1904 - 1905

Mr. Bailey's narrative ended at June, 1904 and this chapter is drawn from the writers memory.

The previous year's output, made from both mild and cream supply, graded highly and the Directors were thus encouraged to discontinue accepting milk-supply.  The whole of this season's product was, therefore, made from home separated cream and grading reports were again satisfactory.

Undoubtedly, the Company's lead hastened the time when home-separated cream supply became standard practice.  The new system cut down factory expenses, and the suppliers were relieved of time-wasting effort of hauling heavy loads through the mud and of carting the skim milk home.

There was yet little, if any improvement in pasturage or the provision of winter feed.  Hand milking limited hers to small numbers; the dairy stock was largely shorthorn or shorthorn grade - it was not until the early thirties that Jersey stock became general.  Top-dressing was little practised until the year 1925.

The payout for this season averaged nine-pence, a great advance on the first season - the nett return received by the individual supplier, however, was very small for the labour expended; only a few received a monthly £12 monthly cheque.

One can only wonder at the patient perseverance of the suppliers of this date.  A notable example was Mr. Robert Hill of Tamahunga whose cream had to come some eight miles, rowed all the way to the horseshoe paddock by energetic son, Tony.

The year's work proceeded smoothly without mishap or trouble of any kind, and all concerned, agreed that the starting difficulties were over and the way opened to a full success.

At the end of this season, Manager A. M. Campbell resigned to start out on a year of educational travel, and Mr F. A. Newitt was appointed to take his place.