SUPPLIES FOR BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 20, 18 October 1944, Page 6

SUPPLIES FOR BRITAIN

Drought conditions in parts of 'Australia and the approach of winter in Canada will probably have an adverse effect on the flow of dairy produce from those Dominions to the Mother Country. In an effort to maintain shipments the Commonwealth authorities some time ago reduced the domestic butter ration to 6oz. per head weekly, a course adopted by Canada on occasion and for the same good purpose. It is evident that, at least for the next few months, the British authorities will have to depend largely, in the matter of outside supplies, on- New Zealand, so that particulars relating to current production have an added importance and interest. Dairy-farmers have set themselves to produce the maximum possible, and the season opened under very favourable auspices. The report of the Department of Agriculture, recently presented to Parliament, stated that only a remarkable recovery in the autumn of 1943-44 saved the country from a disastrous season. That recovery was followed by a mild winter, and the dairy herds came in this season in very much better condition. The growth of grass has been excellent during the spring months and, in dairying particularly, a good start means a very great deal. Reports from the various districts indicate confidence that the output will be increased substantially. The latest export figures cover shipments in July, a month falling in the past dairying year, but the figures are of interest and show a decided improvement. In the case of butter the exports in July were 199,987 cwt. against 158,950 cwt. in July, 1943, and the respective figures for cheese were 136,405 and 67,874 cwt, The lag in the publication of these returns is very considerable—about 10 weeks—and in view of the drive to increase production it should be possible to make more up-to-date figures available. It is stated that there has been a substantial increase in production this season, more particularly in butter, but publication of the grading returns would enable the community to follow the course of an intensive production campaign. Last year the Meat Board provided interesting particulars regarding the plan to increase the weight of the stock before sending it to the works—a splendid effort that was hampered by unfavourable weather conditions. Detailed information along the same lines from the Dairy Board would undoubtedly prove of general interest, and enable the community to, see, month by month, how the efforts of the primary producers were, succeeding. _ In view of the urgency of the need for New Zealand dairy produce in Britain the success of this campaign is a matter of public concern.