Dairying Matters.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 142, 20 June 1904, Page 2

Dairying Matters.

The Crown Dairy Company recently sent a humorous telegram to an ollicial m the Assessment. Court, suggesting their claim in a share of the increased values of land in the West Coast settlements, on the ground that they had, by the erection of lactones and creameries, been large contributors to the settlers' wealth. "The Crown" has undoubtedly done so, and this fact s recognised not only among Taranaki farmers, but in the Forty-Mile Hush districts, where the company owns several properties. ~ '•Skim Milk," writing to the I'ahiatua Herald, in complaining that the Dairy Union, a co-operative, concern, was badly run, compares it to the Crown thus :—"There is no comparison between the management of the two companies, and the proof is m the results. The Crown Dairy Company have paid their suppliers all through the summer months a half-penny per pound more for butter fat than the union has, and they are now paying one penny more. Think of that, sir. A private company, and, comparatively speaking, a very small one, when the output of the union is considered, is able to pay its suppliers such a considerable extra price. I think, sir, comment is needless, as the thing speaks for itself. J hold no brief for the Crown Company, and do not hold witli the principal of private companies at all, but J am beginning to believe that co-operation as far as runners are concerned is a mistake. J have been a shareholder and supplier to the union for more than ten vears, and during all the time I have never seen a balance-sheet that gave tile shareholders tho faintest idea whatever of how their affairs we*e being carried on, and 1 do not remember ever receiving my monthly cheque on the day it was due."