NEW ZEALAND BUTTER TRADE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 28 December 1927, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND BUTTER TRADE.

AUSTRALIAN PAPER’S COMMENT. The Melbourne Argus comments as follows on the recent cable message to tho effect that representations have been made by Canadian dairying interests for a dumping duty on New Zealand butter:—

“Although it was previously indicated that Canada would need to import butter heavily this season, the competition will affect the returns obtained by farmers, and whether the butter is required or not, importations are certain to cause resentment. In appealing to Parliament to impose a check upon the entry of butter, into the Dominion, Canadian farmers are only following the example of Australia. With the expansion of the dairying industry in New Zealand, Canada and the Commonwealth, the trend of export trade in butter, apart from Eastern demands, which are practically met by Victoria, lies in one direction, and that is the United Kingdom.

‘ ‘ All the Dominions are advocating Empire trade, but when it means' competition. in their internal markets, efforts are immediately made to bring about legislation designed to restrict imports. As Australia has increased the duty on butter to 6d per pound under the preferential duty, New Zealand will be penalised when the increased import applies to its produce. Should any action of a similar nature be taken by Canada, New Zealand will thus be deprived of two useful outlets which are open to it at times. In such circumstances, no exception could justifiably be taken if New Zealand adopted retaliatory measures, particularly against the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, any step in this direction might inflict hardship upon another section of Australian producers whose products at present find their way to New Zealand markets.”