DAIRY PRODUCE PRICES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4874, 23 July 1936, Page 4

DAIRY PRODUCE PRICES.

The time is drawing near when the Government must declare, its proposed guaranteed prices for dairy produce. This declaration will be of special interest in view of the fact that prices for butter have been more consistently on a higher level than has been the case for some years. To-day it is bringing 118 s to 119 s sterling per cwt. as compared with 89s to sos. at this time last year. The highest price received during the second half of 1935 was 945, while the lowest level for the same period was 735. There has also been a substantial upward trend for cheese. At the present time factories are paying out as high as Is 2hd for butterfat. The dairy farmers are asking what will be the price when the State takes control. Whether the current price on the London market be high or low, the position of the Government will be difficult. If the prices are low the producers will expect a “payable” price from the Government, as was promised. With prices on a fairly high level many will expect to be paid the full amount, and fail to realise the “rainy day” policy of providing a reserve when prices recede. This is only human nature. What constitutes a “payable” price last season cannot be on the same basis for the forthcoming season. The price of other commodities will have to be increased owing to the Government’s industrial legislation. There is no doubt of that, even in the face of the Prime Minister’s statements to the contrary. The whole of the people are looking forward to the Government’s guaranteed prices for dairy produce, for it will prove the first effects of its socialistic legislation.