BUTTER VALUE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 125, 19 January 1932, Page 6

BUTTER VALUE

DISPARITY IN PRICE WITH DANISH PRODUCT SERIOUS PROMPT INVESTIGATION NEEDED The reasons for the disparity In the prices of New Zealand and Dan"sh butter have been freely discussed by dairymen. recently. Discussing the question with the "Waikato Independent," Mr F. Lye declared: "Lt is a momentous question of the greatest seriousness. Danish butter is selling at 1/4, yet the highest we can get for New Zealand finest is 1/1 to 1/2. Threepence per lb. more for our butter spells the difference between success and failure for our farmers. "Are we still suffering from the after effects of the attempt at price control? If so, what can we do tomltivate the goodwill of the wholesaler and retailer in Britain? The obvious method of encouraging saies is to increase the saies commission, now 2i per cent. It would be better to pay 3 per cent commission and spend less on storage charges. "Is it a question of quality and davour that has brought about thedifference in price? If the answer is :n the affirmative then I am quite satisfied that the Dominion butter manufacturers can improve this condition. If it is not a question of qual!ty, then is it one of salesmanship? If this is so, then we must provide the necessary incentive to push the saies of New Zealand butter at Home. "It is abundantly clear that it is ' not solely the market conditions in Great Britain that are responsible for the low values ruling for New Zealand butter," said Mr. Lye, "because the British public is prepared to pay 30 per cent. premium for foreign produce. "How long are these questions to remain unanswered, while the New Zealand farmer is staggering along :n the most difficult circumstances? New Zealand produce is, or can be, made to be equal to the world's best, md the highest value. should be the objeetive." In concluding his remarks Mr. Lye said emphatically : "From somewhere or from someone the answer to the nbove queries must be. forthcoming. The dairy farmer is not prepared to ro on while these questions remain unanswered. Give the reasons and the 'ndustry will move on and take the necessary steps to rectify the posiL.ion."