BUCKLAND.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 285, 19 June 1917, Page 1

BUCKLAND.

MEETING OP DAIRY SUPPLIERS ADDRESS BY MR PACEY There was a representative attendance at the annual meeting of local dairy suppliers of the New Zealand Dairy Association held in the Buckland Hall on Friday evening last to meet Mr H. E. Pacey (the Managing Director of the Association). Mr E. Neal presided. Mr Pacey, who met with an enthusiastic reception, expressed his pleasure at being present. During the past year, he said, the Association, had an anxious time and had experienced difficulties and problems accentuated by the war whilst the labour troubles had been very real. Factory Managers had found it difficult to maintain the staffs necessary for carrying on the work and especially-in single-handed factories had that been the case. A number of their men had gone to the Front; some had laid down their lives in Gallipolh and France, while others had returned leaving the marks of conflict upon their person. In all theatres of war, said Mr Pacey, the Dairy Association was well represented. Despite the difficulties occasioned by the 1 war and its effect on labour, he was sure that with the combined efforts of the resources of the they would be able to get through the season shortly to be started upon. They, would start the new season as far as the sentiments amongst our people were concerned. They had never before had such a loyal and active support of their members, while another and an important factor contributing to their future prospects was a growing pride in the connection with the Association. A few years since there was a disposition to cavil about some things but that was happily a thing of the past and the policy changes given effect to during the last two years had justified themselves beyond the most sanguine expectations. Continuing, Mr Pacey said the Association was a bigger and a more united company as well. The development of "the business during the past season was the best testimony to its success. It would probably be remembered that in August last he predicted the output from' their factories would reach £1,100,000 for the past season, and although some people thought his enthusiasm had outstretched his decision his prediction to-day was that they would easily reach one million and a quarter pounds sterling. The figures for the preceding season were £876,000. As to Buekland they had abt ut 34,000 pounds more butter-fat during the past season which was a matter of congratulation. Alluding to the shipping difficulties Mr t'licey stated that while the 'outlook was somewhat disconcerting the message received from Mr Mas-st-y from linl fax give reason to hope that in July the position Would be improve i. The Association, Mr Pncsy continued, had opened out iu other directions during tho j ast season for the manufacture of glaxo an J had erected a factory for that purpose at Mata Mata The factory belonged to the Association and in it was no capital other than the capital of the Association. He mentioned that because of the absurd reports that had been circulated. The output from that factory promised to be the largest iu New Zealand and it would have an important bearing on the future prospects and progress of tho Association. With increased turnover which would meau more <c momical working it would strong; hen the Association's interests us far away as Buckland (applau-e). Mr Mackenzie, in briefly supplementing Mr Pacey's speech, said Mr Pacey «i*e!y refrained fion touching on probable prices to be paid, but when returns were to hand he felt sure that butter would realise better than cheese. Regarding the glaxo factory he tnonght Mr Pacey was to be complimented on tho excellent negotiations made in connection with that Deoartmont.

QUEBTIONB Mr Gummer, in mentioning that a rival Company was paying a higher price than the Association, said they were naturally looking for a bonus which would make up the difference between tho two companies. During the past season, too, the Association charged tor herd testing, whereas the other company's services were free. He asked for information.

Mr Pacey replied that the Association could have paid as big a price as the other company but after very careful consideration they decided that they were paying as much as circumstances warranted. As to herd testing ho thought it was only fair that those who desired herd testing should pay for it themselves. Mr Gummer also asked if there were many shareholders who wero not suppliers.

Mr l J atey replied that he was unable to s.y exactly but the number was much let-s than 18 months a'<o by reason of he fact tho supp iers of the Association hid tequired that the shares should be on a butterfat basis. The Association wore re surning shares us opportunities offered.

Mr James Wylie etujuir id if the Association would pay for the shares hold by a uieoiotr it' he desired to relinquish tin m and Mr Paeey leuliod m the ulli luui/e, le.s 25 per cent value. Ask d by Mr Pooke tlio amount of butler ni store ovec anil abovo local consumption, Mr Pacey replied that there were about 100,000 boxes

in store in the Auckland Province, and in the Dominion altogether about 260,000. Mr H. H. D. "Wily enquired if the tax on butter was likely to be removed, to which Mr Pacey answered that a petition would be shortly presented to Parliament asking that the levy should be removed and the amount already paid into the funds reimbursed. ~i VOTEB OF THANKS After an expression of appreciation of the address by Mr Pacey and the satisfactory information given by him relating to the affairs of the Association and a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting terminated.