Wanganui Herald. [PUBNLISHED DAILY.] TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1892. THE BUTTER INDUSTRY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 7622, 19 January 1892, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. [P UBNLISHED DAILY.] TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1892. THE BUTTER INDUSTRY.

<• The introduction of the factory system of dairying has had a marked effect for good upon the hutter industry of New Zealand. Before the advent of the factory system the butter turned out in the colony might be graded as from " gilt edged " to " cart grease," a very small proportion being of the first quality, and by far the largest part not even " medium " quality. That the dairy industry did not thrive under such circumstances may easily be imagined, especially when it is remembered that the bulk of this inferior butter had to be taken by the storekeepers in barter, and packed by them for export. The tubs, when opened, showed a series of strata, or the contents having been worked up together in a mixer before packing were of uniform nastiuess, being rancid to a greater or lesser extent. The makers did not care ; they got their groceries and paid for them in butter at a low price and a lower quality. Under this system of barter there was no inducement to improve the quality of the butter, and the consequence was that the industry failed to prosper, and dairying, except for home conaumption,fell into disfavour. With the advent of the dairy factory system of butter and cheese-making came improved knowledge of the art of successful manufacture, and both articles began to find favour in the Sydney and London markets and this colony to draw a largely increasing yearly sum for its butter and cheese exports. The difference m price between factory and dairy-made butter is as much as 2d per pound, besides which the products of a well-managed factory soon secure for its brand a favourable reputation and an eager demand. On the other island, south of Christchuroh, there are several dairy factories, all of which we believe are flourishing, and there are a few on this island also doing good work, but we regret to say that in this district there is only a closed factory at Okoia, a melancholy example of incompetent management and apathetic shareholders. Up the coast Chew Chong's dairy factories are models of successful management, and are turning out large quantities of first-class butter from milk supplied by the neighbouring small farmers, some of whom, we believe, were in the first instance supplied with money to buy their cows by the enterprising Celestial, whose commercial success proves him to be a man of no mean capacity for business. There is a splendid

opening iv thia district for two or three dairy factories and half-a-dozen creameries to act as feeders for them, but so far no Chew Chong has come along, and our farmers have failed to realise the great benefits of the factory system of dairying, preferring to potter along in the old style, and to lose the undoubted advantages arising from the more modern practice of co-operation. Until lately, with only the limited local market for their butter, and the system of barter, our local butter makers had little or no inducement to put themselves about to improve their output, but things have altered rapidly of late, and buyers from several large London houses have teen here seeking to buy good factory-made butter. We need hardly cay they did not succeed, nor that they wore both astonished and d" 'appointed to find such a magnifies, I dairy country without a large dairy iuduair) ah Auckland Mr James Osbnrne, senior partner of the oM ""tablishod firm of J. Osborae and Co., has been giving the local Herald much interesting information upon the subject of the butter export ot the colonies, half of which, lie says, finda its way to Scotland. " This causes additional expenses of carriage and handling, as well as the commission to tho London man, from whom the purchase is made. Mr Osborne's object is to try to get consignments sent on to Glasgow without stoppage at London, and though the change may not make much difference in the price, it will tend to make our butler factories leaß dependent upon one set oi dealers in London, and thus give a greater or lesser benefit to tho producer. Mr Osborne states that for first-class butter there is practically an unlimited market m Britain during about four months in the year, but to secure that market the butter must be of really superior and uniform quality. Prom the middle of December to tho midcllo of April eacli year, the British consumption of our first-class butter would only bo limited by the cold storage on board the steamers trading between New Zealand and Britain . Second quality butter in the British market, has no chance at all against the very snperior forms of artificial butter that are now produced at a cheaper rate. For butter from Now Zealand and Australian grass-fed cows tho British market would speedily drop tho Danish production, as there the cows havo to be stall-fed a long period in each year, and the flavour of tho butter so produced is not to be compared with the fine butter which comes from rich and fertile pastures in a genial climate such as Now Zealand possesses. Already as much as 140s per cwt. has been paid for Victorian butter, and Mr Osborno thinks that for really good New Zealand butter from 120s to 130s per cwt. nrght always be expected in the months named above, whatever quantity wo are likely to send." With beof a complete drug in the market our cattlo breeders must ere long turn their attention to dairying, and the

sooner they do so tho better for thorn solves aud the colony at large, as i does not pay to grow beef at presen

prices, a fact only too well-known to a large numboi* o£ givwiers ou (hid coast, which should bo tho dairy farm par excellence of New Zealand, and turn out au immense annual supply of high-class factory- made butter and cheese from which a large profit would bo w*ped.

