they certainly speak in this connection. and those concerned should give heed to the position as it stands. The limn on the land often complains about poor returns, hut as was pofnrc out at the local Dairy Factory meeting, the farmer has to do .something to help himself. Sale prices on the open market are not going to soar immediately. The levelling that has come to pass means that to earn the best out of the market, economic marketing must follow. A union of dairyiii.r forces could surely devise a scheme whereby the dairying filmier could reap a hotter reward for the labor of himself and family and for the capital lie has sunk in his dairying project. Another matter which Mr Jamieson touched upon was in regard to local .sales, and the suggestion that the townspeople might give the venture more practical sup|>ort. The venture way established here as a local industry with (lie irlc In due lime of centralising dairying interests for the benefit of those concerned in farming, and a very creditable business lias been built up: while in addition. promises particularly suitable to the purpose have been created. The substantial appearance of the building has become an ornament to tho locality it dominates, and there must lie a measure of civic pride in so fine a building being centred here. As a reciprocal effort, the local patronage should lie substantial, hut apparently it is not. Now that the matter has boon mentioned publicly, il should ho a simple matter for the townspeople to rectify the past, remissions and show the practical interest in the local industry ? suggested. Regarding dairying as a whole in Westland, the industry has demonstrated its possibility of marked success. In the past it has had considerable achievements to its credit. Imt marketing and business mailer have changed the general aspect very materially. The breaking down of the isolation of the dairying districts by rail and motor is gradually putting the industry on a new plane. Ousts of production have been increasing because of changing conditions due to the war period, and it is apparent former methods may not carry oil as successfully as in the past. Competition all round has increased and loaded tip producing costs. The first attack must he to reduce those charges where possible, fn various parts of tho Dominion it is being done hv a fusion of interests in such a way that producing costs arc being brought down. The centralising which i.s going on by sheer weight of the surrounding conditions, is proving a boon to the suppliers who are reaping the benefit in the money which is saved being pooled for the individual advantage. It i.s possible to participate in the same way here, if the suppliers will unite for the common benefit and protection. II is a fusion due to come to pass sooner or later, and the quicker the greater must lie the material advantage.