A USE FOR SURPLUS MILK.

Evening Star, Issue 2987, 14 September 1872, Page 2

A USE FOR SURPLUS MILK.

(From the Oamaru Tones)

The manufacture of condensed milk ap. pears to solve the question of what ought to be done with our surplus milk. The subject is attracting attention in England, and it is certainly worthy of being well considered by every one who wishes the wellbeing of the dairy and farming interest. The report states that there is only one factory in England where its manufacture is extensively carried on. The English market is mainly supplied from three sources:—lst. The English company at Aylesbury, before-men-tioned ; 2. The Anglo-Swiss company at Cham, in Switzerland ; and S. The Irish factory at Mallow. The demand is far in excess of the supply. It comes upon the market in sealed tins, and is gradually becoming a common article of household consumption, being in reality far purer and better than the so-called fresh milk sold in cities. The process, which is a very

simple one in theory, consists in extracting by condensation, in vacuo, about three-tourtns of the water naturally contained m the milk, and the residuum, of the consistency of thick syrup, is rendered semi-solid, andiffeotually preserved by the addition of ac.rtam proportion of refined sugar. This preparation is then hermetically closed m tins, and, thus protected, will keep sound and sweet in all climates for an indefinite time; and, even when exposed to the air, will not suffer deterioration for several weeks. Alter more fully describing the process of manufacture, the report goes on to state that the Anglo-Swiss Company sells now about 2000 tins per month, and could sell more if they could produce it. The principal shipping companies use it m their boats. Each tin contains the equivalent of rather more than half-a-gallon of good milk. The price per tin is Is 3d : the cost of the tin Id. The price of the condensed milk, when dilluted -with five parts of water for use is (id per quart. About one-third of a pound of loaf sugar is used for each tin ; aud the net profit on the production, after paying all charges for manufacturing, freight, agency, &0., is said to be about Is Gd per two gallons of milk. Ihe present prices at the English Company s establishment at Aylesbury are as follows For case of 4 doz 11b tins, 7s 3d dozen, or 29s per case ; for case of 8 doz. tins, 3s 9d per dozen or 30s per case. These prices are in excess of those quoted at the beginning of the year. If the dates and particulars given in the memorandum are correct, it suggests the question—Might not we in this Colony find the manufacture of condensed milk a more profitable industry than many which are now pursued in the present state of our markets. A large demand exists for it in England and America, and there cannot bo a doubt that in India, China, and Japan most profitable and extensive markets would be found for this concentrated preparation of milk. Wo think the cio* serving of the serious thought of the Colonists, and wo are glad to know that some enterprising men are disposed to add this new industry to those already established in New Zealand.