DAIRY DIVISION

Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1930, Page 7

DAIRY DIVISION

TARANAKI CRITICISM.

REQUEST TO MINISTER.

HAWERA, July 28. Strong criticism of the Dairy Division and the attitude of the Director, Mr Smgleton, to the report on cheese quality presented recently by Mr P. 0Veale-, research chemist to the Taranaki Federation of Co-operative Dairy Factories, was expressed at a Federation conference to-day, when ninety delegates gave unanimous approval to a suggestion that the Minister for Agriculture be requested to set up a committee of investigation concerning questions of importance to the dairy industry. Mr J. R. Corrigan, a member of the Federation executive and the New Zealand Dairy Board, expressed the opinion that it was time dairymen found out where they were in the industry. He expressed a belief that all at the recent Hamilton conference must have been very disappointed in the reports received there on cheese quality. “I was disgusted when expecting to hear an address trom Mr Singleton at Hamilton on cheese quality that he confined his remarks mainly to Mr Veale’s report and severe criticism of it,” said Mr Corrigan. “Mr Veale compiled his report at the Federation’s instructions. We went through if in detail before giving it out for publication, and realised the necessity to do so because we were dissatisfied with the industry at the moment. Mr Single ton took the report as an attack on the Dairy Division, but that was not the intention of the Federation. Mr Sjngleton attacked the report and he slanged the Federation. It was necessary to have the Federation when it was formed. It is very necessary now, even though the Dairy Division may still regard it as a slur. We have practically no co-ordination with the Department of Agriculture and the Dairy Division, but are- looked upon as more or less outcasts, Apparently the Dairy Division link no confidence in the Federation.

PROBLEMS OF THE INDUSTRY.

“I think the Federation has done more to help to solve the problems of the industry than anyone' else. I also think that it is time to try to get some co-ordination of interest both on the scientific and manufacturing side of the industry, but under existing circumstances we are getting nowhere. Mr Singleton left the impression on the conference that he and his assistants knew the last word in cheese mftmijfaqfture and /that our scientist knew nothing. If what he said was correct why isn’t the industry given that information ?”

Mr Corrigan, who concluded his remarks amid applause, moved: “That this Federation asks the Minister for Agriculture to set up a committee selected from the dairy industry and including a factory manager to investigate .the following questions» (1) “How a system can be brought about whereby better co-ordination will exist between the Dairy Division ana scientific organisations existing in the Domonion,

(2) “Whether the Dairy Division through its instructors is imparting the best knowledge it possesses to the dairy factories of the Dominion. (3) Whether our grading system in regard to cheese could not be very materially improved. (4) “The effect on fcheese quality of the Arbitration Court award, (5) “Whether on ; the score of economy, seeing that Massey College has established a scientific department the Wallaceville Laboratory had outlived its usefulness and should be dispensed with.” Mr J. Cocker (Eltlmm) seconded the resolution, He hact the opinion that the Dairy Division was not a leader hut was a very good follower.

Mr J. Merchant (Cardiff): If we could get more assistance from the Department Instead of the hostility that Mr Singleton has shown us we might do much more to improve the industry. ,

“It is a great pity that Mr Singleton is not here to defend himself,” said a delegate.

There is no slur on Mr Singleton,” said Mr Corrigan. “What 1 proposed was ip effect to ask the Minister for Agriculture to form a committee to study the problems 6f the industry.” The chairman (Mr T. A. Winks): T do think it regrettable that Mr Singleton did take, the action he did. at Hamilton in criticising the Federation and the scientist.

The resolution was carried unanimously.