THE PRICE OF BUTTER

Evening Star, Issue 17482, 13 October 1920, Page 6

THE PRICE OF BUTTER

SELECT COMMITTEE'S PBOPOSAL. ' RETAIL RATE 2s 3d PER LB ; MARGARINE DISCARDED. . 0 [By Oub Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 13. The butter problem has resolved itself into a proposal by the Butter Committee of the House to retail butter at 2s 3d per lb, the Consolidated Revenue paying the loss which will be involved after paying the producer the price obtainable for export. It is reported that the scheme involves an outlay by the Government of at least £400,000, but that the Prime Minister discussed the financial position with the Butter Committee before they decided to recommend this solution of the dear butter problem in preference to the proposal for a, graduated export tax on values, which had been suggested as a means of equalising the difference between the export price and a reasonable charge to local consumers. Another interesting suggestion that was considered and promptly discarded was that margarine with a guaranteed percentage of butter—about 15 per cent.—might be marketed. It was estimated that this could be retailed at Is 4d per lb. The committee' will report this afternoon. ' FARMERS' BUTTER Is 4d PER LB. MANUFACTURERS WELL SATISFIED. CSpscial to vhb 'SiAa.7 CHRISTCHURCH, October 13. A farmer from the Geraldine district who is visiting Christchurch states that farmers in fj t district are making butter and supplying it to stores in the vicinity at Is 4d per lb, and that storekeepers are supplying the public at Is 9d. The farmers are well satisfied with the price received.