CHEESE V. BUTTER.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1917, Page 3

CHEESE V. BUTTER.

MIDHTRST FAVORS CHEESE

BY LARGE MAJORITY

The mooting called by suppliers to tlie Midhirst Dairy Company, to consider the question of 'whether 'the factory should go in for the manufacture of cheese, attracted a large attendance of suppliers. The chairman announced that there a notice of motion by Mr. Susans 'regarding casein. Unless this notice oi motion was withdrawn the meeting could not go on. Mr. Susans was not agreeable to this course, and Mr. Mcßride protested, stating that the matter should be left to the animal meeting.

Mr. Richmond stated that:butter \ras being held up, and he would like U, find out where casein went. Some though it might go to Germany, but the soldiers from the front wanted cheese, and they should produce what the Empire required.

Mr Somers protested against the casein question being brought up again. Tlie chairman said they had 7000 boxes held up, and probably'the same thing may happen next year. on they might find there r was no' bonus coming. He moved that they manufacture cheese.

Mr. Kcnrick objected to the manner in which the directors had treated them. They had been treated to discussions on glaxo, casein, and now on cheese. Cheese meant more labor. It was a, terrible job in good times to get labor, and they would find it harder later on.

Mr. Sangster touched on casein, gfoxo and then on cheese, asking that a spirit of sincerity should be shown by all to safeguard the interests of the factory, Mr. Weston touched on the matter of casein, which had been placed before them by Mr. Greville, who offered to erect plant,' etc., for their supply of casein.

Mr. Susans said lie could not withdraw his notice regarding the casein. He would like to know if the chairman could tell him the difference between the cost of machinery for casein and cheese.

The secretary, Mr. Hogg, stated that it was not a question of cost of machinery, but which would be most profitabtn to manufacture —cheese or casein.

Mr. J. Shatter said a cheese plant could be converted into a casein manufactory, but a casein plant could not be converted into a cheese plant, owing to the lack of agitators. Mr. Kenrick considered if the change was made the cost of erecting plants would prove a big hurdle to many suppliers. Mr. Richmond pointed out that cheese would be a necessity for a long time to come. By manufacturing cheese they would be helping the authorities, and getting a good nrice. Mr. Pitt said they should sink all feeling in their minds, and calmly discuss the matter of whether they should mike the change. Butter would pay" out 1/0 or over. He hoped they would decide that day.

In answer-to a question the chairman said they could manufacture cheese by October. If the resolution was carried that day they could go on with the canversion of the plant, but it would be necessary legally to hold another meeting, perhaps two, to confirm the resolution. There was no intention of shutting down any creamery.

Mr. R. MeK. Morison, wr.o was given permission to speaic, strongly recommended a change right away, and .was quite sure they would not regret it. The chairman explained that if" they did not go in for cheese they would require to make alterations to the factorv costing £SOOO.

Mr. Pitt thought they might amalgamate and save some of the expense. The chairman said that if they iver.t in for cheese it meant taking up three extra shares equal to three times their present holding. Mr. Hancock objected to Mr. Susan's attitude. Mr. Susans said he would withdraw his motion if convinced that the majority of suppliers favored' cheese. He was always for the butter, but would not leave the company if they went in for cheese.

Mr. Somers requested information regarding tlio commandeering of Canadian cheese. They were all in for the best, and Canada should be treated the same. It did not look a fair thing that tliey should have their cheese commandeered by the Government, while Canada was allowed to go on the open market. In answer to a question the chairman said the banks would finance them.

Mr. Petersen appealed to the suppliers to make a big vote in favor, as it was necessary to have the factory at the back of them. The motion for the manufacture of cheese was carried-.by 131 to 5, the announcement being received with applause. Mr. Sangstor then outlined the problems ahead. There would 'be a shortage of labor, and they must do their best to push- on results to get the best workings on the lard. He thought the suppliers of each creamery should organise and discuss the matters of interest to their district. FARMERS' CO-OP. SOCIETY. Mr. Lynsky, manager of the Farmers' Co-op. Organisation Society, said he appeared there that day at the invitation of the chairman. They had held their annual meeting at Ilawera, and he wished to point out some details as to the in the future. The system of co-operation was traced from its inception in X['W Zealand. A farmers' co-operative society, he said, had never been established for the benefit of the financier. Tlicv were not a concern to allow a man to put in £11)0.000. The Canterbury Association had justified its existence. Coming to. their own show, ho pointed out how their operations were being hampered through lack of capital, and the Association was hopeful in the near future to buy for cash stock in bulk, so that they 'could place the same before the farmers at the minimum cost. By federation and the linking up of shaicholders they 'would accomplish muck in handling produce, and that would mean a big tiling.to the Dominion and Taranaki. The question of a relate on stock was then touched on. Had farmtrs been given the rebate here during the last three years it would mean that the rebate would ' have lieen £15,54!). He appealed to all, if not already shareholders, to take up a few shares, find those already holding some to increase the same. The cost of shares was £lO, but really £5 was only used. At the conclusion of his address a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. and the meeting was then adjourned.