N.Z. PRODUCE AT HOME.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 361, 1 November 1898, Page 2

N.Z. PRODUCE AT HOME.

(by telegraph—press association). Wellington, Last Night. The Agricultural Department is in receipt of a report, dated September 23rd, from Mr H. C. Cameron, Inspector of Produce in London. He says he has just spent some time iu Scotland, and was extremely pleased to find that on all hands the quality of both New Zealand butte.' and cheese was most favourably commented upon, and that the distribution of these articles now extends over a wide area, which undoubtedly will be steadily increasing. Complaints were few in number, and the general verdict was that 2\'ew Zealand butter was improving and gaining favour with consumers. Objection was sometimes taken to his advocacy of the oblong butter box being used in New Zealand as distinctive from the cube box in use in Australia, but he is perfectly satisfied from enquiry and observation that there is no ground whatever for objection to the oblong box, and he is confirmed in his opinion that New Zealand producers should decidedly adhere to a form of package which will be a distinguishing feature of the production of their colony. Opinions were also favourable regarding New Zealand cheese, and during last season a large portion of this export from the colony went to Scotlaud for distribution. He expects to hear of a good demand from Scotland next year for New Zealand dairy produce of good quality. Unfortunately the growing demand and increased distribution noted in dairy produce cannot be recorded of New Zealand meat. The distribution of New Zealand meat throughout Scotland is infinitesimal, and it seems to be obtained only for customers who have asked specially for it. New Zealand mutton cannot compete with River Plate mutton in the neighbourhoods usually supplied by the latter, as in these districts quality is scarcely of so much importance as cheapness, so long as the quality is not too inferior, and in this River Plate mutton is improving. Iu his interviews with high-class butchers selling homekilled meat, he found that they have no desire to introduce New Zealaud mutton to their customers. They acknowledge the merits of the New Zealand meat, but say there is no demand for it amongst their customers, and they certainly don't want to create it. He says there is a really cood field for the distribution of New Zealand mutton and lamb in Scotland amongst the better classes if only the proper means were taken to introduce these meats to Dotice in an attractive and thorough manner.

With regard to the weekly produce cable from London, Mr Cameron says the quotations cabled shall be the average price for the week in London for the choicest quality of New Zealand butter and the finest quality of New Zealand cheese, or until New Zealand produce is on the market here for a similar quality from Canada. The Canadian production is very similar to that received from New Zealand, and he trusts that therefore this will be satisfactory. There would be no advantage in quoting the highest and lowest prices for all grades. Satisfactory information is attained in quoting the average price for one stipulated quality, and, therefore, each producer having received this guide, must use his own judgment in valuing his make accordingly.