DAIRYING PROGRESS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1745, 9 May 1913, Page 8

DAIRYING PROGRESS.

THE EXAMPLE OF NEW ZEALAND. Commenting on the conference of representatives of co-operative dairy concerns recently held in bydney, some particulars of which have been published, the Sydney ''Herald" says that perhaps the most vital feature of tho conference was the recognition by delegates that in the exportation of superlin© butter and the general improvement of the industry was to be fouud one of the best means of combating' the' margarine competition. This is a view tho "Telegraph" has put forward time after time, with the diiierenco that it believes it is absolutely the best means. No other step will have the same splendid cffcct, to judge'by advices from overseas and a practical survey of existing conditions. Tho, recent meeting of a section of the London' Chamber of Commerce voiced much the same opinion, and it is obvious that the large percentage of secondary and inferior butter Australia sends away is a growing menace to the whole industry, and the trade of the country. It is gratifying, the "Telegraph" adds, not only to learn that the gentlemen who have been so commercially successful in extending the butter business now realise, the above fact, but are also recognising that the example of New Zealand cannot be ignored. The fact of the Dominion's marked supremacy as regards the Australasian butter export trade has been commented upon continuously for years. This is only natural, for there is no secret about that success. It is due to the enforcement of a thorough system of compulsory grading. Any unbiassed investigation of the dairying industry in NewZealand will drive home this fact bevoiul dispute. It is amazing, therefore, that wlule. the conference -wisely camo to tho conclusion that a delegation should, visit tho Dominion, it unanimously opposed compulsory grade stamping of butter for export. An antagonistic attitude is thus taken up against the compulsory system, which, if persisted in, simply nullifies any good that a visit to New Zealand might; do. Such a visit will be of enormous value if it is made by men-.who approach the subject free from prejudice in eyery way, and willing to learn what is the secret of success. Otherwise it is a waste of time and utterly useless. A delegation leaving this country with set views that are not going to 1m changed by the strongest proof cannot possibly do any good. Its report could be made without leaving these shores. "On the other hand," continues our contemporary, "if an honest attempt is to be made to learn tho reasons ot outbackwardness, and New Zealand's progress, it is to be thoroughly welcomed iu the interests of tho industry. Iu recognising that we should be ablo to learn from our friendly competitor, and that there is a real necessity we should learn, the conference is to bo congratulated; but its further attitude must create grave doubt as to whether the right steps will Wo-trust it will, because the interests of 0 trust it will, because the interests of tho industry are far more important than the beliefs. and opinions of any section of it, however distinguished it may be. If inescapable facts prove thoso beliefs to be wrong, it is imperative that there should not be 110 hesitation in a frank admission being forthcoming to that effect. There is this much to encourage hope, the fact that there is 110 question, however wo may differ from their ideas in some respects, that the members of the conferenco are united in a desire to improvo the industry they represent. It remains to be seen if they are loyal enough to boldly alter certain opinions if faced with that necessity, for an honest investigation of tho influences at work in New Zealand must result in that l>ein» the only alternative later on." 0