BUTTER SUBSTITUTES.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1744, 8 May 1913, Page 8

BUTTER SUBSTITUTES.

IMPORTANT AUSTRALIAN COXFERENCB# DELEGATES TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND A conference of representatives of butter distributing firms sat in Sydney 10cently and &pent three days dealing with matters of interest to the dairying industry' and more especially with regard to the distribution of butter and the alarming increase in the sale of margarine and butter substitutes in {lie United Kingdom. Air. W. D. "Warden, who presided, mentioned that tho companies represented at this conference controlled butter and other farm produce of the total annual viiluo pf 830,000. Considerable discussion, took place on reports regarding tho great increase in the manufacture and sale of margarino 111 the United Kingdom, and to tho manner in"which this was a very serious peril to the interests of producers in the colonies as well as at Home. It was pointed out that' colouring matter was used to make margariue resemble butter, and Ihe many pro"se'cution3 which had taken place led to the conclusion that it was being sold extensively as butter. A. report dated March -7, from ono of the London representatives, was read, as follows:— "It is estimated, oh good authority, that tho quantity of margarine manufactured in Great Britain each week is 50,0Cflcwt., and in addition, the imports into the country amounted to 1,33!),70.icwt. in' 101'-. This shows an increase 011 1911 of 396.023 cwt., so that by these figures you will note that tho consumption is enormous. One of ,the worst features is that the repushing it all they can. They iuake big displays of. it. in their shop windows'. Three years ago you would see very little of it in the windows; it used to be butter, and now butter is conspicuous by its absence. There is only ono way of-combating it, arid that is to get legislation to prevent colouring matter being used in margarine." It was reported that representations had already been made to the Federal Government on the subject by requesting that action be taken through tho High Commissioner to urge the House of Commons to pass a Bill to prohibit the use of colouring matter in margarine, and assistance in this direction hail been promised. It was explained that such a measure was introduced in the House of Commons some years ago by a private member, but was rejected on the second reading. After further discussion, thi? following resolutions were carried: — "1. That this conference, representative of the dairying industry of Australia, directs the attention of tho Dominion Royal Commission to the vast and ever-increas-ing sale oT margarino in the United Kingdom, and points out that, this is very detrimental to tho interests of farmers at home nnd in the British colonies; that, with a view of preventing margarino being sold to resemble butter.-and of being sold as such, tho .commission be respectfully requested to use its influence to induce the Imperial Parliament to .pass legislation prohibiting the use of colouring matter in margarine.

"2. That the Luiidon committee'bo instructed to endeavour to secure the assistance of-organisations representative of farming interests in Great. Britain nnd also o£ London butter distributors, in order to secure legislation as desired." Other Butter Substitutes. , References made in the High Commissioner's report tp 'the and other butter substitutes which were placed on the Homo market were considered. Opinions were expressed that legislation was necessary for the protection of the consumers as well as of the farmers. The following resolution was carried "That the Dominions -Royal. Commission be urged to protect the interests alike of farmers nnd consumers by (1) assisting to obtain legislation by which the moisture allowed in milk-blended butter and butter substitutes will be reduced from the existing limit of 25 per cent to a maximum of 1G per cent.; (2) by supporting the maintenance of the present standard relating to the use of preservatives in butter." • It was resolved that the foregoing resolutions be presented to the Dominions Commission at tho sittings in Melbourne. New Zealand Methods, The delegates were agreed that the export of butter of superfine quality, and the improvement in Australian methods of manufacture to achieve this end. would be one of the best .means of combating the danger from margarine.* With this obiect' in view. it. was considered that a delegation from Australia should visit New Zealand to obtain information as to tho system adopted in the factories and forms, tho inspection and grading in that country. At the same time the delegates could confer with the dairymen's organisations of New Zealand in regard to the-methods of marketing and distributing bhtter. By adopting this course it was believed that potion could be taken to protect, the interests' abroad of the producers of tho town countries.

This suggestion was unanimously endorsed ,and it was decided to appoint two delegates to visit New Zealand to obtain information and to meet other representatives associated with the dairying industry.