DAIRY INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 184, 2 May 1933, Page 10

DAIRY INDUSTRY

Australian Conference NO CUT IN EXPORTS Marketing Problems REPORT TO N.Z. BOARD Tim outstanding feature of the recent conference of Hie delegation from tlie New Zealand Dairy Produce Board with members of Hie Australian Dairy Control Board was the expressed opposition to restriction ot exports of blitter. At the meeting of the New Zealand Dairy Board last Friday, the delegates presented a full report of this and many other matters of mutual interest winch were discussed al the conlerence. Vfter (he question of export restriction had been fully discussed in conference rhe Australian Board issued a statement expressing opposition to the proposal, which it was considered was not in the interest of Australian dairy farmers. Representations were made to the Australian Board that New Zealand Board’s • considered opinion was that the regulation of shipment from New Zealand was undoubtedly having a steadying effect on the British market for New Zealand dairy produce, and at the same time provided for a continuity of supply, permitting the retailer to sell the New Zealand article all the year round. The tollowin" figures were submitted relating to shipments of butter from New Zea--1:111,1BUTTER. Percentages of ' Percentages total shipments of total ex which are grad- ports winch ed each month. are shipped each month. 1932-33 SEASON.

The Australian representatives submitted that the varying .seasons of production throughout the different states not only made it difficult to undertake regulation of shipment, but actually gave a reasonable regulation of shipment, in proof of which thej gave particulars of shipment as tol--10"S’ SEASON 1931-32. Shipments of Butter from the Commonwealth.

In the discussion it was shown that whereas Queensland’s heavy shipments were made late in the season, \ictoii.i shipped early, having already practically ceased export for the present season, thus assisting in more regular shipment. The members of the Australian Dairy Board expressed keen interest in tiie method of financing delayed shipments, and in the New Zealand Board's shipping work. Nothing of the same nature was done in Australia. The Australian Board undertook to give careful consideration to regulation of shipment, but were not hopeful of it being undertaken. The magnitude of the local requirements and their complexities made such a move difficult. The New Zealand representatives indicated that representations had been made by merchants in London that there was need to undertake preventative measures in connection with selling consignments abroad, and that the question was being investigated. The Australian Board had no power under their Act to make an audit, but the chairman indicated that should this be found necessary he felt certain the power could be obtained. F. 0.8. and C.T.F. Sales. The discussion on the question of f.o.b. and c.i.f. sales brought out the fact that this class of business was fairly popular in Australia and that it was unlikely that it would be eliminated. The restrictions applied to this class of business by the Australian Board are that no butter could be sold before it was graded. In other words, selling for the season, or even portion of the season. is prohibited, and. further, no such sales can be made at a price lower than the price fixed by the DairyBoard. which is done every Friday-. The regulation governing this provides that the price fixed by the Board shall be on the. basis of the London market rate for consignments ruling at the time, less the usual charges. It was admitted, however, that other circumstances were taken into consideration when fixing this price. Advertising. Considerable discussion took place on the question of advertising and members of the Australian Board were unanimously of the opinion that more advertising was necessary, especially featuring the value of butter as a food and also the greater vitamin content of butter from the Commonwealth and the Dominion. It was their opinion that at. least £25.000 per annum should be spent by each Board in this direction in addition to the present allocation. The following resolution was passed: "That with the view of increasing the consumption of butter iii Great Britain and thus endeavouring to bring about an improvement in prices on the world’s markets, this conference of the Australian Dairy Produce Export Board and representatives of the New Zealand Dairy Produce Board recommend that an extensive propaganda and advertising campaign be started in the United Kingdom, pointing out the high value ns a health food of butter compared with all other edible fats.” The Australian Board was concerned regarding the increased use of margarine in the Commonwealth, and also considered that some restriction should be placed by Great Britain on the importations of whale oil, which is now largely used for the manufacture

of margarine. It was estimated that Britain imported 250.000 tons per annum. Cold Storage in Britain. Some members who had investigated the problem of cold storage in Britain were personally in favour 'of the New Zealand Board’s cold storage and handling policy. However, they ascertained that the merchants handling Australian butter did not consider it necessary. In their investigations they were advised by Day’s Wharf Authority that if Australia would come into the cold storage contract it would mean a reduction on the present contract rate, the reduction to apply to both New Zealand and Australia. It was felt that the two Boards should combine in an effort to get a reduction in cold storage charges. The Australian Board asked for particulars of the contracts for freight and. marine insurance held by the New Zealand Board, which were freely given. A suggestion was made that the two Boards should combine in making a freight contract. but the Now Zealand representatives questioned the practicability of this proposal. There was a distinct feeling that an effort should he made to sell Australian butter in pats in Great Britain.

. 3.4% G.5% September 7.0% 4.2% 9.7 % October . 12.0% November . 15.0% 12.4% December - . . 15.0% 8.6% January . 12.3% 9.8% February • . 10.4% 9.2% . 10.4%> .10.(1% April .... Mjiv .... . 6.8% . 4.6% est. est. 10.0% 7.2% . 1.8% est. 6.4% July . 1.3.% est. 6.0% 100. 100.

Percentage .Julv 3,083 3.4% August . . • • 4,538 i).0% Sept. niber 5.-1 SG . G..1 /n 11.1% October 10.111 November 9,778 10.8% December January 11.331» 15.022 12.6% 10.6% February March (>,918 4.6% 6.4% 6,539 7.2% ■\fay 6,344 7.0% June, 5.569 6.2% T'otal 90,503 . 100.