BUTTER FOR AMERICA.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 57, 14 April 1914, Page 8

BUTTER FOR AMERICA.

NEW ZEALAND'S NEW MARKET

REPLY TO CRITICISMS. ' Press Asiociation.

WELLINGTON, April 14.

In regard to the cable message from Sydney, containing complaints forwarded by the San Francisco correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" re the flooding of the markets on the Pacific Coast with New Zealand butter, and as to the quality of some of the consignments, enquiries made by a "Post" representative from an independent and authoritative source are to the effect that it can hardly be expected that New.Zealand producers can open up a new market, such as America, without drawing forth a certain amount of criticism from a section of the trade, which, in that country, is directly representing some of the big manufacturers' interests, because the advent of additional supplies must, to a certain extent, lower the price of the local article, and when the market price drops suddenly that position is, to a great extent, accentuated. It is well known that some lines, which have just passed into the first grade, ha,ve been Sent away, and it would perhaps have been safer if nothing but higher grades were shipped to the new market, especially at the very commencement of business. It is also well known that some delay does take place, and that butter is not placed in the freezing chambers right away. Therefore, by the time it reaches the consumer some of the butter may have deteriorated owing to this treatment. At the same time the great bulk of butter shipped to America has opened up in first-class order and condition, and many letters of commendation as to its quality have been received by shippers.

| Dairy periodicals and Government officers' reports in America show that the producers there are being warned that they will have to improve theh; methods considerably if they wish ft? compete against Nefr Zealand butter, in regard to quality. So long as care is taken to send only our best brands id fill orders in America, New Zealand producers need have no fear as to its pleasing the people who buy it. As oux, butter has pleased Canadian merchaa&g and consumers so well, it may be'tarkea for granted that criticism in America cannot be of a very serious nature.