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Hokitika Guardian, 11 January 1930, Page 4

A prominent dairy merchant, Mr J. B. McEwen, of Wellington, who has returned recently from a trip abroad, told a newspaper reporter the other day that he (Mr McEwen) was more than ever impressed with the necessity of those interested in the dairying industry in New Zealand working closer together, especially in view of the keen competition from European countries. He added that the plants of those dairy countries in Europe are first-class and they are steadily increasing the uniformity of their products, which he added, is necessary and desirable. This increased competition may in a measure account for the drop in prices of New Zealand dairy produce. In any case that fall is worth taking notice of as the outlook does not give promise of any immediate rise. On the contrary, the reports suggest sub-normal rates for some time, particularly ais stocks held at Home are so considerable. Lord Craigavon, in discussing the market at Home for New Zealand produce, advised the necessity for quality to be maintained. This is in keeping with Mr MeEwen’s advice to meet the keen competition from the Continent whence comes steadily increasing uniformity of production.” Quality is, therefore, an essential to maintain pride of place on the market, but even with that important consideration taken into account, the market is low. The second answer to the situation following quality, is quantity produced under the most favourable conditions of manufacture. This brings us again To the local production end. Professor Easterfield in his very interesting address on Thursday night, showed the value of proper soil treatment for production. Any natural deficiency in the soil requires to be- made good. He illustrated the lesson with the case of cows and sheep feeding on grass deficient in phosphates, and showed how farmers in the North Island fertilised a;s many as three times a year to get the quality into the grass lands. Production has increased enormously in the North Island of late, and is attributable to the specialised attention to the grass lands. The quantity is coming forward with a good quality commodity. To further combat the lower price level there remains more intensive manufacture by handling milk or cream on a larger scale through centralised factories. Tin’s, also, is being done with, good effect in the North Island where savings are being made in manufacturing costs, and the suppliers derive the benefit in more pence per pound for butter fat. This move means those engaged in the dairying industry “working closer together” as Mr McEwen has put it above, and that advice in connection with the general situation, is well worth coming over by those who derive their livelihood from, dairy farming.