THE BUTTER CRISIS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9160, 6 August 1908, Page 5

THE BUTTER CRISIS.

INCREASE IN PRICE PENDING. The entirely unexpected shortage of butter in Sydney is having a disturbing influence upon the Wellington market, and prices are likely to go up here, as in New South Wales butter is, and now is 200s per cwt., and it is confidently expected that it will reach 2s retail. The retail price, it should be understood, is for butter taken from bulk and patted up in th n shop, and not as in New Zealand put up in pound pats and wrapped ready for sale. Australian buyers have made, and are likely to make raids on the already short local stocks. Sales have been effected for cash in Wellington at Is 3?>d per lb for Australia, and 700 boxes will leave here for Sydney to-morrow. Holders are asking Is 4d per lb, and are likely to get it. This is for butter f.o.b. at Wellington. It is considered that a rise in the price of butter in Wellington is inevitable. Butter yesterday was Is 4d and 1b 5d per lb retail, i.e., ljd per lb advance on the wholesale quotation. In course of conversation with the titad of a firm doing a big retail butter business a representative of "The Post" learned yesterday that there was still in store butter bought by local firms as far back as last Man-h at Is ljd per lb, and taking the storage, interest, railage, and handling into account, the wholesale price of Is 2£d to Is 3£d for best brands did not leave an abnormal profit to the merchant. While the interview was in progress a telegram was rectived from aTaranaki factory quoting for the August output at la 3u per lb. The phenomenally high prices ruling in the London market last season induced heavy shipments from New Zealand, which could ill be spared, considering the stringency caused by the drought. Then came a demand for our butter in South Africa, and the last straw is Australian shortage. All this is interesting so far as it goes, but the housewife will naturally limit her attention to the price of butter.