CHEESE PROBLEMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 May 1941, Page 7

CHEESE PROBLEMS

DIFFICULTIES IN SUPPLYING CRATES WAR-TIME DEMANDS FOR TIMBER. STEPS TO -MEET INCREASED PRODUCTION. (“Times-Age" Special.) “I am very concerned about future supplies of cheese crates," said Mr A. Linton, a member of the New Zealand Dairy Board, at Carterton yesterday, when outlining the problems to be faced by the industry in providing more cheese for the United Kingdom. Mr Linton stated that a report by the Director of Forestry showed that the c ame problems which had had to bo faced in the supply of butter boxes were arising in the supply of cheese crates. The demand on mills for war purposes was enormous. The mill at Rotorua, which normally produced five million feet of timber for cheese crates, was now required to produce 15 million feet of timber for defence work. Not one foot of timber could be supplied for cheese crates. The whole position was difficult. From reports it was on the cards that some cheese factories would pay from 2s 6Jd, 2s 7d to 3s a crate. Unless there was some kind of a pool there would be a shortage in some districts. High priced timber, remotely situated, had also to be considered. DOUBLE TIME NECESSARY. The need of checking the drift of men engaged in the industry to towns was stressed by Mr Linton. To produce the extra cheese this coming season factories would have to work double time. Labour difficulties were arising. If it was essential that extra cheese should be provided, then man-power should be conscripted to keep the industry going. Employees should be compelled to retain their jobs. The Government had a responsibility to keep production going. Mr Linton also stressed the fact that while cheese was being exported, a certain amount of shipping space would also be available for other products, such as meat, etc. Mr Linton emphasised that although there was opposition in the South Island to such a move, any increase in the price of cheese crates should be borne equally by all factories. “If double shifts are worked, what about the quality?” asked Mr Bassett. •The cheese had to be pressed for a certain period, and unless extra presses and hoops could be available, the cheese could not be pressed sufficiently to enable it to be of standard shape. “Suppliers to cheese factories definitely cannot change over to butter, nor can a butter supplier change to another factory unless going over to cheese production,” said Mr Linton, in answer to a question. Mr McGillivray referred to delay in implementing the change-over from butter to cheese. He pointed out that an early decision from the Government was necessary if extra production of cheese was to be put under way.

“Time is getting short." said Mr Linton. He realised the necessity for an early decision by the Government.