BUTTER AND CHEESE PRICES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 176, 30 August 1909, Page 4

BUTTER AND CHEESE PRICES

HOME BUYERS CAUTIOUS. "In spite of some rough weather, the pastoral prospects continue exceptionally good. Cattle and pastures are in firstrate condition, and everything points to the probability of a record output of dairy products for the season," says the Jradc Review of Wednesday. Thcpaper adds: "Butter factories, at all events m

the North Island, are in full swing, and | fresh butter is coming in pretty freely, earlier than usual. On the trading side, [ however, movements are slow and later than last year. At this time last season British buyers were scouring the country, making liberal offers of 10% d to lid for the season's output, while producers were hanging .back and asking ll'/ad. Ultimately contracts were made from 11'/jd to ll'/.d, but many factories '.lnwiscly still decided to ship on consignment. Those who bought lost heavily, while consigning factories realised less than they might have secured. At tiic present time not a single contract is reported. British buyers are exhibiting great caution, and talk about 10y 2 d and 10y 4 d. It seems probable that a'largcr proportion than usual will this season go forward on consignment. The stock in cold stores at the end of July was 10.145 cases, against 17,031 at the same date last year. The new butter is, however, helping to meet the demand, and light exports arc going forward for London by each fortnightly steamer. Quotations in the local market are unchanged at 12d for Ibulk and 12y 3 d Uv pals, but with some tendency to weakness.''

Dealing with cheese, the Review says fliat several factories have continued operations through the winter, which is now practically over. Monthly shipments have gone forward for the' United Kingdom, and will probably be continued until the new season opens in full force. In another week or two all the factories h the North Island will (probably be in full swing. In the South Island' operations in this line usually start much later. The high prices' obtained for cheese last season have induced several butter factories to instal plants for cheese, and an all-round increase of probably 10 per cent, is anticipated. No contracts for the new season's output arc yet reported. As is the case with butter, buyers' notions are below those of the producers. Last year the majority of the contracts we're 0 l-10d to O'/sU. Buyers now talk of 5y 4 d to s'/>d. Locally demand is quiet at 5%d fori medium sizes. j