MIDHIRST DAIRY COMPANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1915, Page 3

MIDHIRST DAIRY COMPANY.

BUTTER VERSUS CHEESE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Yesterday afternoon, over 140 shareholders met at the Midhirst Hall to consider the question of going in for cheese maing. Mr. W. Skedgewell (chairman of directors), presided. The chairman said, as instructed at the annual meeting, he had called them together to discuss the question of the company going into manufacture of cheese In considering cheese as against butter there had always been a great diversity of opinion as to the value of skim milk, and for this reason alone each supplier must give the question careful consideration. There was also the matter of extra labor, the increased cost of all building requirements, and the high price of the machinery at the present time. The manager had very carefully gone very fully into the matter of cost, and after consultation with experts and careful checking of figures, the cost will amount to £25,408. On the basis of the flush of milk, it would mean taking up additional shares. flic total cost would undoubtedly have to be increased for reason of drainage, loading, etc., and in some cases to shifting of creamery site to sites, which would have to be purchased. This cost could not at the moment be ascertained.

Mr. W. J. Kendriek moved that the company continue butter-making. Seconded by Mr. Fabish. Mr. Kendriek said it was not the time to alter. Tariki and Rugby Road creameries would be run at a loss. They could not tell what would happen after the war was over, and it would be wiser to stay as they were. Mr. Pitt moved an amendment: "That the directors call a meeting of the shareholders in April next, and further discuss the matter." He did not think it wise to go into the matter at present, they should wait till later on in the season. He had always advocated cheese, and he would take the Cardiff Company and the Midhirst Company as a comparison. Last year, Cardiff paid out for equal to Is 7d making cheese, while Midhirst paid out- Is 2d. When the shareholders looked at £24,000 it might seem a lot of money, but had Midhirst made cheese last season they would have paid out £34,000 more than they did through making butter. They must also bear in mind that when they spent this money they would have new buildings, and not the old ramshackle buildings they now possessed. They would haVe to consider cheese sooner or later. He saw no reason why the directors could not call another meeting in April, and by that time they would have a better idea. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Binnie. Mr. Cuthbert said that by Mr. Pitt's own statement there was going .to bo a slump in cheese. He felt sure that some of the factories who had gone in for cheese would be sorry for it. Mr. Pitt said that land would go up in price if they made cheese. This land value was the curse of Taranaki, and was no good to any body. Speculators were not the very best neighbors, nor for that matter cattle dealers either. (Loud laughter). Mr. Ivenriek could not see any reason for putting the matter off. Mr. Pitt said that land values would rise, but a lot of them did not want to sell their land. Mr. Baskin could not agree with the comparison made bv Mr. Pitt, regarding Midhirst and Cardiff. Mr. Knowles contended that cheese was no better than butter if they took the by-products into consideration. Mr. Geo. Sangster saw no harm in the amendment. He was certain that cheese was the most payable tiling to go in for. . Mr. Shotter thought they should not lose sight of going in for cheese-making, but it would not be wise to change at the present time. The chairman said he could not take Mr. Pitt's amendment, and he then put the motion, which was carried. Mr. Pitt then moved his amendment as a separate motion. Mr. Binnie seconding. Mr. Fabish: Who pays the cost of these shareholders meetings? Chairman: The shareholders do. The motion was lost by a big majority.

DONATION TO PATRIOTIC FUND. After the shareholders had discussed the butter versus cheese question yesterday afternoon, a deputation from the Stratford Patriotic Committee, consisting of Messrs Kirkwood, Dingle, and McMillan waited on the meeting in regard to a donation to the Sick and Wounded Soldiers' Fund. Mr. Kirkwood said their idea in meeting them were to state the fine fiicts, and discuss any questions that may be. asked. The Government had control over all the funds, and were subject to a strict audit. His speech was on the lines given to the Stratford company on Saturday last. Mr. Petersen: Are the members of the Patriotic Committee, getting any money for their work? Mr. Kirkwood : No, not one of us have received a penny piece for our work. • Mr. Kendell asked how was the money to be collected; ifthey gave Id lb butterJat it would not hurt them, it was the least they could do. Mr. Kirkwood said they could not send all the money to the front. Some undoubtedly should be sent, but the bulk of the money was required here to supplement the pensions and thus give the boys a living wage. Mr. Sangster moved that they eontribute 1 per cent of their output to the Patriotic Fund. He would like to beat Stratford, and he could not help feeling ashamed at the amount given by the Stratford Company. Mr. Simons seconded. ! The chairman: That will work out at .about £7OO (Applause). Mr. Pitt quite endorsed all that bad been said. Thanks were due to Messrs Kirkwood, Dingle, and McMillan for putting the matter before them. Mr. Peterson said he did not think the amount was too much. They should give now and give freely, especially when the times were good. Mr. Kendrick said lie would like the Patriotic Committee to get at the cattle and sheepmen; the milk suppliers did not mind giving their bit but -the stock raisers should do their little bit as well. Mr. Kirkwood said the Patriotic Committee were doing their best to get these people to give, and some had responded liberally. They hoped to catch all classes. The townspeople had given really well and he did not think any fault could be found with them, but farmers should remember that they were the ones who were reaping the benefit of the war. Mr. Kendrick: Will the money go to Stratford ? Mr. Kirkwood: No. the funds will be nnolod for the benefit of the whole of T'minaki. Tli'' motion \v' th«n put find etrrled' \vW]i Y-'fl Ilipl'AWSO. A mm.!iv veto of tlixuks was parsed