Almost every dairyman on Gilmore attended a meeting at Mr. J. T. Butler's cottage on Monday night of last week. There were 40 persons present, all keenly interested in what was about to be divulged in regard to Tumut Butter Factory working and the complaints of suppliers, etc. .
Mr. Alex Davis was voted to the chair, and briefly introduced the Chairman of Directors of Tumut Co Operative Dairy Company (Mr. W. Hassett), also Mr. Hayden (manager) and Mr. T. Airey (secretary).
Mr. Hassett expressed pleasure at seeing such as splendid meeting, and, although he was expecting a volley of questions, he hoped, to answer all satisfactorily. They were all aware that the affairs of the company had become mixed and troublesome, but after a diligent search and a thorough investigation of all business affairs they had once more a clear beginning and, with a first class manager and secretary, he was sure they had already saved the company many hundreds of pounds, and, even though the manager was being well paid, he had quite justified his appointment. Mr. Hassett urged the suppliers to be patient, and if at any time they had a grievance they should lodge it in the right quarter; the "street-corner" was no place. It was not fair to the directors and they were not fair to themselves. The factory was their business, and all should be united in guarding its interests go in for a constructive policy, not a destructive one. It was a sad mistake to send cream out of this great district. The company was distributing £6000 a month within 20 miles of Tumut surely a marvellous achievement. Did they want to stop that flow of cash and lower the value of their properties and help to build up places like Cootamundra. The directors were not to blame for what had happened in the past. There had been some clever juggling with the books, and no one appeared to know just what did take place. Of course, they all had their own ideas. - As Chairman, he was out for a fair deal for all. His principles would be purely democratic, treating all alike. He was sure that all suppliers would be satisfied in future, and the next 12 months looked very prosperous for them all.
Mr. Young questioned in regard to a consignment of pigs, one being condemned as "yellow." All had been fed alike on maize and milk.
Mr. Hassett said they had little control over the pigs after they left here; they had a man to watch their interests in tho city and they simply had to abide by his report. He would do his best for Mr. Young, and have this matter referred to and ask the selling agents for an explanation.
Mr. M. J. Colyer: What is the maximum loss in the pig industry' in Australia?
Mr. Hassett had not the figures with him.
Mr. Colyer said he had been discourteously treated by the company in the past in regard to pig consignments.
Mr. Hassett assured Mr. Colyer that he knew nothing of that matter, and could promise him every consideration and courtesy in the future. If anything unpleasant had occurred he (Mr. Hassett) was not aware of it; otherwise he would have it investigated.
Messrs. P. Naughton, N. Harris and T. O'Brien complained of cream tests. In several instances the cream was exactly the same in quality and age, all taken from one can and sent to factory in separate cans. One was tested as choice and. the other as second-class.
Mr. Hayden said that could be possible by a faulty can, but all the same it was a most unusual occurrence and he had not had any similar cases since taking over the management. If such ever occurred again he would investigate immediately.
Mr. Airey gave what he termed a fair and open criticism of the affairs generally concerning the factory. He went thoroughly into the matter of finance, and assured his hearers that the future of the company was as bright as anything could possibly be. He spoke of the manager's capabilities and how he was effecting a saving of £850 to the company, through producing most butter which was not affecting the quality, but rather improving it. The public agreed on this point. He urged the suppliers to keep up the standard of their cream. It meant a greater name for the district and would balance the value of their properties. Land values should be £50 per acre in most parts of this fine district. What had happened on the North Coast could be done here. The early supply of cream at the factory was essential. Motor lorries should be used and controlled by the suppliers themselves, becauso it was their business, and they would run on time. They should not be later than 10 a.m. in summer. By coming late the company had to keep four men waiting and pay them overtime, which had amounted to £125 per month. This was a big item, and it was the share holders' concern to put an end to it.
If they pulled together the future for dairymen was even brighter than the wool and wheat men. Where he had been on the North Coast there were 240 suppliers and only three carted their own cream in light traps and they were quite close to the factory. A11 cream was in by 10 a.m. The result was choice cream and a great name for their butter and their district.
Mr Airey's address was particularly interesting and his delivery very fine.
Mr. Hayden said there was little left him him to say, as Mr. Airey had covered all the subjects he may have touched upon. The early delivery of cream was troubling him most, and he hoped for a better and more satisfactory delivery. He was anxious to assist the suppliers and if they had complaints he wished to hear them.
Mr Hassett here introduced Mr Dunlop, organising secretary of the Primary Producers' Union. He hoped for a patient hearing and was sure a branch could be formed here. Mr. Dunlop was not going to deliver a lengthy address as indicated by Mr. Hassett. He was suffering from a cold. They all knew fairly well what good work had been carried out by them and how they had fought the claims of the men on the land through the Arbitration Court. The dairymen had a lot to thank the P.P. Union for, especially for high prices of butter during war period. Farmers and graziers alike had also received many benefits and concessions too numerous for him to particularise. They had branches all over N.S.W. and one should be formed at Gilmore. If at any time they had a grievance needing attention the Union officials were at their command. The subscription fee was £1 per annum, of which 10/- went to head office and 10/- to the local branch. It was money well spent as their interests would always be guarded.
It was decided to form a branch at Gilmore. Mr. A. W. Davis sr. was appointed chairman (protem.) and Mr. W. Bridle as secretary (protem). Mr. P. S. Naughton was appointed delegate. Several names were handed in and soon the branch will "open fire" and get to business.
Votes of thanks to the various speakers and the ladies were carried in the usual manner. Refreshments were served by the Ladies. - (Ref- The Tumut Advocate and Farmers & Settlers' Adviser (NSW : 1903 - 1925)(about) Previous issue Tuesday 16 June 1925 Page 3).
We hear terrible complaints of the totally impassable character of the road on the west bank of the Gilmore Creek, from Mr. Murray's homestead upwards past Mr. R. Marshall's. It is so bad at the present time as to be untraversible even on horseback. We trust our worthy Roads Engineer will send a maintenance man at once to repair it. - (Ref- Adelong and Tumut Express and Tumbarumba Post (NSW : 1900 - 1925)(about) Previous issue Friday 28 September 1906 Page 3).