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Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1927, Page 2

Accomiing to figures prepared by the League of Nations, the population and trade of the world in 1925 were both per cent, greater than in 1913. Tho American compiled figures that wo gave recently show that world imports of butler were at least 33 per cent, greater than before tbe war, but tho increase >in the population was much less than this percentage. It is true of food supplies generally, that they greatly outstripped population, but. the development of dairying was especially marked. Evidently the world is hungry for butter, and, despite the ravages of the war, is eating it in larger quantities per head than in 1914. Germany imported last year twice as much ns in 1909-13. That the standard of living ia some countries lias risen is part of the explanation. In England, for example, notwithstanding the long trade depression, and the special conditions produced hv the coal strike, the healthy condition and prosperous appearance of the people are frequently commented upon. New standards create new demands, and so docs supply. Large scale manufacture of butter for export is a. relatively new thing, yet the exporting countries manage to sell all tliev make. It is difficult to set a limit to the demand for butter, for there is such :1 huge area, of tho world where standards of living are low. and may be raised within a few years. Changes in the East, for example, might lead to a huge, demand for dairy produce. All this is satisfactory reading for New Zealand, hut it should he borne in mind that this great increase in output comes from many countries, and that New Zealand has strong rivals.