THE DAIRYMAN’S PLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1931, Page 2

THE DAIRYMAN’S PLIGHT

LOW SCALE OF ADVANCES. The latest reduction in the date of advances that are being made to dairy factories by London importers is a very serious matter to the farmers of Auckland province who contribute one third of the Dominion’s production ol butter and cheese, says the “Star.” The course of the market this season is shown in the history of the rates at advances for 193(1-31. Butter. , Cheese. Date. Pence per lb. Pence per lb. August 1 12 ■ 61 September 1 H 6 October 1 16 November 1 9$ December 1 6 4 1 January 1 16 4} February 1 16 4 March 1 H 4® April 1 D£- 4 May 1 91 3 ‘ A Wellington authority commenting on these prices to a representative oi the “Evening Post” said:— “It is many years ago since such a low price was returned for butterfat. It means that dairy factory companies will not be able to advance to their suppliers, the dairy farmers, more than 9d per lb for butterfat.

“The butter-men may squeeze through and pay interest on capital at lid to 1/- per lb., and perhaps over the season they may average a shilling ; but I cannot see how the cheese-men can carry on at present prices of 7d to Sd per lb. for butterfat.”