DAIRY FACTORY REPORTS

Southland Times, Issue 24822, 14 August 1942, Page 3

DAIRY FACTORY REPORTS

The following reports of Southland dairy factory companies have been received:— ISLAND.— In last year’s report it was estimated that the final return for the 194041 season would be l/6.74d a pound of butterfat. The average price for the whole season for all grades was l/6.72d. Advance payment for butterfat this season has been 1/5. This payment gives an average for all grades of l/4.98d. It is estimated that a further 1.65 d may be paid, bringing the average for the season up to l/6.63d. The directors recommend that no dividend be paid on share capital. The director retiring by rotation is Mr D. A. Howden, who is eligible for re-election. HEDGEHOPE.— hfIast year’s report it was estimated that the final payment for the 1940-41 season would be l/4.73d. per lb butterfat. The average price paid for all grades was l/4.75d. The payments for butterfat this season have totalled l/3.97d. over the season and it is estimated that a further 1.65 d. may be paid, making a total of l/5.62d., after making provision for dividend on shares. The Intake of milk shows ■an increase of 10% per cent, on that of last season. The directors recommend that a dividend of 2% per cent, be paid to shareholders on their paid-up capital and the balance remaining in the appropriation account be distributed to suppliers on their butterfat for the past season. The retiring directors are Messrs A. D. Highstead, W. Jukes and A. McKay, all of whom are eligible for re-election. ANNUAL MEETINGS

MOKOTUA.— The sum of £2723 was distributed to suppliers and shareholders in bonus and dividend at the annual meeting of the Mokotua Dairy Factory'Company this week. The retiring directors, Messrs G. Hansen, J. W. Kerr and T. A. O'Driscoll, were re-elected and Mr D. Te Au was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr C. Clay. A bonus of 3d per lb of butterfat brought the total payout for the season to 1/6 and it was decided to pay a dividend of 4 per cent, on share capital. The Dairy Farmers’ Union was discussed, but it was decided to take no action until further information was available.

OTAHUTI.— A pay-out of l/6gd per lb of butterfat for the season was reported at the annual meeting of the Otahuti Dairy Factory Company. This was considered very satisfactory for a factory with an output of only 161 tons of cheese. It was decided to pay a dividend of 4 per cent, on share capital. The retiring directors, Messrs J. J. Kirker and J. C. Lindsay, did not seek reelection and Messrs J. McCrostie and J. Adams were elected in their place. The question of joining the Dairy Farmers’ Union was left to individual suppliers to decide for themselves. BREEDING OF NATIVE BIRDS A suggestion that an application should be made to the Department of Internal Affairs for permission to breed native birds, saddlebacks, robins and yellow and redfronted parrakeets, in captivity was made by Mr W. D. F. King, of Gore, in a letter read at the meeting of the council of the Southland Acclimatization Society last night. Mr King suggested that the breeding should be carried on by him in conjunction with the society.

The letter continued: “In the event of my application being declined I offer to your society three' sections of my aviary for the breeding of any particular species of birds which you might have in your possession. Should you accept my offer I shall give all the assistance possible in the care and breeding of any particular species.” Mr King thanked the society for the favourable interest it had taken in his case against the Department of Internal Affairs concerning the keeping of native birds in captivity.

Mr Eustace Russell said that from what he had heard it was doubtful whether Mr King had released any of the progeny of the native birds he had kept in captivity. If he had not, he had done nothing to increase the number of native birds in the bush.

The chairman (Mr J. Robertson): I think we should have more information about whether Mr King has helped to increase the native bird population. It was decided to obtain a report on the number of birds reared and liberated by Mr King, and that as Mr King’s aviary is in the Otago Acclimatization Society’s district, no action be taken without consulting the Otago Society.