Farmers' Affairs

Levin Daily Chronicle, 21 April 1917, Page 3

Farmers' Affairs

♦ •LEVIN DAIRY COMPANY'S ANNUAL MEETING. L-jvin Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd., at a general meeting of shareholders held yesterday, discussed the question of installing a casein manufacturing plant at the factory. Mr James Prouse, chairman of directors. made the point that in the present stress of .affairs in the British Empire the need for production of food was paramount. Casein was not a food. Farther, the' time was otherwise inopportune ; labor was scarce and wages high. At the end of a long discussion, SVIr James McLeavey moved and Mr Perry seconded a proposal "That it be a recommendation to the directors to defer consideration of the casein question to a later date.-' Mr McLeavey said that while it was inadvisable to enter on the undertaking at present, the fact ' remained that the war might be over in three, six or twelve months' time; and then matters might prove* much more .favourable for the establishment of the industry. In such an event, he took it that the directors would convene another meeting of shareholders. This proposal found general approval, and the motion was made unanimously.

The report ran as followsTlie directors have much pleasure in presenting to you the Seventeenth Annual Report and Balance-sheet. The past season has proved to be a record in the history of the Company. Tlie prices realized, the amount paid to the suppliers, and the quantity of butter made have been exceptional. Although the shipment of butter has been attended with much difficulty owing to the scarcity of shipping, this has not been, felt by the suppliers, who have had their payments regularly and to time. Thanks also to our splendid navy our butter has been enabled to reach the overseas markets without loss. The reports on the quality of the butter are most satisfactory and in addition to prizes gained at various shows this company for the second time has tied for the championship of New Zealand. Aftr provid. ing for depreciation and necessary expenditure and repayment funds there remains a profit of £540 8s lOd. This will enable a dividend of six per cent to be paid to shareholders on paid-up capital, which the directors recommend, and leave .a small amount to be carried forward. There are- two vacancies to bo filled on the directorate.. The retiring directors are (Messrs Becher and Read. ■ Messrs Becher and Death are nominated. Your directors, desire to express their appreciation of the good work done !by the boaird/ the good work done by Mr (Read during the time he has been on the board." Some further items of interest arising out of the meeting are noted in our ''local and general" columns.