The Telephone. Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning. GISBORNE, TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1884. CHEESE AND BACON FACTORY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 86, 11 March 1884, Page 2

The Telephone. Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning. GISBORNE, TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1884. CHEESE AND BACON FACTORY.

“ It is never too late to mend !” That this old saw is not always applicable must be admitted ; but it certainly is most appropriate with respect to the inertness of the settlors of this district, who have hitherto disregarded the climatic and other essential advantages at their command, and now are inclined to take a turn in the right direction. We refer particularly to the combined action taken by the gentlemen who met at Makaraka la-t week, with a view of establishing a Cheese and Bacon Factory in the Bay, and must congratulate the promoters of this movement on the success that has so far attended their exertions. As to the future success of the enterprise there can be no question— provided due care be observed in the choice of a manager, who must be empowered to procure the necessary appliances, without restrictions as io the cost of this or that article. In too many instances, enterprises of a similar character have proved failures through the interference of some egotistical and incompetent persons, whoso mighty ’ influences have compelled managers to adopt measures of an objectionable character. There are, however, many precedents for the guidance of our Makaraka friends, and if information on the subject be desired, that can be readily obtained from a pamphlet issued by the New Zealand Government in November last. In it all the necessary data is provided, as well as plans and specifications for the erection of dairy factories fur 200, 400, and SOO cows, together with bills of quantities and estimated cost, including labor at Willington prices. The estimated cot of a 400-cow factory is £1,003 ss. lid. ; and the requisite plant for the same, including a donkey engine, £319 10s.; giving a total of £1,322 15s. Id. The necessary staff for a

factory of this size would be seven hands including the manager, and its annual returns may be stated thus : — Cheese, 200 cwt., at 6|d. per lb, £6,000; and fattening 400 pigs, the profit from which would be fully £1 10s. per head. The advantages of the institution of a factory of the kind in their midst must be apparent to all practical farmers, affording as it would a ready market for their produce, and there are few finer districts in the Colony than that of Poverty Bay for the propagation of the pastoral interest; therefore, the success of the movement w’e refer to is beyond doubt—provided, as previously remarked, judicious care be observed in the selection of a manager, and a proper plant obtained. We shall watch with much interest the progress of the Dairy Factory Company about to be established through the agency of Mr. D. Murchie and others.