DAIRY PRODUCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 October 1938, Page 5

DAIRY PRODUCE

PROSPECTS FOR SEASON. VIEWS OF MR W. A. lORNS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, October 7. If favourable dairying conditions are experienced in the Northern Hemisphere, the New Zealand farmer cannot expect an exceptionally high price for his produce on the London market in the current season, according to Mr W. A. lorns, of the Wairarapa, former chairman of the New Zealand Dairy Produce Board, who returned by the Mataroa after a visit to England. He explained that the high prices'for butter in London had the effect of redu<;ing sales in favour of margarine. Better prices had ruled last year, but at one time, when retail rates reached a very high level, statistics showed that margarine sales had advanced by 500 tons a week to the detriment of sales of Australian and New Zealand produce. When the retail price rose above Is 2d a lb., the consumption of imported butter, of which about 10,000 tons was sold each week, was retarded. “If Australia experiences a normal season, and if New Zealand production is much the same as in past years, it is expected that butter prices will not reach a very high level,” he said. “Fairly large stocks of butter, particularly produce from Australia, are held in London —some thousands of tons more than last year. If the Northern Hemisphere enjoys a good season, I am afraid the New Zealand farmer cannot expect too high a price range. It is very doubtful whether last year’s prices can be maintained.” The marketing scheme, which was practically the same as that which the Dairy Board intended putting into operation, was running very smoothly. The Dominion was fortunate in possessing such an able staff of administrative officers in London. “The frequent assertions by Mr Savage that if England could not take all her goods New Zealand would find another market, cause a certain amount of amusement among Tooley Street merchants,” Mr lorns added. “Many of them make pertinent inquiries as to where the new country is. They do not appear to know.” The quality of New Zealand cheese reaching the London market was commended by Mr lorns. He said an improvement had been apparent and the general opinion of merchants was one of satisfaction. If the quality of the produce were maintained, New Zealand cheese producers had little to fear. Accompanied by Mrs lorns and their three daughters, Mr lorns left for Wellington by the Limited express tonight. .