A Visitor interviewed.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 110, 13 May 1904, Page 4

A Visitor interviewed.

SIBERIA ANI) MANCHURIA. THE BITTER TRADE. Mr H. J. Cierritsen, a member of the well-known London produce firm of Messrs Oet7.es and ficrritsen, is at present on a visit to New Zealand. His firm has large interests in (he Siberian dairy industry, having five butter-making stations in Siberia, where the industry has been doubling itfi output yearly for some time. '' were signs of general prosperity in the country in October last. The farmers are all well to do, and thousands of miles of the country are suitable for dairying. Whilst in Siberia Mr Gerritsen did not notice any warlike spirit abroad ; in fact, there was no mention of the coming struggle between Russia and Japan. Later on, when passing through Manchuria, however, he noticed much ac<tivrty in military circles along the great line of railway, Upon which he J- he travelling very comfortable. There was much building of barracks at the various stations. J here was very great excitement in Harbin, which is the junction of the lines to Vladivostok and Dalnv Continuing his travels, Mr (ierritsen reached Japan at the end of November, but he did not there notice any preparation of particularly warlike character. In Australia the condition of dairy farming looked bright- . er than for six years past, especial- ' ly in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. Speaking of dairykig in New Zealand, the visitor said our farmers would have to prepare themselves for a drop in prices. These had been sent up very high through the stress of tin; African war and the drought in Australia. The rates were too high for the Home market. He had nothing but praise for the quality of our butler and the manner of its grading and packing, and expressed the opinion that tlv (lovernment graders seemed to know their business well.