ELTHAM CO-OPERATIVE DAIRY FACTORY.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 August 1916, Page 7

ELTHAM CO-OPERATIVE DAIRY FACTORY.

ANNUAL MEETING. The 24th annual'meeting of the Eltham Co-operative Dairy Company was held in the Town Hall, Eltliam, on Saturday. Mr. 11. Forsyth, chairman of directors, presided over a large attendance, of suppliers.

REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. The annual report and balance-sheet was read and explained in detail by tue chairman. In moving the adoption of the report nd balance-sheet, Mr. Forsyth remarked that the expenditure in connection with the manufacture of cheese and butter had risen considerably, wages alone showing an increase of £605, but part of this was caused by the larger output necessitating more labor. Practically all requisites had gone up in prices. The shortage of labor last year had probably caused some suppliers to reduce the number of their herds. Despite this, he- had to congratulate the shareholders on the record output and price for butter-fat. The fact that the final payment was 19.54 d per lb for butter-fat for cheese, nnd a little less for butter, speaks for itself. The company held heavy stocks at the end of June, but the prospects are that values placed on same will be realised. During the year the turnover had increased from £130,000 odd to over £150,000, due in a large measure to improved prices and increased production. Last vear, the Government had commandeered a third of their cheese at 7Jd per lb, whilst the balance, on consignment, realised over 9d lb. He believed there was little chance of factories selling any portion of their output for less than BJd per Jb, as Home buyers are easily., ljd per lb better than this„time last year. The directors had t<*' consider the suppliers and get the best price offering. It would be wiser for factories to pay out, light, and, if warranted, supplement the amount later. Last season, the directors •consigned, and came out between 3d and 'ld per lb better than those who sold. They were indebted to the Government »"or their assistance in getting boats. /Brief mention was made as to "the purchase of two motor lorries, which had proved very satisfactory, and cost less than horses. There was n necessity to revise the company's article of association, as practically the same rules were ,in use now as drawn up at the company's inception—24 years' back. THE PIG INDUSTRY.

Regarding this industry, ho had pleasure in saying that arrangements were practically complete for the amalgamation of several firms operating in the district. He felt that some suppliers might have shown a little more liberal support to their own factory as they xnew it was only by entering into competition that farmers had secured such substantia] prices as ruled hero. He believed the- new arrangements would be beneficial to all concerned.

RENNET AND VELLS. Cheese companies were faced with a .serious shortage regarding the supply of rennet for the future. It Was decided to form a company in Now Zealand, Hit company sending the veils home or manufacture in the Dominion. The Rennet Company were paying Is each veil, but we would pay 2s" fid for eadi veil. Farmers should recognise the importance of saving veils. Hi- expressed pleasure at the success of their exhibiv of cheese, which won the shield at the Auckland Show. The chairman also read a list of grades obtained by some of their cheese stored at Moturoa, one topping figures that proved'a record for the Dominion. Mr. J. Walsh seconded the motion. In replying to questions, the manager, Mr. Boyle, stated that occasionally weather conditions militated against a high-grade article, but no delay was apparent in the manufacturing process. The motion was then carried.

ELECTION OP DIRECTORS. The chairman announced that Messrs H. D. Forsyth, C. J. Belcher, and H. W. James retired by rotation, but were standing again, also Mr. J. ,J. Shalhio. Mr. Murray 'had also resigned from the directorate, and Messrs. F. S. Bluett T W. Corbett, end ,1, G. Robertson were nomiantcd for the vacancy. There would be two ballots. ' Mr.. J Walsh, who nominated Mr Corbett, objected. His was the only paper that expressed the desire to stand for the .vacancy caused by Mr Murray's retirement, and he (Mr.Cprbctt) should be declared elected unopposed. ) Mr JCorris (proposer of Mr. Robertson) said he objected to Mr. Robertson being placed in the Contest for Mr. Murray's seat. He thought that all the candidates should be lumped and the first four fill the positions. The chairman said the directors had discussed the matter, and he had also consulted the company's solicitors on the question, and was informed that he, the chairman, was within his rights, in having two elections, one for those retiring by rotation, and the other for the extraordinary vacancy, To V.'.ing matters to a head, Mr. Walsh moved: "T'.;?.t the meeting adjourn for ii week." Tiic motion lapsed for want of a seconder.

Eventually, Mr Dawes moved that the Meeting adjourn for an hour. This was carried, and at 2 p ; m. the luncheon adjournment was taken. On resinning, the election proceeded on the linea indicated hy the ballot papers, and resulted: Directors, Belcher 1020, James Dili, Forsyth SOl (elected); iShallue 30(1. The vacancy caused through Mr. Murray's retirement resulted: Robertson 557 (elected); CorbeU 374, Bluett 257. MR. MURRAY'S RETIREMENT. The chairman then expressed his regret that Mr. Murray had resigned his seat. Others present added a lev: words of appreciation, and a motion was passed "that the company make a presentation to. Mr. Murray in recognition of his services.'' AUDITOR. Mr. Tristram was re-elected auditor at a fee of 20 guineas. APPLICATION . An Application hy the Eltluim Fire I'rigade for a donation from the factory t,i the brigade funds was referred tts the directors for their favorable considerate • CHAIRMAN. At a meeting of directors, Mr. Forsyth was re-elected chairman.