MATAHIWI CHEESE FACTORY

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10712, 18 September 1912, Page 5

MATAHIWI CHEESE FACTORY

... THE CVI\v.VONY. The new choose factory :t Matahhvi was officially opened yesterday, when, in spite of the rough weather, there is a 'representative attendance of .settlers. Afternoon tea was provided by the ladies, which was very much appreciated. The Chairman of Directors of the Company, in declaring the factory open, .said:—"lt is with very greit pleasure that I address, you to-day. I have to congratulate the people of this district on the very fine factory erected for us by Messrs MacEwan'and Co. In mentioning this, T must not forget to congratulate the builder (Mr Baillie), who took pride in making a first-class job. I believe that we have a. factory that will serve our district for many jears. The terms on which it was erected were most favourable. This, with the excellent market prospects, T think will ensure success to our undertaking. The district is a prosperous one. The establishment of a cheese factory will serve not only to enhance values, but to give settlers more ready c:tsh to carry out improvements. No doubt in a few years our district will be capable of carrying double the amount of stock now being depastured. There are just a few poMits T would like to impress on our suppliers before closing my remarks: (1) Test your cows, and (2) absolute cleanliness. The sweeter the milk, the more weight of cheese obtained. If suppliers will only do their duty in thiy'respect, I have every confidence in the future of our cheese factory and district. Some of the reasons for the. recent high prices and present good tone of the market niny not be out of place here. The prine : - pal supply of cheese to the British I market comes from "Canada, which in 1904 exported to Great Britain 98,306 tons. Last -year this had fillen to 72.690 tons. Holland in 1904 sent Homo 13.372 tons, and in 1912. 11,137 tons; United States, 14,334 tons and 2170 tons ; New Zealand. 4111 tons and 24,993 tons. Though the increase in New Zealand cheese has been fairly high, you will notice that it Ins not made Aip for the American decrease, without considering the ouostTon of extended markets. T think, therefore, that wo may consider that we have at least five good: years before 1 usMessrs Tankersley and Fisher also ppoke, wishing success to the factory, and statins: that it would be a boon to the district.