Farmers’ Co-op. Dairy Union

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 208, 1 September 1942, Page 6

Farmers’ Co-op. Dairy Union

There was an attendance of 30 at the 4.9 th annual meeting yesterday of the New Zealand Farmers’ Co-op. Dairy Union, Ltd. Mr J. A. Nash, chairman of directors, presided. In moving the annual report of the directors, as already published, Mr Nash said: “The past season was an unfavourable one as far as weather [conditions and supply were concerned. The loss of suppliers who liacl to go to their nearest factory for cheese made a great different to our usual supply. Wc were called upon by the Government to manufacture cheese up to 300 tons and we nearly reached this amount. Another change has taken place this year, and in common with other factories we have been instructed to close down the cheese-making plant and return to butter. The question of tyres for lorries and the possibility of a further reduction in petrol has arisen and the matter is a very serious one to the industry. Recently an officer of the Transport Department came to Palmerston North and placed all factories under zones. Unfortunately for us, we have had to part with old and valued sup- . pliers who have been transferred to [other factories. However, while wo . shall not be able this year to reach our , normal output, we shall have for the j first time a confined area and it will be I found that this will reflect in pay-out !at the end of the season. The position i is a favourable one and it will mean a [ large reduction in collecting costs. “In butter we have paid out about [l6d and this will bear comparison with many factories in the North Island. In [cheese, which was our iirst year, wo have paid out the highest of factories that went into cheese last season and this should be very gratifying to those who were zfned to us for cheese. The quality and grade reflects great credit upon the manager (Mr. 11. G. Mills).” While the Government had increased the guaranteed price, Mr Nash continued, it was not a great advantage to the suppliers, who, in addition to having to pay their own increased prices, had to pay their share of the increased factory costs. The company was not paying a dividend this year, to pay £2OO cost £7O in taxation, which was too much. The company preferred giving it to the suppliers. In conclusion, Mr Nash thanked suppliers, the directors, manager, secretary (Mr G. N. Hawken) and staff. Mr G. Greer, of Tiritea, was elected to the directorate, replacing Mr V. Muldrock, who did not seek re-election, having been - zoned away. Mr D. G. Glendinning was re-appointed auditor.