STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 October 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)' [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. ,T. Hopkins, bookseller-, will receive prompt attention.] STRATFORD DAIRY FACTORY. CHEESE GENERALLY FAVORED. Stratford, October 1. Mr. R. Dingle, chairman of directors, who presided at the meeting of the Srratford Dairy Company, held this afternoon, said that at the last annual meeting a resolution was carried, instructing the directors to call a meeting in January next, or earlier, if necessary, to review the cheese miestion. The large attendance that afternoon showed the keen interest 'taken in the matter. He reminded them that their nav-out last year totalled Is Bd. The directors had not yet decided whether to pay out the %d bonus this month, or leave'it to a later period. The business before them was of vital importance to the company. It meant £20,000 to keep the company together, and to do this it looked as if they must go in for cheese. One bif supplier had alreadv gone to Cardiff, and others were either breaking or threatening to break. There was a. time when thev had a debt of £20.000. but to-day thev were practically free from debt, and that brought him to the question of butter and cheese. He requested the secretary to read the following motion: "That this meeting of shareholders recommends the directors to instal cheese plants at such factories or creameries where conditions are satisfactory, and finances can be arranged." The chair : man detailed what had happened in »onnectinn with the Robson road suppliers breaking away because the company could only offer to pay half the cost of installing cheese plant. As far as the main factory was concerned, he would say that all suppliers there should pay the full cost. The motion was then formally moved by Messrs Rawles and Lyford Mr. Kleeman said they should <ja in for casein, having already decided on same.

The chairman: It is understood that if the Stratford suppliers desire cheese, well and good. Regarding casein, thev could make that each month or year, if required. He then gave the following figures of the cost of cheese and casein plants:

cheese casein. £ , £ Stratford 27.700 R3S6 Skinner road .... 4700 562 10 Toko 4700 1000 Gordon road ........ 4550 1000 Toko road 4200 1000 Huiakama 1000 The position represents that each SOOOIb meant 200 shares. Should they decide to co in for cheese, the directors knew where to put their hands on the necessary money. If prides continued as thev were at present the directors would probably see to it that suppliers paid back a little more on the borrowed capital than at present suggested. He was sure there would be no big fall in prices for some months to come, as the armv required feeding. Butter continued good, and if it was not for the interference of the New Zealand Government they would do better. The Government was only allowing Is 3d for butter, and this was a shame. He maintained that no butter should be sold at less than 2s per lb, seeing that it cost Is 8d to produce. A voice: And the soldiers are not getting it. No. it goes on the table of those who could afford to pay more. As far as cheese was concerned, he believed the Government would commandeer it at about the same figure as last year, but they had nothing to go on. and the same applied to butter. If they allowed the butter to go Home and go on the open market, it would probably pay as much as cheese. To meet the suggested cost (£30.000). assuming the suppliers carried the motion, the directors would insist on deducting Id per lb butterfat.

Mr. Kleeman desired the reason foi the increased cost of the casein buildin)?.

Mr. McDonald (manager) explained that the new building was in concrete, etc., whereas the old building was wooden, and only a shell. Mr. Morison said it was hardly necessary to instal plants at all creameries where some were very close together. , The chairman agreed. He was satisfied two factories could very well undertake the work at Douglas, Toko and Gordon road.

Mr. Rawles requested information regarding the new casein buildings. The chairman ruled the question out of order.

Mr. Lyford questioned the chairman's figures regarding butter and cheese. The chairman said he had given no figures as correct. He had stated they knew nothing, but his figures were based on last year's payments—ls 7d for butter and Is lOd to 2s for cheese. On top of these, rates of insurance, war rates. etc., may go up.

Mr. Kleeman asked if the directors would sign a joint and several. The chairman said lie was not going to sign any joint and several, and li the butter industry could not carry on with this increase it was time to get out.

Mr. Colson asked about new members coming in.

The chairman said they could get an advance on the uncalled capital. If the Stratford factory went in for cheese, the articles of association would need to be revised, and suppliers would have to take up shares to cover the expenses of £SOOO. It meant one share being taken up for every 401bs of butterfat. As sown as Stratford went in for cheese it meant the company owned another property ol £SOOO. although it was only subscribed by suppliers to the main factory. It they carried the first motion there would be no other. It meant the whole of the factory and cream»ries .would go in for cheese. The estimated output of cheese was: Stratford, 413 tons, Skinner road 310, Toko 220, Gordon road 190, Douglas 103. Toko road 100, Makuri 44, Huinkama 70. Mr. Ranford moved: "That it be a recommendation to instal plants at the factory or any creamery if a majority of •the suppliers at each place concerned favors the proposal, on condition that cacbi place finds the whole of the money neclssary for its equipment under regulations to be made by the directors." The mover said there were several creameries quite satisfied with the conditions existing. Mr. Cook seconded. 'The chairman then put Mr. Rawles' motion, which was lost, only seven favoring it. Mr. Ranford's motion was then put and carried by a fair majority. The meeting then adjourned.

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