THE PATERANGI CHEESE FACTORY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1745, 11 September 1883, Page 2

THE PATERA NG I CHEESE FACTORY.

Our Own Correspondent writes : — I see by the issue of The Waikato Times of the Bth that "Waipa" has opened the flood gates of his virtuous indignation because the meeting re this Chee-se Co., held on the 25th ult., was not ve2>orted. There was really nothing to icport, a meeting was called, but owing to the inclemency of the weather very few attended, so that whatever the feeling of those present may have been, it could not be taken as the feeling of the farmeife in general. With regard to " Waipa's " assertion that an acrimonious discussion took place between the chaiiman and one of the directors, I give that a must distinct and positive denial. Neither the chairman or the director alluded to, would so far forget themselves as to indulge in any acrimony. From what I could learn after the meeting was over, the majoiity of those present were decidedly in favour of the co-operative system as against the pin chase of milk. The matter was fully discussed outside the schoolroom after the meeting dissolved, and when thoioughly explained, they were satisfied, the system proposed was to their advantage. No one could fail, ("Waipa" excepted), to see otherwi.se, for if it pays companies to give 3W per gallon for the milk, and then make a profit, would it not pay the farmer to assist by way means in hLs power a scheme by which those profits could he secured to himself ? The return the shareholders expect for their capital invested is very moderate indeed, only 8 per cent. It is manifestly impossible for the directors to sa te positively what the chaige will be for making the cheese, as no one can tell until the factory is in woiking order what the expenses for fuel, oil, bandages, and othei incidental expenses will be. The secietary made a rough estimate of the cost of making. —based upon a daily supply of 300 gallons. According to bis calculation the cost would be one penny per lb, and this I understood included the charge of 8 pei cent tipon capital invested. Of course the directors do not find themselves to make for this bum, it may be a trifle more, and if the .supply of milk reaches 500 gallons — which tlieie is eveiy reason to expect, for the milk of I believe over 2.30 cows has been promised — the cost will be considerably less. Under cover of a rebuke to me for not reporting the meeting. " Waipa " has a shot at the directory tiie reason for which is not far to seek, if he held office under the company his opinion of it would be very different.