N.Z. DAIRY ASSOCIATION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 380, 31 May 1918, Page 2

N.Z. DAIRY ASSOCIATION.

In a circular letter just forwarded to suppliers, Mr H. E. Facey, managing director to the Dairy Association, makes mention of his recent illness which, by medical advice, has necessitated him making a trip to Queensland, and regrets that it will thus not be possible for him to visit the country districts as usual this time of year. Mr Pacey goes on to state : It is yet too soon to attempt a forecast of the payments upon this season's butterfat. The deal which followed the Wellington meeting and which covers the season's exportable butter provides for a payment of 157s per cwt. plus 50 per cent of the profit realized by the sale of the butter. There is a difference of opinion as to the point where the division of profits should be made, and the amount to be paid to Dairy Companies will to a considerable extent be determined by the decision on this point. Personally, I believe the payment beyond 157s should be substantial, and with others have done the beet possible to secure recognition o t f the point involved. The decision will materially influence Butter Companies' payments for lutterfat this season. Because of the uncertainty herein, a final forecast is at present impossible. I can, however, say that even though an adverse decision is given on the point referred to, our suppliers are assured a of substantial " bonus" payment, but such " bonus " will be considerably larger if the decision is favourable. The large stock of butter which we had on hand at the beginning of the present season has been very successfully marketed, while this season's prospects are further improved by the fact that in our last Annual Accounts provision was made for all charges which had accrued in respect of interest, storage, etc The question of the disposal of next season's butter output has engaged attention for some time past. A Dominion Committee of five has been set up to carry on the negotiations, Mr Goodfellow and I being the Auckland members of such committee. Mr Ellison, the London representative of the National Dairy Association will be associated with the committee in connection with these negotiations. Producers can be assured that every effort will be made by the committee to conserve their interests and to arrange a suitable basis of sale, having regard to the greatly increased difficulties and cost of production. In a footnote, Mr Pacey says Since the foregoing was written, it has beee reported by one of our organisers that the producers in a certain district are seriously concerned by a report which has been circulated during my illness that as a means of emphasising the advantages of supply for dried milk manufacture, I used influence to keep down the price for the Dominion's output of butter for the present season. Ido not know who started such a malicious report. It is entirely untrue, and so absurd that it should not be necessary to refer to it. I, however, have been urged to take cognisance of it, and therefore I now place on record that if any responsible person will accept authority for the alleged statement I will, on my return from Australia, take legal proceedings against such person so that the facts of the case may be established. I regret that the condition of my health make it impossible for me to deal with the matter forthwith.