PRICES FOR CHEESE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 463, 3 July 1937, Page 5

PRICES FOR CHEESE

Statement By Minister

Press Association —Copyright. Palmerston N., July 3. Recently a conference of cheese factory delegates was held at Palmerston North to consider matters which are urgent to the industry in view of rising costs and the proximity of a new season. Three resolutions were passed with respect to additional payments to cheese companies, grading and shrinkage. To these the acting-Minister of Marketing, Hon. W. Lee Martin, has replied. “The request that the Government should consider the payment of some additional amount to cheese comparies has already been represented to the Government and will be considered in the light of the results of the season’s operations.” said Mr Martin. "I can, however, give no undertaking that there will be any review of existing (arrangements in respect to the season just closing. “In. connection with the suggestion that there should be a slight variation in the grading points for cheese carrying the basic guaranteed price, I have to state that consideration will be given it. I would point out, however, that for this season 78 per cent of the total cheese output has been paid for at the existing basic guaranteed price or better. I tuke it that this will be interpreted as an indication that the method of payment is reasonably sound. Actually in the Wellington district cheese factories obtained the basic guaranteed price for 60 per cent of their output and the basic price or better for 79 per cent. "In regard to the resolution dealI'ing with the question of shrinkage I on waxed cheese I draw attention to | a very complete statement made i early in the season on this question,” i added Mr Martin. “In that statement it wos indicated that a general 21 I per cent, shrinkage on cheese was alj lowed for in the guaranteed price | formula an.l if a different and lower shrinkage was allowed for on waxed | cheese tne purchase pries of that I waxed would be lower than at preI sent and thus results, as far as com- ! panics are concerned, would be no different.’