DRIED MILK.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 112, 23 December 1918, Page 3

DRIED MILK.

Market Prospects. A meeting of all interested in Mr W. Goodfellow’s dried milk proposals was held at Waharoa on Friday evening. Mr P. Quinlan wds voted to the chair. He said he was, glad to see such a large attendance — about 130 farmers were present—it showed that the farmers were waking up to their own co-opera-tive interests. He had pleasure in calling upon Mr Goodfellow to outline . the latest negotiations. He would also refute certain rumors which had been in circulation. (Applause). Mr Goodfellow said he was surprised at the attendance, it was that large that he was convinced there were ■ more present than had signed the guarantee. This showed that many additional farmers were taking an interest in the scheme. After touching on the sale of dairy produce operations, as already reported, he went on to say that when the various companies sent their representatives to America to investigate the dried milk business they thought it would be practically a simple matter to get patent rights. However, they found that there was no such thing as a co-operative dried.milk company in America, and being all in the hands of large capitalists very little information was available from that source. However, much assistance had been given by the Agricultural department. Negotiations had been opened with one firm for patent rights, but it was ultimately found that this was not directly available. They had then obtained an option over a Californian process, and had availed themselves of it, purchasing rights which would give them entrance to the world’s markets. They had found that a certain firm had a representative in New York waiting to purchase these rights if the N.Z., co-operative companies surrendered their option. They had since acquired the Merrill patents, and had entered into market arrangements with the Truefood agency to dispose of the Merrill dried milk. The product made by the Californian process would be placed on the market direct. It would be advertised under its own brand and Wduld undoubtedly build up a reputation for itselfl However, the various companies had decided Chat the produce from all th# factories would be pooled. Thus the suppliers would divide proportionately the prices 1 realised. It had since been ascertained that France would provide a very good market, and the company’s own agents in London, were pessimistic at first, had now altered thqjr opinion, * and were quite satisfied with the prospects, both in England and throughout Europe. The speaker • had also been in communication with a merchant in Japan, who was directly interested in reconverting dried milk to milk. A cheap method of re-converting had been invented (particulars of which were given). Mr Shirley had tasted the milk treated in this manner, and stated that the difference between it and new milk was infinitesimal. These machines had been installed on all United States battleships. Referring to matters at Waharoa, Mr Goodfellow said about 100 farmers had signed the guarantee representing about 4000 cows. Those that signed last had signed short, as it appeared that the factory was assured. Messrs-Forsman Bros.’ property, near the township, had been acquired, and it was certain that it was going to be a very desirable property. The plans for the factory had arrived from America, and although alterations to them had to be made by the company’s architect it seemed probable that tenders would be called for directly after Christmas, that is providing the farmers were satisfied with the scheme.

Mr A. G. Shirley, in response to an invitation by the chairman to relate some of his experiences, said the first thing that had struck the New Zealand representatives was the high payments being made by capitalistic Concerns in the state of Wisconsin for condensed milk. Payments up to 4s 2d per lb butterfat had been paid. However they fourid that the business was not stable. The dried milk business firmly placed, and the recommendations of American dairymen and specialists were strongly in favor of the spray system. Both patents acquired by the New Zealand companies were on this system. It was quite apparent that the emulsifier was going to revolutionise the dried milk industry, and would be freely used on account of its cleanliness, convenience, and upon hygienic principles. The powdered milk industry was to stay as there were no limits to its possibilities. There were about 40 factories operating in 'America, and they could not cope

with the demand. When he was in America, he was informed that none had been exported; the supply for this was not available. However, he believed since, that Great Britain had been able to acquire about a ' thousand tons. Personally he was quite satisfied as to the great future possibilities of the industry. Farmers would probably have to adopt more up-to-date sheds which would tend towards greater cleanliness, and then profits would be large. To Mr Thomson, Mr Shirley said milking machines were not in general use in the United States. There, like in New Zealand about 10 years ago, a certain prejudice existed against machines. Mr Goodfellow said this was so, but he was convinced that the American farmer would be educated to the conveniences of the machines, as had the New Zealand farmer. Incidentally Mr Goodfellow stated that most of the world’s milking machines had been invented in New Zealand. To Mr Quinlan, Mr Goodfellow said that the market prospects had not altered. He would say, as a conservative estimate, that, after deducting all expenses, and paying for the factory, farmers could safely bank on receiving 2s 6d per lb clear for the next four years. (Applause). To Mr Montague, who asked if any provivion was being made for the supply from dairymen who would return from the war, Mr Goodfellow stated that the plans provided for a small additional supply, but not much. The factories would not be built for speculative purposes. To a farmer: It was absolutely certain that the factory at Waharoa would be in first class running order for the commencement of next season (applause). Arrangements had been made for a representative from America to superintend the installation of the drying machinery. The possibility was that for the following season a condensery would have to be erected in* Matamata. On the motion of Mr King, seconded by Mr Scherer it was decided that this meeting of intending suppliers to the Waharoa dried milk factory had every confidence in the scheme; were satisfied with the arrangements made, and asked that the erectionof the factory be proceeded with as soon as possible. The motion was carried unanimously by acclamation. In conclusion Mr Goodfellow said before tenders for the factory were accepted they would be sent to Waharoa, and the settlers would be given every facility to criticise. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr Goodfellow, Mr Shirley, and the chairman.