NOTES BY THE WAY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 31 August 1929, Page 16

NOTES BY THE WAY.

Tfhe dairying industry Jias had a successful season (says the “Southland Times”), jbut. suffered: isomewjhat on account of; the late spring, and pastures generally -were not suitable to give - good returns till well on in jNdyember.. Even on the lowest figures paid- out-per-pound, of butterfat the returns ■ should he quite.- satisfactory, and -/with; the-general improvement of ■the pasture-and herds which is taking place, -will sh<?w a good return per cow. ~ Referring) to stock, the “Southland Times’! writer says that the market continues to be very firm and cattle are, commanding exceptionally good prices. There is not so mu*h activity in sheep as not a great quantity is offering.

Opening up new markets with the East Indies has been under review by chambers of commerce and the Government for some time. There arrived at Wellington by the Ulimaroa recently from Sydney Messrs. A. J. Pronk and J. W. B. Evarts, of tbe Royal Packet Navigation Company, wlio are interested in establishing wliat is lacking at present — a direct steamer service. They intend to interview producers, exporters and harbour authorities, and make full intruiries regarding all that New Zealand has to offer for export, and will wait on the Prime Minister. Their inquiries will be restricted to the North Island. Eased of the cost of transshipping charges, Mr. Pronk thinks that there is an excellent opportunity of a trade in our produce, as there is an increasing demand for our dairy produce, fish, meat, and fruit, while in return the Dutch East Indies could l supply us with tea, sugar, kapok, fibres, coffee, cocoa, etc. Existing cold storage . facilities in the East needed to be extended before the trade in our products could be fully developed, and there still existed a prejudice against frozen meat, but tbe use of meat as a food was steadily increasing amongst Eastern populations.