Mr J. A. Klnsella.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 286, 7 December 1904, Page 2

Mr J. A. Klnsella.

HIS INVESTIGATIONS ABROAD. Mr J. A. Klnsella, who has been reappointed Dairy Commissioner for the colony, arrived in Wellington on Saturday. Mr Kinsella, who is looking well, though suffering from the effects of a broken arm (which he carried in a sling) wa# reappointed Dairy Commissioner while in South Africa; and nt the request of the Government he investigated the prospects of New Zealand trade with that country, and afterwards proceeded to England by way of the Argentine. In his opinion the prospects of a large and lasting trade between New Zealand and Africa, particularly in agricultural and dairy products, are almost assured. An enormous trade can be done if New Zealand will supply i the market in a business-like manner, giving the purchaser in Africa an article that will suit the consumer. In his report to the Government on this subject, Mr Kinsella has gone into considerable detail as to the condition in which our produce should arrive in South Africa. He is strongly opposed to the system of keeping butter in large quantities in the cold storage chambers during tho winter in ordor to catch a higher market in the spring. It is true that a better prico may be thus obtained, but the inevitable deterioration in the quality of the article tells against the reputation of the produce from this country. On this. point Mr Kinsella has written, in his report to the Government •.—••'lf New Zealand producers do not get alive to the fact that it is just as important for them to send the very finest quality of butter, and that while new or in a fairly fresh condition, to the African markets as it is to send it in the latter condition to Great Britain, they will, in my opinion, have no hope of competing successfully against the Argentine. I was informed by dealers in Capetown and Durban that they had to pay more money for New Zealand butter than they were purchasing Argentine for, and that the quality of tho practically fresh Argentine butter, which was being laid down in Africa in eighteen to twenty days, was preferred' to our stored goods. A quantity of the latter was still held in the freezing works, and was being placed on the markets in competition with the Argentine. The only chance we have in competing, with the Argentine is on the score of better quality, and I am confident that if our producers aim lo got their butter on the African markets soon after it is made, the Argentine people cannot touch us so far as quality is concerned."

In view of the continued prevalence of disease in stock, and the slow rate at which settlement is proceeding, the Commissioner is convinced that there , will be a large market in South Africa for dairy produce from New Zealand for years to come. The Argontino butter is much paler in colour than the New Zealand article.. While in Capetown and Durban he learned from a number of dealers that, this pale butler was very welt thought of, but it required only a glance to see that New Zealand butter is the finest made sent into Africa. The mistake was that they do not get it there while it is newer.

In his visit to the Argentine Mr Kinsella wns greatly impressed with the enormous extent of the country and its vast richness. One great advantage the producer in the Argentine enjoys is that he is near to the London market. : About eight months ago an arrangement was entered into to enable butter from that country to be landed in London in fifteen days. While in England Mr Kinsella investf/gaited tlie condition of the Home markets, but on this subject he prefers not to speak until iho has reported to the Government.—New Zealand Times.

Volunteer News. .» There was a fine muster of the Guards on Tuesday evening, when 54 of nil ranks were present. Tho company was photographed in order that a framed copy might be presented to Colour-Sergeant G. M. Whito,"'*who is leaving for Auckland! The popular "Flag's" departure will leave a gap that will be hard to fill, and general regret is expressed at the loss of his services. Sergeant Beadle has been promoted to (ill the vacancy, Corporal Hartnell tuking a step up to the third stripe. The following corporals have been appointed :—A S Frost, W. P. Griffiths, W. j] Howell, and W. Morris. The position of secretary, formerly held by Colour-Sergeant" White, has been taken by Sergeant Boon, The Rifle Union Shield fixtures for to-morrow are : Soniots.—Guards v. Inglewood Rifles at New Plymouth (concluding ranges of interrupted match). Juniors.—Guards v. Inglewood Riflos, (Fixture changed from 15th).