MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1928, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

FOREIGN BUTTER. BOXES

THE COUNTRY’S LOSS.

A report issued by the Government Forest Service states that during the quarter ended .March 31 last, as compared with the same quarter of 1927, dairy produce containers manufactured from hemlock and spruce were imported in increasing quantities. From the dairy produce, and particularly tho butter, point of view, the Forest 'Service reports that tho use of these containers. To date this year the infrom the London market of degrade occurring in butter packed in them,” is serious.

“The position as regards the local box and crate industry is also serious,” the report proceeds. ’During 1927, 20 per cent of the butter and 24 per cent of tho cheese exported from the country was packed in imported containtrs. To date this year the increase in tlie importation of butter boxes and cheese crates Ims amounted to 3l per cent, and 32 per cent respectively, when compared with the corresponding period of last year. If this rate of increase holds throughout tho year, and indications certainly point in this, direction, 26 per cent of our butter, and 36 per cent of our cliteso, will, during 1928, bo exported in foreign containers. The damage to tho local industry is thus serious. Reckoned on the ruling prices of local butler boxes and olieese crates, it represents an annual loss in trade to the industry o£ £103,500.”