THE BUTTER-MAKING INDUSTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2289, 12 March 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE BUTTER-MAKING INDUSTRY.

("Launcestox 'Examinee," Jan. 20)

We are glad to hear that the De Laval separator if fast coining into favour, and there is no doubt that tin's labour-saving machine will cause a revolution in dairy fanning in Tasmania,as it has done in other countries. Our farmers are a conservative race, but once the ice is broken there is every hope. With a good local demand and practically inexhaustible markets which could be easily opened up, the necessity of a great development of our butter-making industry is very apparent. All this can be best effected by means of the separator. The increased yield is not the only benefit derived from the machine, as improved quality is one of many others. The separated butter always commands a preference in the Launcestuu market as elsewhere, and one of our local merchants informs us that during this season Mr S. Hanson, of Scottsdale, has sold over 2,000 lbs weight of butter at one shilling* per lb wholesale; and other instances were given as to the preference shown for separated butter. When such is the case one can hardly wonder that the De Laval separator is making headway. From all quarters wo hear favourable accounts of the machine, and it appears to give every satisfaction. One farmer states that after fifteen months' use the separator runs better now than ever it did, while another considers that it causes an increase of one pound of butter per cow per week, and so on. Acrong those who have gone in for the machines are Messrs J. Woodberry, of Delorainc; 11. Rockliffe, jun., of Chudleiyh ; G. dimming, of Dluan ; R. R. Hunter, of Moorina ; J. M'Crostic, Middle Plans Deloraine ; T. Handmau, of Deddington ;T. Hopkins, of Garriok ; and John Henry and Crawford Bros., and others. It'is an excellent sign when we find such good judges appreciating the value of the De Laval cream separator. There is one dilliculty which will have to be grappled with—although as yet it has not" atl'eeted the separated butter, but with the increased production that may be looked for it is bound to be felt; it is a better system of packing. We are informed that last year between 400 lb and 5001 b of butter sent for sale in the Launceston market was rendered worthless through this cause. We have seen some earthenware crocks manufactured by Mr J. Campbell, which "would suit far better than the casks in use, but a better style of closing is necessary, and another drawback is that they are rather expensive The last dilliculty is that an increased demand would soon obviate, and the. other objection too probably might be easily remedied. Iu any case the crocks are preferable to the casks.