The Wairere's departure for Pipiriki is postponed until after Anniversary Day,

Tho monthly meeting of tbo School Com mittco which was to havo been held lasl night was postponed until next Monday.

The Murray will loavo for Wostporl direct (not Nelson) as previously advertised, ou Wednesday (to-morrow), at 0 p.m,

William Dcano, lato of Enniore, Sydney haß left £28,000 to bo equally divided between tho Biitisb and Foreign Biulo Society tho Church Missionary Society, and the Church Paßtoval Aid Society.

It is considered very probable tho Now South Wales Railway Commissioners will be able to add this year another £300,000 to the £740,000 earned money already to thoir credit al tbo Tro»sin-y.

The total decline in tho exports of British beer during the last 10 months ha) boon 32,869 barrels. Either foreigners aud colonials are becoming more fcoinperate, or native rivals are taking away the British brewor's trade.

'Jho Grattan Riggs Company commenced a Beason of threo nights at New Plymouth on Saturday last. They j>lay to-morrow nt Waitara, then at luglewood, Stratford, Patea, VVavcrley, Morton, Feilding, and Foxton. l'hoy sail from the latter place to Nelson, where they play during Jubilee week. As our readers have already boon informed, tbo company will appear in Wanganui during raco week,

At a goneral meeting of the Wnnganiil Rifles last night, after the usual parade (which was largely attended), it was unanimously decided to change the namo of the corps to tho Albert Rifles, out of respect to tho memory of the late Prince Albert Bictor. Sergeant Rankin, Privates lovo and Noary were appointed handicuppers to the corps. It was also announced that tho annual meeting would tako pluco early ia February.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands that a number of sections mill bo opon [for application at the County Council office, Ptthiatna, and at tho District Land and .Survey office, Wellington, on 4th Fobruary, under tbe Village Homestead Special Settlement conditions; also that an auction eale of several soDtions will be held at the County Council office/!, Pahiatua, on 6th February ; and that about the end of February a numborof sections will bo open for application under tho Villnpe Homostead Bpecial Settlement conditions, while others will bo offered at auction. Partiovlarß of the above aro fully given in another column, and the attention is directed tboreto. For the Caledoninn Society's concert to be held in tho Oddfellows' Hall ou Friday next, tho Concert Committee have drawn up a very choice and well-selected programme of some sixteen items, amongst tho contri butors being tho Orchestral Club, Mesdames Pinohes and Lloyd, MiBBOs L, Battle, A. Laird and Blair, and Messrs J. Murray. 'W . Pinches, and W. H. G. Foster. There « .11 also be a Highland Fling, Reel o' Tulloch, and Swoid Dance by the pipers, and during the evening the oups and medals will be presented. Altogether, the concert, as in years past, will, no doubt, prove a most pleasurable form of winding up tho Caledonian sportß gathering to be held on Friday next on Victoria Park, and is well worthy of support. Popular prices of admission are to be charged.

There was a largo gathering at St. Paul's Hall last evening, when the Roy. W. J, Mayers and the boys from Dr Barnardo's Homes had a farewell meeting. Tho Roy. A. 0. Williams, who presided, addressed the audience on the great work Dr Barnardo is doing, and tho Soy. Mr Mayers exnressed his thanks to those who had entertained himself and the boys during their stay in Wanganui, dwelling particularly on the kindness and consideration Bhown him by the ministers of religion. During the evening a number of hymns were sung and the boys abo gave a number of excellent selections on the bells, cornet, violin, etc. A large number of pictures were Bbown by limelight, and altogether the entertainment was most enjoyable and instructive, while the financial vo6ults were excellent, the gross receipts amounting to something like £65. The porty left for Feilding to-day, where a meeting w to be Jwld to-night,

