DAIRY INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 248, 17 September 1940, Page 10

DAIRY INDUSTRY.

SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY.

COMPARISON OF OUTPUT.

An approximate survey of the combined efforts of dairy farmers in the past season lias been made from the figures supplied by the balance-sheets of 15 factories in the Southern Hawke’s Bay area where most of tho companies have held their annual meetings. There is an increased 'aggregate revenue amounting to £575,210, which is no doubt accounted for by a goo! autumn in tho 193940 season. Labour, freight, and various administrative charges have increased _ manufacturing costs —a factor prominent in other industries —and this is having some effect on those whp have- been engaged in the industry. Another noticeable feature is a. further drop in the total number of suppliers, the figures being 1193 in 1938-39 and 1132 in 1939-40, despite which tho aggregate return is higher. Tho following figures for tlie past season are interesting to those engaged in the industry in Southern Hawke’s Bay: —

CHEESE PRODUCTS. Statistics for the 1939-40 season tor a group of factories, compared with those of lasi year given in parenthese:— There were 66,724,2701 b (62,871.7341 b) ol milk received, and 2,930,0831 b (2,996,2131 b) of butterfat were derived from the milk. Tho question of cheese manufactured was 7,146.2751 b (3190 tons), as against 6,847,768 lb (3057 tons) last year.

BUTTER. • Concerning' butter manufacture, a total of 4,081,4941 b of butterfat was derived from cream, as against 4,053,2221 b it. 1938-39. The amount of cream collected was 10,382,0291 b, compared with 10,396,4301 b. in 1938-39. Butter manufactured totalled 5,018,5761 b (2240 tons), compared with 4,941,2181 b (2296 tons) in 1938-39. * With the guaranteed price assured factory revenue increased on the marketing returns, and the aggregate for - butter and cheese for 1939-40 amounted to £575.210 Bs, compared with £561,553 Is 5d _ the previous season. Tho balance for distribution disclosed by the balancc-sheete -was £72,183' 12s 6d, 'as against £64,540 the previous season.

lIUKANUI COMPANY. The chairman of directors (Mr E. A. Harrington) presided at the annual meeting of the Hukanui Dairy Coy., Ltd., when ho gave a general review of the factory’s operations. ‘.‘ln response to the appeal for increased produce I am pleased to . say that we realise tho importance of making more chceso and with the co-opcration of all concerned, I am sure that wc shall achieve this object,” Mr Harrington said. “But this drive for more production has put many farmers to considerable expense, especially those who have gone from butter to cheese. These latter deserve tho greater credit, for in many cases their plant has had to be reconstructed, a road has had to be metalled from their sheds to got out with a heavy load of milk, and either a suitable cart or lorry has had to he bought. Some fanners find it hard to meet this expense and they should be financially assisted. I put this as a recommendation to tho board of directors, and we must play our part and assist others to play -theirs. A degree of uncertainty lias been aroused among farmers due to tho matter of adequate transport to Britain, but if we produce the goods we can safely leave this matter to the authorities, and we shall have tho satisfaction of knowing that we have done our part. During the 1914-18 war many difficulties were experienced, but they were overcome and doubtless tho position will be much the same this time. Tho 1939-40 season was a record one for production and with the present one opening so well in the matter of weather and tho cows coming in with good condition, tho presont season should give even better results.” As Ml- Harrington did not wish to be ro-c'ectcd a director, Messrs R. Mabcy, R. T. Udy and W. 0. Twontyman were all nominated, but they declined to stand if Mr Harrington would accept nomination. Several shareholders said that Mr Harrington should reconsider the matter, as he had the interests of the company at heart and ho would bo missed from the board. Mr Harrington said that, as it scorned the meeting’s wish, he would accept nomination, which decision was given loud applause. Mr A. P. Dougherty, tho other retiri.ng director, was tho only nomination, all othor shareholders declining. Messrs E. A. Harrington and A. P. Dougherty were then declared elected and form the directorate with Msosrs L. G. Wcnham, T. C. Colder and F. J. Wilsher. Mr W. C. Harrington was appointed auditor and Mr \Y. 0. Twontyman in proposing him, spoke of tho efficiency of his work for the company for many years. The manager (Mr R. W. Foss), the secretary (Mr A. G. Parker) and, the remainder of the staff wore accorded a vote of thanks. At a subsequent meeting of directors Mr E. A. Harrington was re-elected chairman.