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Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 531, 14 May 1920, Page 4

TOO COSTLY FOR TURNOVER.

POSITION AT HUNUA.

(Own Correspondent)

A record meeting was held in the Hunua Hall in connection with the dairying industry oil Tuesday, May 11. Mr. Kirkman, of the New Zealand Dairy Association, was present. Mr. T. J. James was voted to the chair. Mr. Kirkman was invited to address the meeting, r.nd on rising to speak stated that he would take this opportunity of reporting the work of the past season in connection with the Hunua district. He stated that it was estimated that the butteitfat production this year would amount to 87.8661b5, this being an increase of 5385 lt>« on last year's working. He congratulated the settlers on the progress-made. He furthei staged that if the price of butter did not increase during next seasMi the settlers would receive less for their buttei'fat, as the costs generally had so increased during the last year or so. He was, however, hopeful that the price of exported butter would materially increase in price, and that the fanner could look forward to an increase ir. payment rather than a decrease. He said that ithe prospects of cheese were not so good. Ihe cold stores, bot'i in New Zealand and at Home, were full of this product. Taking this into consideration he felt sure he could confidently state 'that for the coming season at least butter would be the best paying proposition.

In regard to the business that had directly brought him to Hunua that day, viz., the reopening of the Hunua butter factory, he first apologised for the absence of Messrs Dynes Fulton and W. Claud Motion, local direct-, ors, who were to nave accompanied him. but were detained on urgent business. He said that he had discussed the matter with the directors and with Mr. Goodfellow, and that these did not view the proposal optimistically. It would cost about £ISOO to recondition the factory, and this, as he would endeavour to show, would not pay the settlers. He mentioned instances of smaller factories, though well equipped, not being able to manufacture as cheaply as larger factories. This mitigated against smaller factotfes being as profitable as the larger ones. The meeting could take fthis as a strong argument in favour of centralisation. He estimated that it would cost 2d per lb more to manufacture butter at Hunua than at Pukekohe, and as the settlers wa|re only paying l%d per lb cartage, they would be actually 3-4 per lb Avorse off than at present. He recommended that the present system, itha)| of creamery and dump-

ing station, be continued for the present. and that an effort be made to reduce the cost of running the creamery. This, he thought, could be done by transferring the smaller boiler and engine fion. the Paparimu creameny and installing it in the Hunua creamery.

Several question v\erc asked, which Mr. Kirkman satiafactov.iy answefr-

A good many questions related to the grading "superfine." Several of the settlers present statethat when the inspector was out their milk and cream were classed "superfine," b-tt they had not received The extra price. Mr. Kirkman replied that possibly the local manager did not fully understand his instructions on this matte* 4 . However, he would make enquiries and endeavour to have the matter rectified.

Mr. Patterson then moved: "That after hearing Mr. Kirkman, we reverse the decision of the last meeting, re starting a butter factory, and that for the present the position remain as it is." Mr. H. McConnel seconded.

Mr. Morgan moved and Mr. L. White seconded, as an amendment: "That more information be obtained, and reported at a subsequent meeting.'. ' On a show of hands ; the resolution was carried.

A hearty vote of tl-anks was proposed to Mr. Kirkman foi' his address.

In reply, he suggested that a committee should be set up to represent the dairying industry in Hunua. The suggestion was acted upon, and (the following vere elected: — Messrs. T. J. Lock wood, G. W. Heald, R. Patterson. G. Hirst and T. B. James.