FINEST CHEESE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 164, 14 July 1930, Page 16

FINEST CHEESE.

PREMIUMS TO BE PAID.

TARANAKI LEADS THE WAY,

SEQUEL TO BOARD'S DECISION.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, this day.

The whole .dairy industry will be interested in the action of Taranaki companies in levying factories for the purpose of paying a premium on finest grade cheese. The companies' action follows the decision of the Dairy Produce Board, after earnest and protracted discussion, that it has no power, without Parliament's express sanction, to provide for a ]evy upon the dairy industry for the purpose of raising the quality of New Zealand's export cheese.

Disappointment is very keen in Taranaki dairy circles that the Dairy Produce Board does not possess the power, and lacks the strength to seek it, to levy to such an extent as would be necessary. Although companies with an output of 35,000 tons favoured the provision, as against the contrary opinion of companies with an output of 13,000 tons, it is recognised generally that suehf a voting record could hardly be taken by the board as a clear mandate, especially in view of the fact that the whole of the industry was not represented in that voting at the Hamilton conference. "Weakness" has been the description given the Dairy Board's decision not.to place the matter before Parliament. It has been pointed out by many that the market is too apt to be judged upon the quality of a poor parcel, and that uniformity of quality is the goal thp.t 7iiust be striven for by the industry. In these circumstances it is considered that the time is opportune for Taranaki to lead the way and blaze the trail for the rest of the Dominion b.y operating a voluntary scheme of levy and reward for the finest quality. The suggestion has been made in Taranaki that the question is so vital that the board should proceed to take a vote of the whole industry. Little importance is attached to" the board's expressed sentiment that it will assist heartily in promoting a voluntary scheme in any particular district. A voluntary scheme seems certain to be put into operation in Taranaki, with premiums based upon gradings at the Patea and Moturoa stores. It is hoped that the Dominion-wide introduction of the scheme will follow Taranaki's lead.