TIKORANGI DAIRY COMPANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1921, Page 7

TIKORANGI DAIRY COMPANY.

THE ANNUAL MEETING. CHAIRMAN REVIEWS THE POSITION. The twenty-sixth annual meeting of the Tikorangi Dairy Factory Company wits held in the Tikorangi Hall yesterday, the chairman of directors (Mr. C. Foreman) presiding over an attendance of about 30 shareholders.

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet (already published), the chairman said he was glad to be able to say that the pay-out for the season had been a record one in the operations of the company. Owing to the slump in the casein market suppliers would have to wait until the Casein Company had realised on their stocks before receiving the(r pay-out on casein. He anticipated another record season during the coming year, and that with the improvements recently carried out at the factory, they would be in a good position to handle increased supplies. The report and balance-sheet were adopted THE DISCUSSION. Asked why the depreciation was less this year than last year, the chairunan said they were only allowed to write off 3 per cent, or pay extra Income tax. He thought that 3 per cent, was sufficient to write off the buildings aa depreciation. In reply to a question why the over-run was not mentioned, the chairman stated that the over-run was 19.2. The question arose as to the frequency with which cream should be collected. A supplier pointed out that the highest grading port for butter in New Zealand was Moturoa, where the product was handled expeditiously. Auckland was second, and in that district the cream was collected very irregularly, and it was sometimes days before it was collected, so that he did not think it was necessary to collect cream more often than three times a week. Another supplier said that the Wanganui butter factories were forging ahead in the district, and something would have to be done to retain supplies. The chairman said that if they took cream every third day It would be mcessary to start grading the cream, so that each supplier would be paid on the quality of his supply, whether depreciated by being kept too long or nor. A voice: Is It not a fact that those companies which grade their cream put all the grades in one vat? The chairman: I believe it Is so. Asked what, he thought of the prospects for casein for the coming season, the chairman said he was afraid that they were very poor, the bottom having fallen out of the market. A deputation was going to Wanganui to confer with the Casein, Company with regard to the coming season’s arrangements. He said the company was unable to pay out on last season’s casein until they had realised on the stocks at the Aramoho factory, and l.f the suppliers pressed for payment now they would probably get nothing. It was decided to call tenders for the coming season’s buttermilk instead of making It into casein, as hitherto.

The question of erecting a dual plant was brought up, the chairman stating that in view of the financial position, he thought ft would be folly to go in for a cheese plant especially as the future of cheese prices waa very uncertain. He agreed that this was a question that should be considered, but it was beyond their means for the coming season. In answer to a question, the chairmah said that so far no offers had been received for their output, excepting for the early spring months.

Pollowing a discussion on the advisability of appointing a joint instructor for the several factories in the district, such instructor to investitgate the causes 'of inferior milk supply and to test herds, etc., Mr. T. Warren moved that the directors favorably consider this appointment. The motion was carried. Speaking to the motion, the chairman said he thought it was a valuable suggestion, in view of the fact that dairy produce was now coming on the open market and Its price would depend more than ever on its quality. GENERAL The chairman (Mr. C. Foreman), and Mr. .1. Foreman were re-elected unopposed to the directorate. Mr. A. .1. ■funbridge was re-ap-pointed auditor for the ensuing year. Several suppliers asked for Some improveI ment in the system of carting cream to the factory, the opinion being expressed that it was necessary to cater for the suppliers of cream, as the Wanganui companies were getting a strong hold in the district, and their competition would have fo be considered. No definite action was tasen. Discussing the wages question, a supplier asked if some system of superannuation could not be devised. He said suet systems were working elsewhere, and he thought that now they had a gond staff they should do everything possible to retain them.—-Nothing was done in the matter. The chairman was granted an honorarium of £5O, and the manager's salary was Increased by £25 per annum. A vote. of thanks was accorded the factory staff for efficient service.