NATIONAL DAIRY ASSOCIATION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9469, 11 June 1909, Page 8

NATIONAL DAIRY ASSOCIATION.

The annual report of the National Dairy Assoication shows it to be in a very flourishing position. The directors congratulate members on the steady progress, for there has been a distinct advance on the volume of business done as compared with previous years, and the profit and Joss account shows that the finances are in a very satisfactory condition. The increasing business done throughout tiie year is evidenced by the fact, says the report, that the turnover] amounted to £125,000 10s, a sum exclusive of advances made on dairy prodace, and the profit and loss account shows a credit balance of £693 and a net profit of lOd.* The membarship roll now stands at 109, and the same number as last year. Daring the period now under review, four co-operative factories, two proprietary factories and one exporter have become members of the Association. Two co-operative factories have retired io consequence of amalgamation with other firms, also tour proprietary factories and one dairy farmer. Referring to the West.of England service, the Association declares that this has proved to be very unsatisfactory. The irregularity of departure, together with the time taken on the voyage by the steamers engaged in the trade, has prevented the development of business. Taking into account tne expansion and increase in the output of dairy produce as compared with a few years ago, and the possibilities of future trade in this direction, it is a matter|for consideration whether the time baa not arrived when it would be advisable to endeavour to improve this connection. It is believed that the dairy regulations proposed by the Department of Agriculture will not, says the report, be gazetted. In consequence of the reorganisation ot the Department, the administration of this important business will be transferred to the dairying division. The Association has consistently advocated this policy, that if instruction and supervision of the raw material is essential it should be placed in the hands of those responsible for the manufactured article. It ; l is, therefore, desirable that milk inspection sjiobld be controlled by the Dairy Commissioner. A system might be inaugurated whereby present Government dairy factory instructors should be allotted specified districts, with extended duties enabling them to assist and instruct in the keeping and general improvement of the milk supply, and if this were done the whole difficulty would be overcome with the minimum of expanse.