Messrs Moody and Sankey, tho American evongelists, have agreod to commence an evangelical crUßttdo m Scotland shortly. The annual meeting ot subpcribers to tbo YVanganm Publio Librury will bo held at 8 o'clock next Monday evening. A Launceston cable states that Dr P.obort Giffen hus left for Now Zealand, not England as previously stated. Friday next (Anniversary Day) will b» observed as [a holiday by the local banting institutions, Mr A. D. Willis has been appointed locul agent for the London and Berlin Piano Co. Attention is directed to the firm's business announcement in another column. Tho privileges in connection with Hie Turakina Races will be sold by publio auction at 3 p.m. on Saturday, at tho Ben Nevis Hotel, TuraWna. A general meeting ot tho members of the i Wanganui United Small Farm Association will be held at the Steam Packet Hotel at 7.30 pm. on Saturday next. It is necessary that there should bo a full attendance. Tho Hon. Mr Ballance will address the electors of Aromoho on Thursday next at 8 p.m in the Schoolroom ; on Saturday, at Fordellj and on Monday, at Moßßtown. Intpoctor Thomson and Dotective Herbert have returned to Pabiafcua to resamo inquiries into the Boxing Day poisoning ease. 'Xhe inquest will be re-oponed on Thursday. We would roniind intending exhibitors at the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Autumn Show clors on Monday noxfc with tho Secretary Mr F. R. Jackson, from whom programmes, prize lists otc, may bo obfcainod on application. In our roport of tho cricket, which look place on Wednesday last, between the Feilding and flawera teams, it was made to appear (says tho Feilding Star), that the former had been defeated, but as the socond innings was not finished, the victory was really with Foilding on tbe first innings. Tho Melbourne Standard has tho following sarcastic reference to a railway mishap in Tasmania : — " A carriage of a train botween Hobarfc and Launcaston gotderailod, and if tho passengers hadn't dismounted and signalled to tho guard to stop, thoro might have been, an accident." During the past few weeks most of tho houses at Zeohan have boon overrun with bush rats, a small black insffensive looking crenturo, but one that is very oflonßivo to goods. At ono business establishment, a low days since, over 80 wore killed in loss than ono hour, and a auflloioat number oscaped to givo many such hoars employment in Hie future. A meeting of all branohes of the Victorian licensing trade was hold recently under tho auspicos of the United Lioeusod Victuallers' Association to consider what stops should bo taken by tho trade in view of the general election. It was resolved to use all possible means to oppose tho Victorian Alliance and the oitrcmo teetotal party at tho forthcoming election. Horeos are protty cheap at Brisbane according to a Melbourne paper. A short fcimo ago a rosidenc of Victoria rode from the Gulf of Carpentaria to Brisbane, cloie on 1000 miles. Having no further uco for hiß horse, a real plucky animal, with legs of ateol, ho entered the boast, with bridle and saddle, at tho saloyards. They wero put up in lots. The saddle fetohod IGs, the bridle 2i Cd, andjtho plucky stood, who did tho 1000 milea without a flinch was knocked down at Is. Our (Hawora Star) attention has been diawn to the fact that the oxem-aion trains to Wellington on Anniversary Day, the 22nd inst., are not open for eettl-rs in this district. Tho low rates aro available only as far north as Wanganui. There tiro many who belong to Wellington district here, and othors who would be induced by low fares to tako a holiday, the busy Christmas season being over. It would bo but a small matter for tho Commissioners to oxtend the concession as far as Hawora or Now Plymouth, and it would bo n boou to mimy eottlers up bore. Replying to an address presented by tho Queonstown Borough PounciJ, Lord Onslow said the sympathy which nil felt for those suffering from bereavemont was especially pamftil whea tbe bioiv fulls on an aged sovereign lady, who wns in full hope of contemplating in a fow days tho happy marriago ot her heir to one of tho most amiable and gifted of English princesses. Though Her Majesty was blessed with a large family, tho loss of a dearly loved grandchild in full promise of enrly manhood and on tho threshold of married happiness would bring a thrill of sympathetic sorrow to overy niatornal breast. At tho Primitivo Methodist Conference it was reported that tho Churoh has 52 Sunday Schools, with 457 teachers, and 3883 scholars— an ineroase of six schools and 329 scholars for the year. Tho first draft of stations is as follows :— New Plymouth, John Nixon and G. Carr ; Wellington, C. E. Ward, G. Grindloy, J. Dumbol], and W. J. Dean; Auckland, J. Buy, H. Williams tvnd J. Long ; Inveroargill, J. Sharp; Bluff, T. A. Lyou ; Timaru, W. C. Woodward ; Groendalo, G. Clomonc; Ohristchurch, J. Dawson ; Aohburton, J Cookor ; Manawatu, W. Harris and ono to be sent ; Geraldino, H. Woollass; Duuedin, P. W.Jones, end ono to be obtained ; Auckland (2), W. P. Potter; Oauiaru and Waimato, one to ba obtained; South Invercareill, F. W. Boys; Foxton, R. Raiue; Stratford, J. Clover; Denmeton, W. Laycock; Westport, W. 0. Wood. We havo received a pamphlet recently issuoct by the agents for Little's Sheep Dip.. The pnmplet contains in tho centre an excollent plan for the construction of a sheep dip and yards. It ulao has a large number of testimonials of Little'B Fluid and Powder Sheep Dips. The testimonials are all of recent date (1889-90) und from New Zealand sheep-owners only. The testimonials of some of tho largest runholders are published verbatim, and though theso ore not more than a score, their joint flocks amount to over half a million shoep. For want of spaco the remainder of the teeti-

