EXPORT OF BUTTER

Shannon News, 8 February 1927, Page 3

EXPORT OF BUTTER

PROTEST FROM AUSTRALIA. DAIRYMEN URGE HIGHER DUTIES. A proposal that the duties on butter and cheese from New Zealand should be raised was strongly advocated by representatives of the Australian, Dairy Council, the Victorian Farmers' Union and the Primary Producers' Union of New South Wales, who waited on the Minister of Trade and Customs and the Minister of Markets and Migration in Melbourne recently. The deputation was apparently seriously perturbed at what is described as the alarming position which has arisen in respect of the importation into Australia of butter and cheese from "New Zealand. of the deputation sought to impress upon the Minister the necessity for immediate and drastic action in the matter. The interview was held behind closed doors, according to the Melbourne papers, but, according to an Official statement, Mr. J. Rankin, (chairman 'of the Australian Dairy Council) introduced the deputation, and pointed that in spite of the drought condition m New South Wales and Queensland, there —wa g a large surplus production in Victoria —about 40,000 boxes weekly—which was more than enough to supply the shortage in requirements of other States. He contended that there waa no necessity under present conditions, to import butter into Australia. In addition to the suggested increased duty, other suggestions to meet the difficulty were discussed. In view of this position the Minister of Markets and Migration promised the deputation that he Would get into touch with the Dairy Produce Export Control Board, and see if anything po-sible could be done to alleviate the position.

Following the purchase of 30,000 boxes of New Zealand butter by Sydney merchants, members of the trade in Melbourne expressed the view that as the deal was made at l s 3d to Is 31. d, tree on board New Zealand, when the home consumption price in the Dominion wa sis 4Jd a lb., the butter should. b e subject to a dumping duty of Id per lb.