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Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1927, Page 2

The butter market is of great importance to this country, as the value received for the dairy .produce is so material in affecting the general weal of the Dominion. The Chairman of t lie Daily Produce Board has been offering some comfort in the matter by his statement to the effect that there is every likelihood of the season now closing, proving a record one. Mr Grounds believes that in the aggregate value receivable it is probable the extra production will more than balance the fall in prices. His estimate of dairy produce exported by the end of July is valued at eighteen millions sterling. This estimate is but an estimate, for there is still much uncertainty .about the London prices. The evident effect of control in prices was to disorganise the market, and it is not clear it is coming hack with any degree of favourable stability. This aspect governs the ability to clear the stocks at Home in the few weeks remaining of the seasonal year. Nor do we know witli any detail what quantity of produce is in stock or on the water to arrive in time for clearance by the end of July. However, there is some consolation in the fact that prices have improved of late, and there is also the favourable news that unemployment in England is decreasing steadily. This is naturally a factor in the trading situation, as with greater earning power among the masses there must he an increased consumption in such com modi ties ias butter and cliecse. The unemployment issue appears to he becoming normal, in the sense that it is hack to where it was before the strike of a year ago. That is so tar good, and as the season of the year at ironic is one when more visitors ami amrists will he trooping into England from all parts of the world, there is another strong factor of a favourable nature. With matters as they arc and with the tendency to uplift control of prices definitely when Parliament meets, the promise for the new season offers some warrantry of better prices for the producer at the outset of next season. An event of that nature will go a long way to uplilt the immediate prospects of the country and give the man on the land fresh heart in the matter of dairying pr aluct ion.