THE BUTTER QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 February 1918, Page 2

THE BUTTER QUESTION.

MR. MASSEY'S INTENTIONS. (From Our Own Correspondent). AVeliington, Feb. 18. Mr. Massey has not yet stated what he intends to do if the butter producers carry out their throat to withdraw from the local market, Jbut his ideas on the subject are fairly well known. He will take the 'butter required for the local market from the supplies bought on behalf of the Imperial Government, and will arrange for distribution to the retailers through the existing channels or otherwise. This arrangement apparently can be made to meet the claims of the producers without much difficulty. The Prime Minister has said already that lie considers there is room for a reduction in the charges between the producer and the consumer. The difference is about 3d' a pound ait the present time, and lie regards this as an excessive charge for, distribution. It is understood that Mr. Massey has already formulated a scheme for meeting the difficulties that have arisen, but he hopes still that, the producers and distributors will be able to settle the matter among themselves on the basic conditions he has laid down—that the local market is supplied a«d that there is no increase 3a the retail price-