DAIRY PRODUCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1923, Page 2

DAIRY PRODUCE.

PRICE VARIATIONS EXPLAINED WELLINGTON, March 30 Prices of dairy prodcue on the London market have shown some remarkable fluctuations during the last few week: 1 ., but there- is ft strong belief in Wellington commercial circles tliat- in spi to of tbe occasional drops, the demand for good quality butter and cheese is well established in England, and that good returns will be secured on the average. The fluctuations are not likely to result in a generally lowvalue for New Zealand’s output. This was the view taken by Air .T. B At.’Ev.an, a well-known dairy produce exporter who has just returned from an extensive tour through Canada and the United Kingdom. “Before the war,” remarked Air M'Ewan to our correspondent, “there was seldom a fluctuation of more than two or three shillings, but since the war tbe big buyers, particularly the multiple shops have become a factor in the market. When they think prices are too high for butter and choose, they hold off'. Eventually they are forced to come into the market for their heavy requirements, and in order to properly cover themselves, they are forced to buy a little more than they need. Up go the values again, until the process is re-peated. “Take for example the recent advance in butter. There was very keen buying all round, and a keen anxiety to get supplies. The price went up almost too high, but when requirements wOre covered, these buyers went t'ighl off the maiket, and the- drop resulted. Whether the situation will settle down lo the easy fluctuations of pre-war times remains to be seen. 1 found that t ho general opinion in England was that there is going to be a very steady demand at very good prices lor butter and cheese for some years to come. The consumptive demand appears to have increased, and with it a demand for higher quality. Although there has been a great deal of unemployment, and business litis ndl been good, prices of our produce have been good. One tiling which ought to be strongly emphasised is the great anxiety in England to improve our shipping arrangements, so that supplies from New Zealand will arrive steadily. Think of the Canadian system, with boats running to a definite time table. The same thing exists in regard to Denmark. Then contrast this with two or three shipments from New Zealand coining within a week or so, and then a gap. One importer of Danish butler told me that every Monday morning ho could he sure of his consignment- being ready for him at Hull, fog or no fog.”