MILK POWDER.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 January 1922, Page 7

MILK POWDER.

MEETING WITH READY DEMAND.

Mr. 11. Bray, secretary of the milk powder department of the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company’s Te Awa>mutu branch, makes the -following statement:—

'‘We are aware that during the last few weeks, no doubt caused by the unsatisfactory state of the butter and cheese markets, there have been many rumors going about the country, all suggesting that the milk powder factories were in a very bad way, and were on the point of closing. No doubt such rumors have caused our suppliers very much concern, and we take this opportunity 'of advising the position at date. Our London advices indicate quite distinctly that the Gray-Jensen process powder is meeting with quite a ready demand at a premium over other brands. The latest market report (which, by the way, was received ip the middle of last week), still indicates a satisfactory selling price, which represents a fair margin on our operations. To date we have had no difficulty in obtaining satisfactory advances on all powder placed f.o.b. Shipments have been quite regular, and at the present time we have very little powder in New Zealand, and have space arranged for all that we have, and for some days’ make ahead. Mr. Goodfellow advises that the Waimana, which carried our first shipment of powder this season, is just discharging. We now look forward with interest for a report on the first sales of this vessel, after which some reliable statement as to values will be available. We have no information whatever that would lead us to the conclirsion that it was even necessary to give -consideration to -curtailing our activities in conection with dried milk. It is true that during the decline in butter and cheese prices we anticipated a possible collapse in milk powder values. This collapse, however, did not eventuate, and milk powder values for Gray-Jensen powder are just as firm as they were a month ago. Now that dairy produce generally is meeting with a much -steadier demand we naturally do not anticipate any great movement in milk powder values. There is still only one essential, and that is that the quality of our powder is maintained. We are now coming to the most difficult period of the season, and we ask all suppliers to take special care of their milk to ensure that it reaches the factories in a condition sufficient to obtain the best class of powder. Secondary qualities are just not wanted. We also take this opportunity of assuring suppliers that should we receive any jn-formation from London that seriously affects our position as far as milk powder is concerned, we will not hesitate to advise them immediately, realising that they, after all, are the people most concerned. «