NATIONAL DAIRY ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1916, Page 3

NATIONAL DAIRY ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. (By Our Special Reporter.) Palmerston, Yesterday. Tile twenty-second annual -meeting of t!ic National Dairy Association was held iu the Show Ground Lecture Hall, Palmerston Vrth, on Tuesday, Mr. A. Morton (Egmont Village), presiding over a large attendance, comprising Messrs. A. MacFarlane (Pahiatua), \V. Fisher (Carterton), T. Bassett (Northern Wairoa), H. J). Forsyth (Eltham), \V. D. Powdrel) (Kaupokonui), and delegates from the following factories: Alton, Ashhurst, Awahuri, -Awatuna, Ballance, Belvedere, Bay of Plenty, Bruntwood, Bunnythorpe, Bell Block, Cardiff, Cambridge, Carrington, Cape Egmont, Canvas Town, Dalefield, Eltham, Featherston, Glen Oroua, ftreytown, Golden Bay, Hawera, Hurleyville, Hopelands, Havelock Bnkanui, lutcr-Wanganui, ./oils, Kuku, Kaponga, Kaupokonui, Kia Ora, Kairanga, Kaiaparoro, Kaitawa, Levin, Longbush, Lowgarth, Manawatu, Mangatoki, Mangorei, Masterton, Maurieeville, Mells, Mangatainoka, Mere Mere, Midlirst, Maketawa, Mangaramarama, Marton, Mataraau, Mangahao, Ngaire, Normanby, Norsewood, Northern Wairoa, N.Z. Dairy Association, Nireaha, Newman, Omata, Oaonui, Opotiki, Otaraia, Opouriao, Opua Road, Parkvale, Papata'.va, Patua, Rangitikei Riverdale, Ranmati, Rongotea, Rata, Rai-Valley, Rangiotu, Riverbank, Rexdale, Rongomai, Stratford Farmers, Shannon, Taratahi, Tarata, Te Aroha, Tariki, Thames Val-. ley, Tawaha, Te Horo, United, Warea, Whenuakura, Westmere, Woodville, Otara, Oram, Fairburn. Proprietary Factories: Hawkes Bay (Beattie and Co.), Kokatau (Bucker'idge and Co.), Whenuakmu (Parsons Bros), Ahiaruhe (H. R. Bunny), Waiwera Dairy Co., Eketahuna. Exporters: Bray Bros., Wellington; Levin and Co.; Pearson and Kutter; Foley Bros., Sydney; Clements and Sons; Mills and Sparrow; Collett and Co.; Nevanas and Co., S.V.j Lonsdale and Co.; Oetzes and Ceritzen; Wright, Stephenson and Co.; A. S. Paterson and Co.; Ronson, Hodgson and Co. ' CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS.

In moving the adoption of the annual report, already published, the chairman said the report dealt with 'matters of importance, and those who had perused it carefully would be familiar with the working of, the industry and the associations connected therewith. The season had been an unusually productive one. It was true that in parts of the North Island there had been a prolonged spell of dry weather. The season had been a g6od one and production had been high. Prices had reached a record; never before in the history of the industry had they been so high, and the combination of good prices and increased production meant big returns to the dairy industry. In 1895 the total value of butter and cheese exported from New Zealand was £423,624; in 1005 it was £1,095,030; in 1915, £4,687.301; and in 191fi, £5,798,172. These iigures were evidence of the great advance of the industry. Figures that were published in conncetion with herd testing were such as should convince even the most sceptical as to the benefits to be derived therefrom. 'Regarding quality, he did not think that this was equal to the previous season. Never had there been such a summer for high temperatures as was experienced in January, February and March. There was practically no variation of temperature between the day and the night, and this rendered it extremely difficult for farmers to keep their milk in good condition for the factory. Probably the result would lead to more attention being paid to cooling, as milk that was well cooled did not go off in quality so readily. A large number of factories had gone in for cheese production, whilst others had adopted home separation, and this was an additional reason responsible for the lowering of the quality. There was a very largely reduced quantity of butter on the market. Apart from the curtailed supplies from New Zealand, owing to the increased cheese production, there was a scarcity of Danish—probably due to the fact that better prices were being obtained in Continental countries. The Australian output also had decreased very much. These were considerable factors in determining the market value, which had reached high figures, notwithstanding the competition of margarine, which was year by year increasing in volume and favor. Another factor was that industrial conditions had uever been so prosperous. Never had wages been so high; so that, though the cost of living had advanced 50 or 60 per cent., the wage-earners were enabled to pay higher prices than in previous years.

Cheese had become more popular as a food owing to the greater cost of fuel at Home At the beginning of the season great difficulties had arisen owing to the lack of shipping facilities, and higher freights. Notwithstanding these, their produce had been got away even better than had been the case the previous year, The shipping companies and the Government had done their best to assist the trade, and thanks were due to them for the facilities rendered. The shipping companies had raised freights by Jd per lb oil cheese and (!d per lb on butter. The executive endeavored to get a reduction in the freight of cheese, and eventually got an assurance that the proposed freight should be reduced : by 1-lCd. This had meant the saving | of thousands of pounds to the industry. A further increase on butter had been made to 3s 9d per box, and in spite of efforts made, no reduction had been secured. On the whole the farmers had reason to be thankful they had not been worse dealt with in the matter. During the past year, owing to the number of enlistments, dairy companies had found difficulty in carrying out their work, and representations had been made to the Government with a view to retaining the SM'vices of their expert staffs. Provision had been made in the Military Service Bill for this. There would be a difficulty in obtaining the necessary amount of labor during the coming season. If New Zealand were to maintain its pride of place in the Britisli market, they must maintain the standard of their produce. The balance-sheet was evidence of the very prosperous state of the association. Their profits amounted to £1(100, which was better than for any previous year. Trade and membership had increased, and the affairs of the association were in a sound condition. Mr. A. C. Hubbard, of Taeroa, had retired from the directorship, after five years' service, and had gone into camp. He moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Mr. Hensen seconded the motion. Mr. J. Marx (Mangatoki), suggested that the time had arrived when they should have a direct interest in the shipping companies trading between the Dominion and Britain. This could be done either by way of subsidy or building a couple of boats. The question of shipping was a vital one to the farmers.

