DAIRY PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1920, Page 5

DAIRY PRODUCE.

QUESTION OF FUTURE SALE. FREE MARKET WANTED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Jan. 14. Representatives of the dairying industry of all parts of the Dominion decided this morning to ask for a free market. Subsequently they met the Prime Minister to inform him of the decision. So far, no one knows what the ideas of the Imperial Government are on the subject, and they are the sole buyers of our surplus butter and cheese. The purchase of cheese for the troops was first made in 1916, and the butter requisition began in 1917. From then till December 31st, 1919, the Imperial Government has taken 2,432,061 crates of cheese, valued at £10,554,756; and 1,549,385 boxes, of butter (5G pound boxes), for which payment of £6,815,105 has been made. The Imperial Government's payments in respect to New Zealand dairy produce then total £23,369,801. Freight, insurance, storage, and other charges were paid by the. Imperial Government. The prices of the butter and cheese have steadily risen since the Imperial Government became the purchaser. For instance, the average prices obtained "in London," after bearing all shipping, insurance, commission, exchange, and other charges, were for 1914, New Zealand butter, 116s 3d per cwt. with an average of 113s per cwt. for ten years. For New Zealand cheese, choicest quality, the average price was 60s per cwt. for 1914, and Ms lid for the average ten years. The prices at which the Imperial Government purchased New Zealand dairy produce were as follow: Cheese Butter per lb. per cwt, 1915-10 7.1 _ 1910-17 Aid 1917-18 lOd 107s 1918-19 lOfd 181s 1919-20 10J 181s The Canadians have raised their prices, and this is said to have influenced New Zealand producers in the matter.