DAIRY INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1929, Page 2

DAIRY INDUSTRY

MARKKTING M ATTIfiltS. AUCKLAND, May 28. •The question -of dairy control was touched im by .Mr William Grounds, ox-chairman of the control board, in addressing the North Auckland i airy Conference to-day. Air'Grounds stated that while the main issue relating to the handling of New Zealand dairy produce in the London market had been side-track-ed, negotiations Were in progress which, it was hoped, would provide an alternative to the control system so nearly established two years ago. '“1 think' you' will agree with Uio,” Said'the : sneaker, “that, while hopes of' : thb Cohfrbh Board undertaking marketing on behalf of manufacturers seems to he receding, it is vitally esseidial that efforts should he made to' consolidate the’ interests of producers in the form of some organised marketing. I am convinced that a majority of producers are being lulled into'a'false sense of security, • because j of the good prices which have been j- prevailing, and T feel that wo should awaken to the need to he prepared in ease these prices do not. continue.”

Mr Grounds concluded by indicating a belief that, in a short while, it would he possible to announce that a satisfactory foundation had been laid foi’ meeting a long felt want of better facilities for the marketing of New Zealand dairy produce in London. He hoped that this want might he supplied in time for next season’s produce. '

Commentin': on the general increase in dairy production throughout the Dominion, Mr Grounds said some of the reasons which accounted for the

recent satisfactory development related to the greater use of fertilises: bringing into effective use lands, which, until recent years, were not highly thought of. Deneficial results had come from improved herd-testin'! methods and the good seasons which had favoured those engaged in the industry. He sounded a note of warning concerning the possibility that the recent extraordinary combination of favourable circumstances might he followed by conditions which would cause anxiety, remarking that a surprising feature of the year’s operations had been the visits paid to New Zealand by a large number of heads of '1 oolcy Street firms.

Mr Grounds referred to the statement of Sir Thomas Clements, to the effect that the qualitv of New Zealand butter as supplied to the English market needed to ho considerably improved. “It is quite usual for New Zealand butter to he compared with Danish butter,’’ ’ said tbe speaker, “but it must always bo remembered that, while the Danish article is made for immediate consumption, ours has to he made to stand up to a minimum of eight weeks’ carriage in cold storage on the, way to the consumer’s market. T feel that the general level of New Zealand butter is now substantially ahead of what it has been in the past.” Mr Grounds admitted that, so far lithe quality of New Zealand cheese on the Loudon market was concerned there was substantial justification foi the criticism.