Shipping interests were small compared with those of producers. He suggested that the dairy industry should join with other industries in considering tlie question of obtaining an interest in the oversea trade.

A ballot was taken for the election of a director in the place of Captain Hubbard (resigned), resulting- in the appointment of Air. Edward Allen, of Cambridge. Mr. H. 13. Pacey (New Zealand Dairy Association) was the other candidate for the position. Messrs A. Macfarlane (Pahiatua) and W. Fisher (Carterton), retiring directors, were reappointed. Mr. C. D. Morpeth was re-elected auditor.

On the motion of the chairman, the following was carried by acclamation: ''That this conference' records its appreciation of the valuable services of Captain Hubbard" who has been a director of the association for the last six years, and of the spirit which has induced him to give his services to his country.'' Mr. Forsyth lEltham) said that owing to the efficiency of the staff the Association's position was improving, but there was no reason why it should not improve more speedily. 'Every fac-. Tory in the North Island should be affiliated and give the Association financial support. Many factories stood out of the Association, but at the same time received full benefits. He pointed out that the Association was financed by promissory notes from the members and the directors. He urged all North Island factories to join. Mr. Wise. (Eketahuna) considered that at the present time there were more importabt matters than indents to consider. There was the question of improving the methods of marketing at Home. The Association should extend its operations to embrace the whole of the industry's interests. Farmers had lost some confidence in the Association over the labor question. Unless the organisation of the Association was altered it would be found that rival organisations would come into existence. If every, man was loyal to the Association a committee could be established in London to control the sale of their produce. Mr. Marx (Mangatoki) considered that to overcome the shipping difficulty tliare should be a direct interest in the shipping companies. New Zealand's imports and exports amounted to £80,000,000 annually. It was easier .to lose more in one year than it would cost to build one or two ships. He did not suggest that they should put a fleet on the water, but they should subsidise some ships. The'delay in getting cheese away last year meant many thousands of pounds loss. They should not be hostile to the present shipping companies, but by being interested in a company they would have some say as to when the cheese was to be shipped and at what price. STATEMENTS OF BUSINESS.

Mr. H. E. Pacey, on behalf of E. A. Mc.Connell (Hunua Dairy Company) moved: "That this meeting of representatives of dairy companies is of opinion that legislation should be enacted requiring each dairy company in the Dominion to publish within one calendar month after the close of each financial year, a statement duly attested by its auditor, such statement to contain particulars of its business as follows: (1) The total lbs of butter-fat paid for aad made into butter; (2) the total lbs of hutter made from such butter-fat; (3) the amount of butter made from each lb tf butter-fat; (4) the total lbs of bntterfat paid for and made into cheese; (f>) the total lbs of cheese made from eacli lb of butter-fat; (fl) the amount of cheese from eacli lb of butter-fat."

Mr. Fisher seconded the motion pro forma, and after s*ome discussion, chiefly adverse to the motion, it was rejected by SS votes to 31.

Mr. Batten (Riverdalu Co-operative Dairy Company), moved as follows: "Now that war conditions have terminated the contract entered into three years ago between this association and the shipping companies it is the wish Dt" this meeting that before any further snipping contract be entered into by this association, a copy of the proposed contract be sent to each member, and after a period of not less than thirty days a general meeting of the association be called to consider such a contract/' The mover disclaimed any intention of reflecting on the executive. The shipping contract was the most important business of the association, and he could not understand why the dairy companies were kept in the dark as to what was going on. All that the motion asked was that the companies should be given the opportunity of considering the terms 01 the contract before it was signed. Mr. Hogg (Opotiki) seconded the motion pro forma, but said he would rote against it. He was perfectly satisfied the executive could undertake the business. The motion was rejected.

' Mr. Marchant (Cardiff) moved: "That the giving of promissory notes for the bank by directors of the association is vicious in principle, .and'that it be a recommendation from this meeting that the executive circularise those, factories which have not signed their promissory notes, urging them to discharge their obligations to the association in this matter."

Mr. Brechin seconded, and the motion was carried.

It was resolved to hold a meeting of directors and representatives of cheese factories in the evening to discuss the proposal to commandeer the cheese supply and other matters, the meeting to he held in committee. Mr. Marx moved: "That this meeting of dairy company representatives is of opinion that the time has come for the dairy industry of New Zealand to join witli the meat, wool and other producers of the Dominion to take steps to become part owners in overseas shipping required for the nonunion's overseas exports."

On the motion of Mr. Farquliar the matter was deferred until next conference.

On the motion of Mr. Moss it was resolved to cancel the registration of the association under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act.