CORRESPONDENCE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 10 August 1916, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Correspondence is invited onany matter of public interest. We do not, however, necessarily agree with the views expressed by correspondents.]

PARAKAI MILK SUPPLIERS,

TO THE EDITOR

SIR, —In reply to your correspondent, "Supplier," re Ambury Ltd's. Parakai suppliers not having received word of the bonus they are to receive lor the past season, probably, were no explanation forthcoming, it would leave a wrong impression on the public mind, which seems to me to be, more or less, the purport of " Supplier's" letter (not a:. Parakai supplier).—Now, Mr EditoJr; fc^J the information of "Supplier" and .tfl| public generally, I visited Mr J. Newma^ the Secretary, who supplied me with the data of the annual meetings for the last four years, being as follows:—2Bth July, 1913 ; July 29th., 1914; July 28th., 1915 ; and July 27th., 1916. So that this year's meeting is from one to two days earlier than the three previous years.

As to the statement, "If a supplier starts with one company after the Ist August in each year, he cannot supply any other company for that season," might I ask " Supplier " does he mean. shipping Beason or for the 12 months ? If the latter, how is it that the compact is not strictly adhered to ? as the Kaipara Company allowed a Parakai supplier of Ambury Ltd. to transfer his supply to them for some weeks before Ist August.

Now, Mr Editor, for the facts. Ever since the Kaipara Company has come into existence and started operations one of their directors each year has made a practice of trying to persuade more or less of the Parakai suppliers to transfer their supplies to the Kaipara Company. This year has been no exception" One of the suppliers, at least, was approached, and told that he was losing money by supplying Ambury Ltd. I challenge this statement to be proved correct, proof to be submitted to any two men this ex-director likes to mention. While on this subject, I should like to mention that at our annual meeting of suppliers, whilst awaiting the arrival of a hew supplier, a gentle tap came at the door. When one of those present, thinking it was the person referred to above, called out "Come in," to our surprise a director of the Kaipara Co.-op. came in. Being asked for an explanation, he told us that at a meeting held the previous day (probably a directors meeting), it had been decided to erect a cheese plant, if sufficient number of cows could be guaranteed. When asked if he represented the Kaipara Co or not, he answered in the negative ; and almost immediately he said that Mr Thomson would address us if we wished. . Surely, sir, if they want to destroy us the ex-' director and director may think this an effective way of accomplishing it; on the other hand, if they wish to absorb us there is a right and proper business method of going about it, without this continnal agitation being kept up.— I am, etc',

R. NICHOLLS, President Parakai Suppliers' Association. Parakai, August 8,1916.