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Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1933, Page 4

In the course of a trade review, the .opinion is expressed that the serious position in /the British market for dairy produce calls for representations to be made to the British Government and the Governments -of Australia and • New Zealand. Further consideration of the quota system restricting foreign imports is suggested as tee principal point to be raised. Imports of butter into the United Kingdom from all countries during November totalled 83,700 tons, compared with 29,800 tons for the same month of last year. Stocks in the United Kingdom were 2800 tons heavier than last year, but were not excessive-, and arrivals were going into consumption quickly. Great Britain had been absorbing increasing quantities of butter during the past few years entirely at the expense cf maro-arine, and, actually, the total consumption of edible fats had not increased. The present low prices wore not only due to increasing arrivals, but in a considerable degree to the anxiety of sellers to quit arrivals quickly and before their competitors in order to make a good comparative return to the factories. The marketing of New Zealand and Australian butter in this respect was a contrast to the orderly marketing of Danish butter. The great disparity in prices between New Zealand -and Danish butter was mainly due to excessive supplies from the Southern Hemisphere at a period when Danish exports were limited. During May, June, and July the prices for New Zealand butter more nearly approximated Danish. Australian c.i.f. sellers had been largely responsible for the early fall in. the market, with the result that certain co-operative factories in Victoria were demanding legislation to abolish c.i.f. and forward selling of Australian butter. The ■ adoption by Australia, of the New Zealand system of rationing sliipI moots during the next few months I should tend toward a rise in prices, while- a dry spell in either country would further improve the position. The Victorian season was . about at peak, but New 'South Wales and Queensland outputs were still climbing. The- duty imposed by Frame on imported butter was increased from September 27th. Argentine, Danish, and certain oilipr Continental butteis .paid seven francs per kilo- (say, 80s per cwt). New Zealand butter paid about 160 per cwt, while Australian would pay about 480 per cwt, plus exchange compensation surtax. It would be readily understood tint any export of New Zealand or Australian butter to France was out of the question.