COLLAPSE OF THE PROPOSED CHEESE FACTORY AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1897, 2 September 1884, Page 2

COLLAPSE OF THE PROPOSED CHEESE FACTORY AT CAMBRIDGE.

A meeting of the provisional directors of the proposed cheese, butter and bacon factory near Cambridge was held in Gillett's Nation.il Hotel on Saturday evening List. There was a fair attendance and the chair was taken by Mi Rhodes. The share hat was handed in, and on being counted up the chaunian announced that the total numbei deposed of was 1105, exclusive of 320 slnues deposed of by Mr Watt conditional on the site being nearer to Cambiidge than as stated on the application form. If they came nearer Cambridge, to the Feucoiut, station as suggested by Mr Watt' then a like number of Mippoiters at the other, end of the district would likewise withdraw their suppoit. It seemed to him quito evident that the lequhed number of shares, 2500, could not be secured. There weie certainly two or three lists to come in, but then he understood these would not materially improve the piesent objects tSotne conversation ensued as to the possibility of arranging matters by way nt mutual concession, so as to securo and hold the siippoit of the various parts of the district, including the other side of Lhe river. It was thought that if tho factory wore elected on the river bank, so as to tap the other side of the country, their success might be achieved. This, it was thought, was the only practical solution of the dirhculty. Mr Bailey (of the Aucklnnd Agricultural Company) said that the company which he represented would take 200 shaiea if the factoi y were erected at the Fencoiut station. The company would also be prepared to deal hbeially with the factory m the matter of a site. He thought two factories might veiy well be established m this district, one at Fencourt and the other at the river bank. Mr T. B. Lewis said while in Auckland he had seen Messrs Ingram and Co., Poiter and Son, and other makers, and had received their pi ice lists and other information, winch he submitted to the meeting. It was quite evident from the data befoi c them that the idex of starting a cheese factory in the Cambiidge district at the present time was altogether impracticable. Those who were piesent, and who had taken the matter in hand, and who had worked with such perseverance and earnestness in the furtheiance of the proposal, had not left a stone unturned, and the .result of their labours w.ir before them that evening, though not what might be termed veiy discouraging, was so far below the mark as to put any further attempt for the piesent altogether out of the queition. To his mind the farmers were very much to blame ; they were e\ idently blind to their own interest, and weie very lacking indeed, so far as sympathy of a practical character was concerned. Had tho faiineis been earnest in their desire to see a cheese factory started — and farmers alone, who were supplieis of milk, and even non-sup-suppliers, were the only ones who derived a d'uect bonefit from an industry of this kind, they would have given a moie unmistak'eable proof of their sinceiity had they put their hands a little deeper into then pockets, and accorded a more willing and decidedly moie libeial suppoit. It could not be .said that the business people had stood off when their assistance was required. Peisonally, he had got together about 3nO shares, and these were taken up pnncipally by the business public of the town. The business people, it would therefore be seen, were ready and willing to help the farmers, if the farmers would onlvhave the courage to assist themselves. As for himself, he would increase his suppoit to 100 shares rather than see the matter fall through, and he understood that Messrs Wells and Soutter had agreed to take a like number under the same cucunistances. It was something very striking indeed that, although a populous and wealthy district like Cambridge could not start a cheese factory, such comparatively small districts as those which it were needlesS j to name, had admirably succeeded in like undertakings. Mr Feiguaon defended the farmers from what he considered the aspersions of MiLewis. He thought the farmers had done very well, and for the business people to say thai a cheese factory would not bonefit them, was a regular piece of bosh. It would benefit one class equally as much as the other, though possibly not so directly. It was unanimously agieed that the promoters of the proposed cheese and bacon factory, not having received sufficient support, do not see their way clear to proceed with the establishment of a factory at present, but trust tliaft at some future time renewed efforts will be made in this direction. This terminated the proceedings.