Bonuses for Creameries

The next subject was the offering of bonuses for the building of creameries and factories under certain conditions.

Mr Coleman Philips moved—"That bonuses be offered for the building of creameries and factories, under certain conditions." The granting of the bonus by the Government some twelve years since for the establishment had had the effect of stimulating the growth of factories. If a small bonus were offered in each district for the establishment of creameries, &c., they would find that, as in the United States, the cow would be as valuable as a producer as the wheat fields.

Mr Wanklyn seconded the motion pro forma, but expressed his intention of voting against it.

Mr Olson spoke against the resolution, and pointed out that unless the factories and creameries were erected purely on the co-operative principle the small farmers would not benefit by the bonuses.

Mr Carswell opposed the resolution, page 12 and expressed the opinion that the dairy industry should be allowed to be developed by private enterprise.

Mr Kyngdom said that the matter had been considered at a meeting of his Society, and they had decided that it would not be desirable to urge the Government to offer bonuses.

Mr Sinclair spoke strongly against a bonus being granted. He did not think the industry wanted it, and he might say that both the farmers and the factory owners were opposed to bonuses being granted.

Mr Coleman Philips, in reply, said that knowing many of the small settlers in the North Island would have to give up their holdings unless the dairy industry started amongst them, he had thought that a bonus would be a good thing. After what he had heard from the gentlemen present he had come to the conclusion that the butter industry did not require bonuses.

The motion was then put and negatived on the voices.