THE BUTTER TRADE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8719, 19 January 1907, Page 2

THE BUTTER TRADE.

An Important Question. Per Press Association. Wellington, January 18, Writing to tho Department of Industries and Commerce from London during November, Mr Cameron, Now Zealand Dairy Produce Commissioner, mentioned that the Eimutaka, which left Wellington on the 27th of September, with 10,500 cases of butter, was tho first shipment of any size of the new season’s make. It arrived in tho dock on the 9th of November and tho butter was expeditiously landed and delivered in good order and Condition. “ With this arrival,” the writer adds, •• the season for the sale of New Zealand butter may be said to have commenced nnfortnuately owing to the action of many New Zealand producers in diverting their brands from those who formerly bandied thorn, and from markets where they were becoming favourably known into new channels and outlets. Considerable dissatisfaction exists among the trade here, there not being that eager enquiry for parcels that was experienced at the opening of tho season last year. Prices, are, of course high, being from Ilßs to 116 s for best Now Zealand brands, but there is no such evidence of a tendency to specialise on New Zealand butter that has jbeen so strong a feature of tho market during the past year. The demand for New Zealand butter for blending purposes is considerable,” continues Mr Cameron, “ and it is reported that blenders have already secured most of the butter that is coming forward. If this is so there is not a bright prospect for advancing the reputation of New Zealand butter among consumers throughout the country. No doubt the producers have given full consideration to the question, and have come to the conclusion that their interests are best served by their action regarding the disposal of thoir produce. They must not overlook the fact, however, that they may be induced by tho offer of an extra price to sell to those whose interests it may be to keep certain brands off the market, and so destroy the reputation they have gained here among consumers. To do so some buyers could afford to pay extreme rates, Tho question for producers to decide is, which is the better policy—to sell to the highest bidder, whoever he may be every year, or to place their brands regularly in the hands of the same agent for sale on the same market. If the former plan is decided on then the brand is not of very great value, but if the latter is adopted, then the brand appreciates yearly.”