N.Z. CO-OP DAIRY CO

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4870, 28 August 1925, Page 2

N.Z. CO-OP DAIRY CO

ANNUAL MEETING. CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS. Tlie annual meeting of shareholders of the N.Z. Co-operative Dairy Company was held at the Theatre Royal, Hamilton, on Monday. Mr Dynes Fulton, chairman of directors, presided, 1 and there wais a large attendance. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet Mr Fulton referred to production, saying it was not expected that the past season’s output would exceed tne production for the previous year, because on looking back over the three seasons preceding the one just ended 1 they found that climatic conditions had been abnormally favourable to a big production. Further, the iact rnat wool and mutton prices had greatly improved had induced a large number of farmers who previously were dairying to go back to sheep-farming, where the country was suitable. Fortunately, tor the fourth year in succession, the weather conditions had been almost ideal for dairying in the South Auckland district, and the season just ended h'ad again shown , a substantial increase in output. The company’s production of all products for the past season was 31,776 tons, compared with 29,189 tons ■ for the previous year. They could not, however, expect the continuation of a iseries. of ideal seasons, and he would strongly advise farmers at this early stage to prepare their land tor supplementary fodder crops for * autumn feeding,, iso that they might be prepared in the event of a dry summer. QUALITY, Continuing, Mr Fulton said : “It is pleasing to report that the quality of our products has been maintained, and, indeed, in the case of cheese has distinctly improved. We feel that a very large majority of our suppliers realise the vital importance of' not only maintaining the quality of our butter and cheese and by-products, but also, if possible, of excelling the high standard that has already been set. The decision made last year to raise the quality of “Anchor” products- by a somewhat stricter system 'of grading has generally bedn approved by our suppliers. It is gratifying to find that ill, other parts of New Zealand increased attention is being paid to the question of grading, which it is hoped will become universal at no distant date. BUTTER PRICES.

“The price paid to butter suppliers for the past season has proved satisrfactory. During part of the season it seemed likely that fairly low prices woudl be realised. The cheese sup-' pliers are again in the position of receiving a higher return than butter suppliers. Since the slump of 1922 the herd-testing movement nas received a great impetus, and there is mow a very widespread recognition of the fact that the butter-fat production per ce-w must be increased. Individual herd-testing and also the group method, which has now become so general, are together putting a large number of cows under test, and I have no hcisitation in saying that in the case of many of our. suppliers herdtesting is going to make the difference between success and failure. FINANCE COMPANY.

“As recently announced, the directors have made arrangements to form a Dairy Finance Company, for the express purpose of lending money to tne company's shareholding suppliers in order that they may purchase dairy corns'. The finance company will be owned and controlled by the dairy company, and will make secured loans at current rates of interest. It is believed that the present is, an opportune time to assist suppliers in this way.

MARKETING OF PRODUCE.

“Following on the special report presented to the New Zealand Dairy Produce Control Board by the delegates who went abroad, the board subsequently decided, as you know, to assume absolute control of dairy produce as from August, 1926. I do not hesitate to say that the inauguration of this important forward move in the marketing of dairy produce of this country deserves to be, wholeheartedly supported .by factory suppliers throughout the country. We believe that the dairy farmers of New Zealand wish the Dairy Control Board to have a fair opportunity to demonstrate what can be done in their interests by the measures it has been decided to adopt next year. THE MANAGEMENT.

“Twelve months ago I had to inform tlie shareholders that, owing to medical advice, it was imperative for Mr Goodfellow to be relieved of a considerable portion ofi the work and responsibility that he had been carrying for years past. It is well known to shareholders that Mr Goodfellow for many years has had high ideals for the industry, into which he has thrown the whole of his energies. During the year arrangements were made for Mr Goodfellow to be relieved of part of his duties, and it was his intention to remove to Auckland at an early date. In May, however, Mr Sinclair, the manager of the company, resigned, and this, made it necessary in the meantime for Mr Goodfellow to again assume full control of the business. Applications have been called for a manager, and the board hopes to make a suitable appointment at an early date. This will enable the plan outlined to the shareholders last year to be carried out. Your directors fully realise the enormous value to our business of Mr Goodfellow’s knowledge and experience of the industry, and it is their unanimous wish that, so' long as he feels able to do so, Mr Goodfellow should continue to occupy the position of managing director of this company. It is known to you all that during the last few weeks a considerable amount of propaganda has been circulated with the object of undermining the confidence of suppliers in this company, and particularly in its management. This company has been singled out for attack because it is in the forefront of the co-operative

movement. I want to say, however, ~ V that I believe that nearly .all our-,fj shareholders are firmly that, as far as co-operative daiiyingff/l is concerned, there is going to be tinned progress and they are prepai\fes ed to stand by their own concera»» The company’s prospects are exceJ4|tJ| lent, provided shareholders remafegl loyal to the company and to co-opera tion. . 7 GG - 1 ■ ■- “In conclusion, I wish to express behalf of the board of directors company’s thanks to the staff out the business, in all the an d at th e office, for the which their various duties haveJPflsH carried but during the; past