CORRESPONDENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 9410, 25 May 1882, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

LOCAL INDUSTRIES. TO THE EDITOK. Sib, —lt has been simply want of time which has prevented me making a few intended remarks iu reference to our proposed dairy, and bacon-curing factory. As an attendant at tbe first general invitation meeting open to the public, I felt very disappointed at the exceedingly meagre attendance of those who would be expected to take the deepest interest in such an undertaking, but I suppose, with the improved price of corn, they Ave stiU willing to take 3d or 4d per lb for their summer butter. The comparative few who took a warm interest in so important a step for the future welfare of the neighborhood were formed ioto a

working committee, of which 1 have the honor to be a member, and I hope the general apathy will not discourage further efforts being made. All \vho attended our first committee meeting pulled well together, and I am sure will gather all possible useful information, and converse with all those who ought to take an active part in the development of so important an industry. All must feel much indebted to Mr Sando for his generous and disinterested exertions in giving birth to the project, and in endea voring to show that in America its success financially has . far exceeded the most sanguine expectations of its promoters. Asa member, of. the Committee, I must express my humble opinion that many conclusions have been -jumped at, more likely to weaken than strengthen the cause. We do not want theory, but simple facts, from reliable authority, which can be understood by all producers of milk or swine. I conV sider that 3d per gallon is altoghether out of the questio.l for milk, and likoly to prove fatal if it was tho maximum price to be obtained by producers, but I see no X_argument or foundation on which to base such a price, and there were many figures and statements reported in your columns which would not bear analysing. My view of the case is that it must start as a strictly] "jjCo-operative Society," with an intention of concentrating the labor of numerous small dairies for economy, and the advantage of improved appliance [ and buildings which each could not afford. I By this means a unifor.n and staple product, fit to face the markets of the world, could undoubtedly be shipped from this district, and regulate the markets. If producers alone are sbarehohier's, as high a price as possible, with safe margin left for casualties, could be given for the raw materia!. If worked on this basis I think supporters would soon be numerous, and objectors few. If the minimum price is to be given for milk, many who own a herd of cows, could not afford to send their produce, simply because not in a monetary position to purchase such a j number of shares as would enable them to draw dividends in proportion to milk supplied. On the other hand a party of ] independent means, with little or no ' stock, could take up an unlimited num- < ber of shares, and draw handsome dividends from the large supply of his poorer neighbors. Amongst many other important questions, this must have the committee's careful consideration, as , many to whom I have spoken, who wish the cause well, have ridiculed the idea of 3d per gallon for milk. If strictly cooperative it matters not whether profits are drawn before or after manufacture. I believe the day has come when the only ( means for rendering our dairy produce a remunerative are Co-operative Factories. c The first step in starting one must be the ] securing of a sufficient number of shareholders (intended supplyers of milk) within a circuit to be determined to facilitate the collection or delivery of milk. The utilisation of whey, skimmed •* milk, etc., for rearing pigs would form a v considerable part of profit, and not a little r. would depend upon the site chosen for, t and the design and erection of the various J departments. A copious supply of water j, would be indispensible, and piggeries >■. should be so built that they could be washed out daily, while the liquid manure from same should be utilized for irrigating pasturage. I have been anxious for some time to call on friends to consider another important production for our neighborhood, and to give encouragement to those anxious to start a J 1 factory in the vicinity of Temuka. I ' allude to the cultivation of linitm proprium, or European flax, for the linseed, * and fibre (lint) obtained from the straw, and manufacture of same into oil, binding twine, ropes, canvas, etc, etc., but I must ' leave this for another issue.—Yours respectfully, Edw. Pilbrow.