WAIKATO DAIRY FACTORIES ASSOCIATION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1952, 10 January 1885, Page 2

WAIKATO DAIRY FACTORIES ASSOCIATION.

A MKKTisi; <>f delegates of the various cheese factory companies in this district, cmvenod by circular, was held at The Waikato Times Buildings, Hamilton, yesterday afternoon. The following delegates attended :—Messrs S. T. Seddon (in the chair) and A. Swarbrick, Hamilton; Bvidgmau, Te Awaumtu ; Gcrmann aud Newlaud, Puterangi ; S. Steele and Buttle, Rukuhia ; Kincaid and J. R. S. Richardson, Cambridge. The Chairman, referring to the objects of the meeting, said the directors of the WaikAtit Cheese Factory Company, in the course of their operations, had found difficulty after difficulty arising, and these difficulties were rather increased by the circumstance that the directors of the other companies went to work in different ways, and they had come to the conclusion that if the industry was to be carried on profitably and satisfactorily there must be common action between the several companies. (Hear, hear.) There were many important questions to b , ; considered, among which he would mention the necessity for a reduction in freight, both by land and by sea ; the determination of the best external market; the proper course to be pursued with .1 view t<) thfr reduction of tho high impart charges at the various Australian ports; the proper methods of packing butter, and the question of establishing a box manufactory in connection with the factories. He would aiso suggest for the consideration of the delegates the advisablenesa of all the companies adopting one style of balance-sheet, in order that tho public and the shareholders might form a n.nre correct estimate >f the comparative progress of the industry than was at present possible. By comparing notes, and by emulating one anothor, Uvj factories would sooner attain to the position of dividend-paying concerns. Mr Swarbrick, who acted as secretary, •uggested that further it would be well to k-oide whether or not it was advisable to : inn an association. After some further dis- ,. \s«ion. Mr Xewland moved, and Mr Kincaid seconded "That an association be formed Co bj called' The Waikato Dairy Factories Association,' to consist of delegates nominated by the boards of the varions factories, for the purpose of watching and promoting the common interests of the dairy industry. ' This resolution was put and carried unanimously.

On ihn motion of Mr Xewlantl, seconded by Mr JS uttle, Mr Scddmi was elected pernianunt chiuniun, and Mr (I. H. Carter \v;is aj)])oiiited socrotary of the Associa-

On the motion of Mr Newl.nnd, seconded by Mr it was resolved that the association niM'.t, at such times as may hi required, at The W.iikato Times Buildings, Hamilton.

The meeting then proceeded to discuss in detail the various subjects introduced by the chairman, and a unanimous opinion was expressed that a reduction in tho present excessive railway charges ought to be made. It was resolved that a memorial be prepared, to be addressed to the Government, praying for relief in this regard, and the secretary was interacted to coinmuuicate with Messrs Whyte and Lake, asking their assistance in furthering the object of the asßiicia*.ion. A long discussion took place on the question of exporting cheese to England, aud the opinion was expressed that with the reduction in th« cost of freight referred to by Mr Bowro'.i, and by shipping at tha proper time of year, a good return might confidently be looked for. Mr Hridginan said his company would, under favourable conditions be prepared to contribute 15 or 20 tons towards a joint consignment, and Mr Seddon said the Waikato Factory would also join in. The delegates of the other factories said the subject had not yet come before the directors in a definite form, and they could not, therefore, say what course it was intended to take with regard to the export question. It was agreed that the secretary should write to Auckland to ascertain the charges for landing the cheese at warehouse in in Lotidon, and at the same time obtain a list showing the market price of cheese in England month by month during last year, in order that the association might determine the proper month in which ,to export. Various other mutter were discussed in a conversational manner, and at the close of the meeting, it was discided to assemble again at an early date, notice of which is to •be given by tho Chairman. The proceedings terminated witli votea to the chairman and to Mr Swarbrick.