FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1918, Page 7

FARM AND DAIRY.

Dairy factory directors are still rather anxiously awaiting news of the terms and price of the Imperial Government purchase of butter and cheese for the current season's make (states the New Zealand Herald). The equalisation scheme, by which factories supplying local markets will be enabled to participate with exporters in the anticipated profits of 2d per pound or thereabouts, is reaching its final stages. There are three TaTanaki factories and one Auckland factory standing out now, and their agreement is the only obstacle to a comleto settlement.

Commenting on the position, tiic Wellington Post's commercial writer states: Prospects of a complete settlement of the butter profits equalisation scheme were never brighter. It is expected that this knotty problem will-be disposed of in the course of a few days. Full details of the price and terms for the disposal of the current season's exportable surplus of butter and cheese to the Imperial Government are expected to be made known as soon as the Prime Minister arrives in Xew Zealand. The season is now getting into its stride, although bad weather has somewhat retarded the flow of milk expected at this time of year. Contingent upon the sale of Australia's exportable surplus of cheese and butter to the British Government, the Commonwealth Government proposes to requisition all butter made for export in Australia. The main features of the proposal are as follow: There shall be an "absolute" pool of all butter and cheese, the same to be commandeered on factory floor. A board ■ of control, with statutory managerial is to be created, to consist of tlic Minister as chairman, three Government,Sominees, and Ave or eight representatives-of the producers, to be elected on a, franchise of one factory, one vote. All existing channels of trade shall be continued, traders to act as commission agents for the pool. Western Australia is to be excluded from the pool, because it is ah importing country.