SERIOUS PROBLEM.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1876, 9 October 1913, Page 10

SERIOUS PROBLEM.

THE QUALITY OP CHEESE. Reference was made by Mr. C. A. -Wilkinson, M.P., in tho Houso of Representatives yesterday, to tho serious position regarding the quality of cheese exported, as disclosed by the. High Commissioner's report. Ho asked tho Primo Minister whether tho Government would , take steps to co-operate with dairy companies in order to bring about soino efficient method of inspecting milking-sheds* stockyards, milk-ing-machines, methods of manufacture, etc. It. was reasonable to assume, lie stated, tliat a satisfactory system of inspection could be devised by co-operat-ing with various dairy companies. It was essential in tho interest of, the Dominion as well as'in'tlio interest of dairy fanners themselves that New Zealand products should continue to retain tho best possiblo reputation for purity and good quality. Air. Massey replied: "Tho. necessity of improving 011 tho quality of some'of tho cheeso exported last season is fully recognised by tho directorates of tho dairy companies, and also by tho Government, and this matter has been thoroughly gono into at many rccent annual meetings ■of theso companies. Thero is every reason to believe that as a result tho quality of this season's output will show a considerable advance. Tho officers of the Department of Agriculture already co-operate fully with tho companies by consultation with tho directors, instruction at tho factories, and inspection at tho suppliers' farms, as far as tho .number of men available will allow. No effort will bo spared by tlio Government to'facilitate the object tho honourable member has in view."