DAIRY PRODUCE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1924, Page 4

DAIRY PRODUCE

A SOUTHLAND HEI’OKT. INVERCAIKJI I.L, Dee. 20. Although there has recently been no forward buying of butter for export tile cheese innrket Inis lieeome fairly active as regards this form of business. Some moderately heavy purchases have been made' lately in this district at prices equivalent to to-day’s Loudon values. A good many of the Southland cheese factories have now sold their output right tip to the end of the season at 8(1 per lb. f.o.b. Somewhat higher prices have been paid for the output of the earlier months alone. It is noticeable that this forward buying lias been carried, on only hv two or three merchants. Some of the firms regarded as usually being the largest operators have not been on the market so far as forward business is concerned. adhering to the methods which characterised last season and this season. up to now. i.e., buying a month s output or at most two month’s output. or at most two months’ Irom lactoiies. instead of contracting to purchase the whole season’s output. THE IUTTKIi OUTLOOK.

The reason given for the late improvement in the London butter market to g*'Bs per cwt. is that a temoorarv shortage was caused by the persistent logs experienced in the south of England this month having interI’errci 1 with the unloading of .-hinments. Whether prices will decline very appreciably after the holiday demand has passed and fairly heavy targoes from New Zealand begin ti arrive. ns the majority of the trade, both in New Zealand and Britain seems to think, is by no means certain. Ihe high prices ruling for other staple Inoostuffs. wheat, lamb and beef, particularly. have caused dairy produce to become a relatively cheap food even at present prices. Another (actor which should improve the consumptive demand in Britain is improved purchasing power among, the people. Improved trade conditions are reported hv a large number of the T.ritisli commercial journals arriving by the last two or three mails.