THE TARANAKI FREEZING WORKS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 22, 20 November 1900, Page 2

THE TARANAKI FREEZING WORKS.

All well-wishers of the district have watched with interest the negotiations proceeding between the National Dairy Association and the Taranaki .Freezing Works Company. We believe we are right in saying that the Dairy Association had every sympathy in the movement to get the wnole control of the shipment of the produce of the associated dairy factories in their own hands, and while everyone admired the pluck, energy, and successful administration of the directors of the Freezing Company, the feeling was that the profits made by them should go into the pockets of the producer. To Mr. J. Q. Harkness is due the credit of pointing out to the shareholders of the Dairy Companies the feasibility of a scheme for acquiring and working the works so that these profits should go to the individual supplier, and it is creditable to the directors of the Freezing

Coinpany that they met Mr. Harknesa and bis fellow directors in a fair and reasonable manner. After several weeks of negotiations, which have been conducted in a Very friendly spirit, with the consent of the Freezing Company Mr. A. W. Keid, of Stratford, was appointed by the Dairy Association to value, the works at Moturoa. last night the directors of the Freezing Works met to consider the offer of the Dairy Association, whioh was practically to purchase the Works at Mr. Reid's valuation. Mr. Harkness, Chairman of the Dairy Association, Mr. John Foreman, of Tikorangi, and Mr. A. Morton, of Inglewood, Directors of the Association, were also present, After the matter had been fully discussed, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to: —" That the Directors will recommend the shareholders to accept Mr. Reid's valuation, viz., plus cost of all additions and improvements from 30th June, 1900, to date of Works being taken over, viz., June 30th, 1901." Not only are the Directors of both Companies to be congratulated on this friendly solution of the difficulty, but the whole district should be gratified at seeing this important industry placed on such a thoroughly sound basis, [Nothing shows the value and importance of the dairy industry more than the fact that after erecting and equipping the large number of splendid dairy factories that exist in Taranaki I with plants that are up-to-date in every 'respect, including pasteurisers and [freezing plants and rooms, our dairy farmers are able to come forward and buy such an up-to-date establishment as that at Moturoa. An authority has estimated that the purchase of these works means an additional penny per pound for the butter produced in Taranaki. Whether this is so or not we feel satisfied the step is right in the interest of the dairy farmer.