NEW ZEALAND BUTTER

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 106, 1 November 1923, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND BUTTER

ITS PLACE AT THE LONDON SHOW.

Comment has recently been made upon New Zealand butter not having been mentioned among the ,_ awards at the London Dairy Show, held at the Agricultural Hall, whereas the Australian butter exhibited there gained prizes. Apparently some uneasiness has arisen here consequent upon the inference drawn from this that the New Zealand butter shown did not prove worthy of a place in the list of awards. This may lead to misapprehension of the position. The fact is, with the exception of a few isolated entries, it is not usual ,for New Zealand butter to be exhibited at this particular show. Moreover, the show is held at a time of year which is between seasons, so to speak, in the output of New Zealand dairy produce, and consequently least convenient for setting up a complete and satisfactory exhibit.

The Australian spring being markedly earlier than that of New Zealand gives Australian: butter-makers an opportunity of exhibiting spring-made butters, whereas the New Zealand butters, which might be on exhibition in this show, -would require to be made during our winter months,- and that when feeding conditions are least suitable; or during the autumn months, with the consequent long storage prior to the date of judging at the Lohdon Show. It will be recognised that these conditions will not permit of New Zealand placing exhibits at this show of a kind that will do justice to buttermakers. For this reason the exhibiting of New Zealand butter at this London show has not been strongly encouraged. In any case, the true criterion of the relative quality of the products of New Zealand and Australia is their value on the markets of the United Kingdom. The prices quoted per weekly cables afford convicing evidence on that point.