4

L—l 2

34. The Chairman.] There is another question which occurs to me with regard to this matter. In what way is the cream prepared for forwarding—is it put through a separator?— Yes. 35. In all cases? —In all cases ; it is all separated by mechanical means. Of course, lam not sure that it would be good on our part to convey cream such long distances. I do not think it is even necessary. It many cases they have these creameries and factories established in districts which, when we consider our New Zealand surroundings, are comparatively barren—that is, in the way of pasture. They are thus placed in such a position that they cannot produce sufficient milk within a given area to keep a large factory going; and in that case central factories with "feeders" are beneficial. It would be highly desirable for us in taking up butter-making in many sections to concentrate it more than we have done hitherto. 36. Would any of these central factories you speak of supply separators to their customers? — Well, the way the whole thing is done is this: The central factory is owned by the same shareholders as own the creameries. Whenever a guarantee of a sufficient quantity of milk is given them in any centre they put up a " creamery " or " feeder." They put up a shed, in which are one or two separators, according to the quantity of milk to be treated, in a certain position in the district. The milk from the surrounding settlers is taken to that centre, and there separated through these machines. The settlers take the skim-milk home with them. That is the way it is done. The central factories provide both the buildings and the plant necessary for the separation at each of these "creameries" or "feeders." . 37. This involves the sending-in of the milk to what may be called the creameries?— Yes. 38. Are there no means by which the separators could be sent round to the different farms, and there separate the milk?— No. 39. What is the cost of a separator ?—You can get them from £20 up to £95. 40. The price is dependent upon the quantity of milk you can put through the separator?— Yes. 41. What amount would a £25 separator put through?— Thirty gallons per hour. 42. Mr. Lawry.] That is, a hand separator? —Yes; you can get a 300-gallon separator for from £80 to £85. . 43. What time can the cream remain at the creamery before it is sent away—is it sent away daily ?—Daily. 44. Mr. E. M. Smith.] Are you aware that the separators are in the hands of people who claim the sole right of disposing of them ? A gentleman in Taranaki sent down and bought one or two separators in the Middle Island from the firm of the Hon. Mr. Ward. Another party who was selling them in the South disputed the right of sale, and therefore the firm would not sell any more to this person. The consequence is, the settlers have to pay £5 or £7 10s. more than if they were allowed to purchase them from the firm alluded to down South. Can you propose a remedy ?— No; I do not see that I can. 45. The Chairman.] Is there a monopoly? —There exists no monoply that I am aware of in cream-separators. There are too many in the market of different makers. 46. Mr. Duncan.] How many makers are there ? —There are seven different machines represented in New Zealand. 47. Mr. Lawry.] The Delaval machine is the most popular?— Yes; it is the most popular machine. 48. I do not say it is the best ?—lt is the most popular. 49. Mr. Duncan.] What power is required for these various-sized machines ?—A large Delaval machine, to separate 300 gallons of milk per hour, would require one-and-a-half-horse power. 50. Mr. Laivry.] I suppose your experience is that water-power is the best if you can get it ?— Yes ; it is the best. 51. No smell? —No; and no heat. 52. The Chairman.] You know the facilities that exist in different parts of the country in regard to the establishment of central factories ?—Yes. 53. Mr. Laivry.] I suppose you are aware there is a company in Auckland worked by Mr. Spragg? —Yes, the New Zealand Dairy Association. 54. I believe they have adopted the plan of carrying the cream to one central depot.—Yes. 55. Are you in possession of information as to whether the results are better under the new system than those which obtained under the old, when they manufactured the butter in different places? —Yes, the results have been better. 56. Mr. Tanner.] The butter is of better average quality?— Yes; its quality has improved, and more uniformity has been engendered. 57. Mr. Lawry.] Do you know that Eeynolds and Co. have adopted the same system ?—Yes, they have adopted the same system both in the Province of Auckland and Taranaki. 58. The Chairman.] Have you in your report dealt with the question of grasses, quality of land, and breed of cattle suited to different localities?—l have only touched upon them. I have gone into those matters when addressing meetings of farmers and those interested in dairy husbandry at different centres of the colony. My lectures have been largely copied into the various newspapers. That is the only way I have touched on the breeding and feeding of cows for the production of milk to any great extent, and not through any bulletins or annual reports of the department. 59. Mr. Tanner.] Is it within your knowledge that a large demand has sprung up in the North Island for the Jersey breed of cows since the dairy export trade has been established ? —Yes, the demand for that breed of cattle has increased to a great extent, and this will continue in any section of country where they intend to make butter-making a specialty. 60. The Chairman.] Have you any remark to make as to grasses supplementary to anything you have stated in your report ?—I think we cannot desire much better feed than the grasses and clovers common to New Zealand. At the same time it is necessary, and is obvious in districts