PROPOSED CO-OPERATIVE DAIRY FACTORY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 87, 19 June 1908, Page 3

PROPOSED CO-OPERATIVE DAIRY FACTORY.

Mcsisrzg at Te Kuiti. On Saturday evening last a rncetinsA vas held in the Te Kuili Hail for the puroose if discussing the advisability of starving Co-operative Dairy Factory. Mr Tor. Ormsby, as convener of the meeting, explained that in the past disturbances had arisen in connection with the factory, and it was the duty of the settlers to discuss ways and means of starting a Co - operative Dairy Factory, which he thought would be the only way out of the difficulty. Te Kuiti, he said, was going to be a large centre, and the district would undoubtedly be one of the most thriving of the upper Waikato. Mr Barnett, who had recently purchased the plant and building, was present, and it might be advisable to hear if he would suggest something. Mr Barnett proceeded to explain the advantages to be derived from cooperation and would favour a cooperative factory, and not a proprietary one. Difficulties arose with proprietary concerns in the matter of bonuses, which was obviated by cooperation. He was not going to make any definite bargain with the meeting, but thought he would be prepared to lease the plant for six or seven years at a rental of, say £IOO for the first year, and £l3O for the following years. It would be necessary to put in a refrigerator, and in case any other machinery was added the company would get compensation at the end of the term.

Mr Hine : There is a company still in existence.

Mr Ormsby : Yes, there is a company. The arrangement made with Messrs Lever Bros, was for five years, three of which had expired, but the Company could start operations straight away. In order to put things in working order, he thought it would first be necessary to elect a committee in order to confer with Mr Barnett.

Mr Barnett said he thought this was a good idea as he might be_ able to make better arrangements with a committee. He would not stand in their light if they Vanted to make an early start, and«va» prepared to give them every assistance. Mr Price: Is the present machinery capable of turning out good butter ? Mr Barnett thought that the only addition necessary to produce a firstclass article would be a freezing plant. Mr Boddie wanted to be clearly understood, inasmuch as he did not intend to become a supplier, but at the same time he would be glad to assist in other ways. If at any time his advice was sought he would only be too pleased to advise as best he was able. He had over sixteen years' experience in one of the most thriving dairying centres in New Zealand, and was certain the commencement of dairying would at once improve the conditions of our district. The country was capable of intense dairying, but was hardly ready. This, however, could easily be remedied. If they intended to start do so on cooperative lines, and thereby the whole interest was the suppliers. All that was necessary was to first find a sufficient number of men to milk a sufficient number of cows. • If dairying was commenced he had no hesitation in saying that it would soon develop into a big concern, and the country carrying sheep to-day would, in a few years, all be required for dairying. Mr Ormsby stated that three years ago suppliers were prepared to milk at a loss, but owing to altered conditions was not sure they would do so now. He proposed that a committee, consisting of Messrs M. A. Mackenzie, J. T. Hetet and Jer. Ormsby, be appointed to ascertain if there were settlers prepared to milk 300 cows, and to present a report to a meeting to be held on June 27th, preparatory to conferring with Mr Barnett. This was seconded by Mr Hine and carried. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.