OUTLET FOR BUTTER

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LVI, Issue 89, 22 November 1935, Page 2

OUTLET FOR BUTTER

PROSPECTS IN THE EAST

DOMINATION BY AUSTRALIA

The manner in which the Australian dairy producers were dominating the market in the East to the detriment of New Zealand was discussed by Mr E. C. Day, of Hamilton, who has returned from a visit to Japan, China, Malaya, Java and the Philippine Islands, says the "Auckland Herald."

"Although my recent visit to the East was purely a holiday trip, I endeavoured to gain whatever information I could respecting the marketing of dairy produce,' said Mr Day. "The facts I obtained were so alarming with respect to the manner in which this potential market was being neglected by us, that I hope they may have some influence in awakening general interest," he added. Wherever he went-he found that the market for butter, cheese, and milk was being absolutely dominated by Australia. Some idea of

the magnitude of the Australian exports could be gauged from the fact that those sent to the East during the 1933-34 season were valued at well over £1,000,000.

It should be explained, however, that by far the largest part of the butter sent to Malaya and Java was a tinned product of inferior quality, for which market New Zealand would not wish to compete. New Zealand was only interested in the pat butter market. With bulk butter New Zealand would only lose its identity.

Mr Day said the growing market of the East was being absolutely neglected by the New Zealand Government. Certainly, a trade commissioner had been sent to Malaya and the Netherland East Indies recently, and although his report had stated that excellent publicity had been obtained by New Zealand as the result of his visit, the Government, in Mr Day's opinion, should do something more constructive. Every possible avenue should be explored for the disposal of New Zealand's dairy produce, and he could see no reason why New Zealand should not sell as much in the East as Australia did.