THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 121, 15 December 1915, Page 2

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

An announcement cf enormous importance to dairy farmers appears in another column of this paper. It forecasts the amalgamation of the co-operative dairy interests of the South Auckland district as a means ot improving the quality of the finished dairy products, and of semiring greater economy and efficiency in the organisation and manufacture of such products. The scheme is an ambitious one, and is a credit to the districts and interests which are concerned. We have given careful consideration to the proposals, which certainly indicate many evidences of care in their formulation, and of advantage in their operation. They make provision for the manufacture of butter or cheese, thus minimising the probability of further division amongst suppliers if the cheese boom shouldjcontinue.

Th: dairy fanner's lot i 3 a hard and strenuous one, even with the present high prices for produce, and we have often marvelled that so much of the earnings of producers should be squandered by the overlapping and competition which have continued so long amongst several co-operative companies. There is reason to expect lower prices and more difficult markets alter the war closes, thus the folly of the present position is further emphasised,

The correspondence columns of this paper have on several occasions been opened for the discussion of these matters and we teel that we have contributed some what to the forward movement which is nuw announced. The elimination of needless expense is a good feature of the scheme. The improvement in the quality ot our finished products is even better. Another point of importance which is not referred to in the digest to which we have drawn attention is the elimination of social unrest and industrial strife which have resulted from the commercial fratricide which haß for years characterised the operations of co-pperative dairy farmers in South Auckland.

If. the proposals which are now submitted are approved by cooperative dairy company directors, and finally adopted by shareholders, the South Auckland district will certainly become more desirable both tor residence and for industrial pursuit. The reference to the possibility ot closer touch with the London market is important. Better oversight [there would do good, and in time may lead to the business being done direr.t, by the elimination of th£ middle-man.

Meanwhile, the extension of the trading scope of the business by the indent of more goods which are largely used by suppliers will contribute much to their advantage, The proposals are good; they come at the psychological moment; they offer every probability of great success, and we give them oar cordial commendation.