BUTTER.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20712, 24 November 1932, Page 14

BUTTER.

THE CANADIAN POSITION., LOWER PRODUCTION AND PRICES. [FROM OO* PARl,umbnt4.RT Retorter-J WELLINGTON, November 23. •'"J'he surprising anomaly exists ot, an announced expected shortage of nearly 9,000,0001b of butter in Canada, and yet prices remain stagnant. Dining October in the Eastern market the highest quality creamery has been quoted at 20 J cents at Montreal, and 21 i in Toronto." These remarks are contained in an * n " teresting review of the butter position in Canada received by the Ministor for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. K. Masters) from the New Zealand -trade Commissioner, Mr J. W. The review states that trading in Canada has been slow, and that buyors ha\e shown little interest except for sufficient stock to fill immediate requirements. The market, at Vancouver ha 3 been somewhat better, highest grade prints realising 26 cents to retailers. Decreased Output. In a comprehensive table Mr Collins shows that production for eight months ended August 31st of this year for Ihc whole of Canada totalled 147,353,0001b, as compared with 155, 998,9661b for the corresponding period of 1931, which represented a decrease of 5.5 per cent. In the month of August there was a Dominion decrease of 3.100,0001b. Holdings had also declined considerably. A preliminary report of holdings at October Ist revealed the following position:— Creamerv. Dairv. lb. lb. : .19.M1 .. 4.0,059,214 419,584 1932 .. 32,466,149 'J47.684 The average at October Ist for five years was 34,282,6241b of creamery butter and 630,5611b of dairy butter.

"This indicates a shortage of 8,W3,0001b over last year's stock in the creamery grade, and a shortage of nearly j, 813,0001b this year on the fiveyear average," the review states. "The decrease in production continued in September in most of the provinces. The weather conditions have affected the Prairie and Western Provinces, but |in Quebec and Ontario, two great I butfcr-producing areas, the weather has continued to be milder than usual. j The Stock Position. j "Tlie dry weather, combined with I low prices for butter-fat, have checked j (lie output, and this has contributed to j the decline in stocks. It must not, howI ever, be assumed that because of tho | near approach of winter the position will show further recessions. While I Prairio supplies may not increase, proj ductiou in Ontario and Queboc is dependent to a large extent on market prices. Ample and cheap winter foods are available for milch cows, and if the price of butter rises to 25 cents or more, it is possible that this will bring about greatly increased supplies in the two provinces which already provide the bulk of . butter for Eastern Canada.''