moniais (which aro very numerous) are published in abstract from under headings showing at a glance, the various good poiuts of the dip according to the opinion of those who have used it. The whole of the toHtimomals aro exceedingly complimentary and must be very gratifying to the agents; and supported by the fact that last year New Zealand sales wero five times as largo as tho sales of threo roars ago, they show that Little's Sheep Dips must be giving unqualified satisfaction. Little's Fluid Dip is specially recommended for ticks, and Little's Powder Dip (or a combination ot the fluid and powder) for lico. Amongst the published testimonials is a re- 1 port from tho magnger of tho Horsely Down Station who states, as tho result of a trial in March last on a largo scale, of tho best known Ssheep Dip 9, including arsomc and potash, that Little's Fluid Dip proved a better dcßtroyer of holts and their eggs than any of tho others. The general programme of uports, ontertainments, etc., for tho Nelson Jubilee oelebration is now published, and the week certainly promises a good deal of enjoyment and pleasure. Tho following are the arrangements:—Sunday, January 3 1 at— Special sorviceß appropriate to tho occasion in tho various churches ; in tho afternoon a meeting of the Sunday School children in tho Queen's Gaidons at 3 p in. Monday, February Ist— General salute by tho H Battery of Artillery at 830 a.m. ; grand procession of Friendly ocioties, trades, old settlers, and school children, otc,, forming at Church Hill at 9 a.m. j commemoration service and addresses before starting of the procession ; dinner to old settlers et Provincial Hull at 12 noon •, sports at Trafalgar Park at 1 p.m. ; grand display of fireworks, specially ordered from England, commencat 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 2nd—Begatta at the port, commencing at 10 a.m., including the four annual Championship Eaces o£ Now Zealand; garden party at Mra Richmond's, Tho Cliffs (aftornoon tea oto., at 1.30 p.m.) ; Theatre Royal, Grattan Biggs Dramatic Company at 8 p.m. j grand Jubileo ball at the Provincial Hall, 9 p.m. Wednesday, February 3rd -Grand Jubilee Races ab Richmond Park, 12 noon ; children's monster treat at Botanical Reserve ; Theatro Soya', Grattan Riggs Dramatic Company at 8 p.m.; children's cantata it Provincial Hall, 7.30. Thursday, EeDruary ■it— Grand Jubilee Races (second day) commencing at 12 noon; grand temperance demonstration in the Botanical Reserve; Theatre Royal, Grattan Riggs Dramatic Company at 8 p.m.; Orchestral Society's concert at Provincial Hall, 8 p.m. Friday, February 5th — Grand Volunteer Review at 1 1 a.m. ; Harmonic Society, grand oratorio of " Samson," Provincial Hall, at 8 p.m. ; Fire Brigade Demonstration and torchlight procession (fireworks, etc., 8 p.m.) ; Theatre Boyal, Bigga Dramatic Company at 8 p.m.