The National Dairy Association.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8103, 1 June 1906, Page 7

The National Dairy Association.

Atmual Report. The twelfth annual report of the mtional Dairy Association of New Zealand, Ltd,, to be presented at the annual meeting in Palmerston on June 19th, is as follows:— 1. In presenting the twelfth annual report and balance sheet for the year ended April 30,1906, for your consideration, the Executive desire to express their gratification that the advantages offered by the Association are now being recognised by members, and consequently year by year, the "work i» increasing and its influence extending. 2. The turnover for the period contained in the balance-sheet amounts to, £69,819 28 lid, and the profit and loss account shows a credit balance of £227 0s 4d. 3. The membership roll now stands at 92, as against 82 for last year. During the past year 11 co-operative factories, one proprietary factory, and ono exporting firm have become members of the Association. Two members representing packing houses, one exporter, and one proprietary factory have resigned since last annual meeting. 4 The season for 1905-6 has had several remarkable features of more than passing interest to those engaged in the industry. The total output has not reached anticipations. The export of butter shows only an increase of 20,000 boxes, while cheese has increased by at least 48 per cent., or 29,000 cases. About the beginning of the year the quotations for New Zealand butter was 120s per cwt., and Danish 125s The latter then fell rapidly to 114s, and the former to 105s. Danish recovered its price somewhat and ruled at 116s. New Zealand, however, never made any such corresponding rise. With each successive year increased quantities of our butter are being utilised for blending purposes. It will now be necessary for producers to consider whether this practice is commercially in their interests or not. At least 75 per cent, of our dairy produce is now sold f.o.b. and is not affected either by a fall or rise in English prices. Frequently that shipped on open consignment in consequence suffers. The question of vital limportauce to the producer is in view of this fact whether it is best to sell or consign. 5. The excellent quality of N«w Zealand butter on the English market is firmly established. Comparing the season's output with previous years the quality has been equal to if not better, and has given satisfaction throughout the season. 6. The market for cheese has been exceptionally good and prices fairly steady. On arrival of the first shipment it was quoted at 60s, and as the season advanced the price gradually rose to 66s for colouied.

7 The first shipment of butter for the season was made by the s.s. Turakina, from Wellington, on September 29th, 1905, arriving in London on November 12th, and consisted of 4136 boxes. 8. The s.s. Tonsjariro, which left Wellington on January ISth, 1906, arriving in London on 2nd March, 1906, was the record shipment for butter, consisting of 57,046 boxes for the season. 9. The first shipment of cheese went by the s.s. Paparoa on the 26th October, 1905, and consisted of 646 cases. The s.s. Tongairiro, leaving as above, also carried the record shipment of cheese for the season, consisting of 8668 cases. This was the largest consignment of cheese expor:ed from New Zealand in one steamer. 10. The Railway Department have not acceded to the request of the Association and the deputation which interviewed the Minister of Railways to bring the rate charged for railage on dairy produce into line with that now ruling for grain. 11. The Arbitration Court in its judgment on the demand of the Wellington Stationary, Traction and Locomotive Engine Drivers Industrial Union _of Workers re-affirmed its previous decision given in February, 1903, and exempted dairy factory employees from the provisions of the Act. 12. The steamers under the new contract have sailed well up to date fixed for departure. The arrivals however in London, especially in the latter half of the season, have been somewhat irregular, exceeding the usual length of voyage. Notwithstanding this fact, the deliveries of New Zealand produce compared with some of the Australian shipments are more dependable, and have been favourably commented upon by consignees. 13. Direct shipments to the West Ports of England were inaugurated by the Federal Line on the 20th Dec. 1905, The s.s. Devon was the first steamer to sail on the above date. The quantity shipped however up to the 30th May, 1906, was only 36,335 boxes butter, proving that though the rate of freight is less by this route than the contract steamers, London is still the most favoured market for our cheese and butter^

14. Your executive would direct the attention of its members whose butter is graded, frozen and shipped from Wellington to the fact that before the annual meeting of 1908, the present contract with the Wellington Meat Export Company will expire. Consideration should be given by those interested as to whether a new contract should be entered into, or what other steps should be taken in the interests of the industry. 15. Subjects of importance to the industry should engage your attention at the annual meeting, such as the pressing need of an experimental station, the placing of all dairy herds and milk under Government inspection, the necessity for amendment of Companies Act, 1903, in the direction of securing validity to dairy companies' articles that may be now ultra \ ires, proposed legislation that may interfere with the individual action of dairy companies in the disposal of their out--1 puts • to elect two directors in tho place of Messrs Young and A. Mclarlane, who retire by rotation, but are eligible for re-election, and to appoint an auditor. Mr C. D. Morpeth offers himself for roelection. .