NEW ZEALAND DAIRY ASSOCIATION AND THE SUPPLIERS' UNION.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 356, 20 October 1898, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND DAIRY ASSOCIATION AND THE SUPPLIERS' UNION.

♦ The following circular has been sent to all suppliers to the Association :—- From a communication received frofn a milk supplier in the Waikato I learn that in addition to the matter dealt with in my circular of the 9th ult., there ate two questions upon which some of our friends desire to receive information. One of these, relating to milk testing, is sufficiently important to require immediate attention. I therefore report as follows : The bulk of the testiug for last season was done, and all may now be done, by our Mr Stephenson at Pukekohe. Mr Stephenson is a competent, exact and absolutely trustworthy officer, and his work, checked by the amouut of butter actually made in our factories, indicates an exactness beyond what might have been expected from any commercial test. The actual figures taken from our office records are : Average percentage of milk for season, paid for on Babcock test 3'5951 per cent. Percentage realised, as per butter obtained 3*5918 per cent. Fraction of difference in favour of suppliers 0-0033 per cent. Or, in other words, during the season we have paid for 14151 b. more butter than we have received. Upon a total of a million and a-half pounds which we made for the season this indicates a variation of less than one-thousandth. Other testing records show that the average losses through separating and churning have been much less than the standard allowanoe. On a previous occasion I informed suppliers that all the origiual returns of the testing officer, and all other office records beariug upon this matter, were at their disposal for investigation. I now advise you that this offer stands good for the past season, and that all testing records for succeeding years will be equally open for the scrutiny and audit of suppliers. The other matter reported relates to penalty clauses Nos. 8 aud 14. Ido not think there is any strong feeling upon this subject. Our older clients have never once mentioned it. In the interests of ourselveß, and suppliers as well, some such provision will need to be made, and as long as it is a reasonable one, I, personally, do not mind what it is. During the past ten years each of the penalties have been enforced once only. On these occasions the parties directly interested acknowledged the Tightness of the infliction. This experience would indicate that the clauses are uot likely to create hardship. One other matter calls for mention. I find that during my abseuce from Auckland there has come into existence a Milk Suppliers' Union. A copy of the Rules has been sent me. These show that without possessing any power to contract, take responsibility, or do anything definite on behalf of individuals, it yet undertakes to force all suppliers, with or without their consent, to become members. This, I find, is opposed by a section of our suppliers. Were I to acknowledge the Union, its influence upon myself would be that I should require to consult it before I opened a newcreamery, or accepted a new supplier, or indeed did anything at all in the district. I notice as an anomaly that nousuppliers may be members even of its governing body, as indeed was the case with at least one " delegate," as recently as September 30th. I have said that its claims are resisted by some of the suppliers, and in their interests, and in the interests of the districts yet to be added to our business, as well as in our own, I have declined to deal with this Union. There are several other features in its constitution, as set forth in its rules, which make it inadvisable for me to give it acknowledgment. I have however offered, and desire, to meet representative milk-sup-pliers in conference oyer the mutual affairs of our iudustry. I believe such a conference, undertaken in the spirit of mutual obligation, and of proper business respect for each other, could not be but productive' of good. 1 am still hopeful of meeting representative men, so that, in the interests of suppliers, I may receive information, counsel, and guidance, for the present and the future conduct of the business. I should always treat Buch consulting body with deference, but I could not allow it to intercept my dealings with our clients or to assume responsibility either on behalf of myself or of the individuals with whom we are dealing. Such a course would, at some time, certainly create confusion, misunderstanding, and hurtful friction. I regret that my absence from Auckland prevented me from meeting our clients before the present seieou commenced. I remind yen of my willingness to reply in full to all communications addressed to me. I will also supply required information to any supplier who calls at'my office, or I will respond to any invitations which I may receive to attend any creamery district and meet the suppliers. In the meantime, and to meet a possible grievance, I advise that any persons now supplying to our creameries under misapprehension of any kind, and desiring to withdraw, can do so now without forfeiting any proportion of the value of the milk which they have already supplied. In such casi s payment will be made in full on the due date. A supplier who proposes to double his present herd has asked if he may depend upon the bonus arrangement being continued for other years. 1 have replied that the fairness of the method is now acknowledged, and that we shall continue, and, if possible, extend, the principle for coming years. For a number of reasons I am generally hopeful for an improvement in our owr.'Sportion of the dairy industry which, if rlaiised, will in the early future, give considerable advantage to our clients. 1 will supply you with information upon this subject as developments take place. The sending of this circular has been delayed pending some correspondence with Mr J. Fisher, of Pukerimu, and others suppliers.—l am, your faithfully, Wesley Spragg, Manager.