A PROGRESSIVE DISTRICT.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1915, Page 7

A PROGRESSIVE DISTRICT.

NEW, CHEESE FACTORY OPENED. AT OXFORD ROAD. Though comparatively few in number the settlers of the Oxford Road, which is close to Okato, are enterprising, as is evidenced by the progress that the district has made, and further evidence of this was given yesterday when ovct a hundred settlers of the surrounding districts assembled as the guests of the Oxford Dairy Company to assist in the ceremony of opening the company's new cheese factory. Though quite a new institution, having only been formed some three months, the directors of the company have not aliowed the grass to grow under their feet, but immediately set to work, with the result that they now have a splendidly equipefpd factory that will be ready to commence operations In tlie course of a few davs.

The factory is picturesquely situated about 2'/ 2 miles from Okato, on the banks of the Kaihihi river, from whence is assured an unfailing supply of water for motive power, of which full advantage has been taken, so that the factory should be economically worked. The site comprises about two acres, generously donated by Mr. D. Brophy. The building, which was designed by Mr. Penwarden, is eminently suitabie for its purpose. It comprises a making-room 30ft. by 30ft., a curing-room 30ft. by 18ft., and a packing-room 18ft. by 20ft. Tjhc stud u? 12ft., with 3ft. of conerets base, and the walls are of corrugated iron. All the heavy timber is totara and the building is completely lined. The making-room has a three-vat capacity, but only two vats are installed at present, The?c are fitted lip with the late-it .presses, agitators, etc. The shelving and ventilation in the curing-room is most up-to-date. The power is derived from a sft. water-wheel, which is driven by water gravitated from the Kaihihi by an ! open race. A 12-h.p. Crabtree boiler is being installed to provide steam for 'heating. The Fuilding was erected by day labor, under the supervision of Mr. J. H. Shepphard, and a most faithful job has been the result. The intending suppliers, some fourteen in number, have rendered valuable assitance with working bees, by which it is calculated they saved an expenditure of £2OO in wages. Their work included excavating the race, cart-1 iug sand, doing all the concrete work except plastering, and making the roads around the factory. The machinery was installed by Messrs J, B. MacEwan and Co., the boiler being placed in position by Mr. C. Roebuck. But for the delay in arrival of tQie plant the factory would have been in working order before now. In all some 500 cows have been guaranteed. The directors of the company are Messrs W. E. Haylock (chairman), P. O'Sullivan. W. Oorbott, James Moorby, junr., and James Brophy. Mr. Membery formerly of Cape Egmont, has been appointed manager, whilst the secretarial duties are in the capable hands of Mr R. H. Pepperell. VISITORS ENTERTAINED.

After inspecting the factory and plant, the visitors were the guests of the settlers at a light repast, which was dispensed by a eommitee of ladies comprising Mesdiunes O'Sullivan, Corbett, Hibberd, Squire, Ellis, Membery, Whitehead, Flower, and Misses O'Sullivan and Corbett. After full justice had been done to the good fare provided, a short toastlist was gone through,

After the toast «pf the King had been honored.

Mr. W. E. Haylock, chairman of directors, formally declared the factory open. He referred to the good work done by those responsible for the factory and its equipment, from the architect down. He specially mentioned the work done by the suppliers, which had saved the company £2OO. Referring to the manager, he said he trusted that the season's working would show they had secured the right man. Mr. Shepphard, on behalf of the employees, In returning thanks said that while they had had delays in connection with material, the assistance given by shareholders was all that could be desired.

"Agriculture" was proposed by Mr. A. Corbott, and in responding Mr. Woolridge congratulated the Oxford Road people on the manner in which they had pulled- together. They had always progressed. Oxford Road had been the first in the district to have a creamery, and had been the first to go in for a metalled road. They had been the first to go in for co-operation, and were now the first to blossom out with a factory of their own.

The Dairying Industry" was proposed by Mr. O'Sullivan. In responding, Mr. W J. Grey said that the main object of a successful dairyman should be to build up a herd of cattle from proved ancestors. It was high time, he considered, that a board should be appointed for the extermination of mongrel cattle. Farmers should take every epportunity of improving their herds. Higher grade cattle were now more within the reach of the average farmer than was formerly the case. As one who knew the district twenty-eight years ago, he was struck with the advances made since the pioneers had tackled the dense forests. In fact, its progress was a revelation. He still believed that it was capable of much greater improvement, and he estimated that in time to come there would be two or three cheese factories where now there was one. In concluding, he wished the new company all prosperity.

Other toasts were ''The Press," proposed by Rev. Addenbrooke and responded to by Mr. J. Garcia, the representative of the Taranaki Dailv News; "The Ladies," proposed by Mr. D. Brophy responded to by Mr. Whitehead; "Our Hosts," proposed by Mr. J. g. F ox an d responded to by Mr. Moorbv; "Boys at the Front," proposed by Mr. Shepphard and responded to by Mr. W. H. Hawkins, who said that they must not lose sight of the fact that if it were not for our boys lighting side by side with our allies it was possible the season would not have been such a good one locaiMy. Too much credit could not be given' to the lads who wore now enlisting, because we knew now what they had to face. The toast of ""The Chairman'' concluded a pleasant gathering.