THE EXPORT OF BUTTER.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2358, 20 August 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE EXPORT OF BUTTER.

The following interesting letter, which would well repay perusal on the part of farmers, was received at last meeting of the Manawatu County Council from the Well! ogton Chamber of Commerce.—“lam instructed by the President to acknowledge receipt of your circular of the Ist inst., having reference to the trade in butter and other dairy produce. The president directs me to say that he does not think that there need be any fear for the coming season on the subject of sufficiency of shipping accommodation between New Zealand and England, in view of the increased number of steamers that it is proposed to employ in the trade. He is also satisfied that there exists in the Home market an almost unlimited demand and that there is every probability of an extremely large trade in dairy produce being developed. He is convinced, however, that it needs to be strenuously urged upon producers that there is no hope of a successful and profitable trade unless a much higher standard of quality is attained in the manufacture than exists at present. The two companies now engaged in the steam carrying trade have been induced by the lower cost of New Zealand butter to try ilie use of it on their steamers during the homeward trip. But the result has been that very soon after leaving the colony the butter has been found to be so bad that she passengers refused to use it, and the companies have been compelled to provide their steamers on leaving England with sufficient butter for the round trip. It is manifest that butter of such quality, if sent home for sale, would give no chance of a profitable result. If, therefore, a satisfactory trade is to he established, it is imperative that a much higher standard of excellence in the quality of butter produced must he attained and maintained. It is also most important that a ranch greater uniformity of quality in shipments should exist than is now to be found.