EXPORT OF BUTTER

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 259, 27 July 1920, Page 6

EXPORT OF BUTTER

THE NEW ZEALAND -TRABE CONTROL INEVITABLE Important telegrams havo been received by the Prime Minister as to the disposal of butter for tho next export season. Tho' telegrams aro published heriiunder. It appears from tho text of the messages that the New Zealand producers havo no option about their produce for next season but to to the Imperial Government. . Tho price suggested means au over-the-counter pries in this country of from 2s. 3d. to 2s. sd. per pound for butter. Following is the text of a telegram from tha Secretary of State to tho Governor-General of New Zealand:—

"With referenco to my telegram of Juno 19 it is understood that negotiations have not yet resulted in agreement as to disposal of next season's butter output of New Zealand and that Food Controller is anxious to arrange if possible to purchase exportable surplus on terms similar to those now agreed to in case of Australia, August 1, 1920, to March 31, 1921, namely, 2405. per cwt. f.o.b. for butter graded ninoty points, with Is. per owt. additional for each point up to ninoty-five inclusive, and Is. per cwt. less for each point under 5 ninoty."

The following cablegram has been received from tho Hish Commissioner, London, dated July 22, 1920: — "Butter: With referonco to your telegram of July 16 I have had long personal conversation with tho Food Controller, who states that control over butter is inevitable, as otherwise sparsa supplies would be entirely purchased bj wealthier classes, and that Government could not ensure equitablo distribution, except as sole purchasers of supplies. I .raised point of tho Imperial Government controlling British and Irish output in the same manner as is proposed in caso of New Zealand and Australasia. Food Controller replied that British supplies for tfie winter months aro practically negligible, and any attempt to ,collect British supplies in 1918 resulted in less than 100 tons at wholly disproportionate expense. liegarding Ireland, Food Controller stated that ho had taken matter up with the Irish Department of Agriculture, and as a result Irish, butter from November to April will be restricted to Irish market, and retail price will be controlled. Food Controller is most anxious to meet wishes of New Zealand producers in every way possible, but maintenance of control for this winter cannot be avoided. Food Controller will pivo New Zeeland free market fit oarliest possible date. (Signed) Mackenzie."