"GLAXO" PROPOSALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 May 1917, Page 8

"GLAXO" PROPOSALS.

THE MIDHERST MEETING. •• : ACTION DEFERRED TILL AFTER ....:; . WAR. ! There was a very large attendance of suppliers at the meeting held in the Midliirst Town Hall on Monday evening. Mr Skedgewell, chairman of' directors, presided. Mr P. J. Nathan's address as to the Glaxo proposals was practically identical with the addresses delivered at creameries supplying the factory. He was accorded a very fair hearing, though at the conclusion of the address), when questions were invited, the atmosphere became a trifle stormy. In reply to Mr J. Shorter, it was pointed out by Mr Nathan that one of the clauses stated "that the Midhirst Dairy Company shall have the control and management of the Glaxo factory when constructed or erected." He further stated, in reply to Mr Petersen, that the proposed factory would he similar in build to that at Matamuta.

'Mr Linnoll wis openly hostile to tlio project, and did not hesitate to express his opinion. Tlic cliairman had to call him to order. Trouble was struck again when Mr Sid. Prtt took tho floor. He got to work right away and said they had heard a Jot from Mr Nathan's side of the question, and ho desired that they should now give him a chance to show his views. Although only going to take the supplies from four creameries, the cost was going to be, say, £ 18,000, and this did not allow for workers' homes, if required, or additional plant for drying the casein), or for the motor delivery scheme. These would probably absorb,another £4OOO, making £211,000. This amount, he believed, had to be found by the Midhirtit Company, not the (ilaxo firm. This would increase the liability of tho 275 suppliers a great deal —probably over £7O. Supposing they had lorries to collect the milk, it still meant that fanners would require their horse; to cart the milk to the lorries. Again, the success of the co-operative system in Taranaki was mainly through the united stand by farmers, and if they decided to adopt tho proposals held out by the Glaxo'Company he was positive it would be a retrograde step. He thought they should not be ire a hurry to meet the proposals, but rather approach them' cautiously. He strongly advocated they should retain the co-op-erative manufacture of produce as at

present. Mr Nathan stated lie was surprised that a, man possessing the keenness and common sense of Mr Pitt should endeavor to take up such on.attitude. Mr IJnnell came to light again by remarking that manufacturing butter for sale was entirely different to manufacturing Glaxo. 'in the former instance, they had an open market. With Glaxo the article could only go to "* Messrs Nathan & Co.

Mr Sherson then moved: That this neetino requests the directors to submit ihe matter to the annual meeting of sup-

pliers." Seconded by Mr A. Meeds. Mr S. 'Pitt proposed an amendment: "That it he a recommendation to the directors that the question of manufacturing Glaxo be held over till after [the war."" Seconded by Mr Rutledge. The amendment was carried by a large majority. Mr Nathan, after thanking the suppliers for their attendance that evening, stated he was surprised at' the hostile vote passed. At oth;.- tings he had addressed the vole .. ,'orable. He desired the chair!.:. . :al<> whether

he would call a gov. -ting of suppliers. Mr Skedgewell was non-committal m his reply, but it is generally expected that the' position will he reviewed lit the meeting to be held in the Midhirst Town Hall en Monday next at 1 o'clock.