OUR DAIRY PRODUCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1740, 22 May 1888, Page 2

OUR DAIRY PRODUCE.

The following has appeared in aeontemporary

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir.—A few weeks ago I sent a letter to your columns, pointing out tho necenitv there was that an inspection and class! fication of all dairy produce exported should take place, and that as soon as possible, otherwise great harm would result as to the good name of our colony in the markets where our produce is sent. To the same purport I wrote the Chamber of Commerce, the reply to which was that the committee thought it was a question for those interested to take action do. Where are they to be found if dot there I Now by this mail I am in receipt of a letter, w hich 1 enclose you for publication and will say no more, as it bears out all I have written «nd urged on the attention of our settlers and traders as to the value of it as an export and the necessity of ihp being propedy put np and classified ere shipment.—l am, etc., W. D. Sutherland. May 2nd. 34 Great St. Helens, London, E. 0., 24th March, 1888. W. D. Sutherland, Esq,, Dunedin, New Zealand. Dear Sir,—l am in receipt of your favour of 7th February, and have pleasure iu replying to your inquiries r» butter, etc. The trade season in imports of colonial butter and cheese has been enormous, of the former especially. Although New Zealand should be able to leave the other colonies far behind, she has been run pretty close io point of qdantiy by New South Wales, and according to oar experience she has been surpassed by that colony iu point of quality. I have heard it said of soma New South Wales samples “ No better could be desired," and up to 120 s was given for them. The best I can hear of in New Zealand is 11 Os ; we have ourselves got this price in one or two cases, but not more, while New South' Wales we have sold over and over again at 112 s. The fact is, your friends of New Zealand are the most careless and indifferent makers it is possible to fancy. To speak very plainly, the colony, which I and you knew to be so very capable, ought to be ashamed of themselves lor turning out such a lot of rubbish. The make alone might be objected to, but there can be no possible reason why the butte l- should come Home in such an odd variety of packages. It is this awkward appearance that affects the price to the shippers’ detriment so much. Our neighbors of Franca and Holland study the English market to a nicety, and the reault is they almost command the market. Well, first it would be worth anyone’s while in New Zealand to arrange that! all through one season—say September to February in New Zealand—be makes one kind of best butter with the slightest percentage of salt; packs it in 661 b Ponde patent boxes with cloth lining; brandr tha boxes in utenoil under one mark ; stencil also net contents, which should be 561 b exactly all through; and ship Home a decent quantity (50 or 160 boxes) by each fortnightly steamer. The brand would become known, and if the butter were liked, we could sell to arrive, and‘ avoid charges for* inspecting and sampling-each new arrival. You could make shipments of various grades of butter, but the main point would be regularity—regelaritiea in the various qualities, reeulary in weights, and regularity in times of arrivals. The foregoing will be woith your consideration in the meantime. Daring the next month or two 1 shall be getting out more particulars, which I will send yon,— With kind regirds, yours, etc., W. G. Imnjm.