THE DAIRY TRADE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIII, Issue 13716, 5 April 1905, Page 2

THE DAIRY TRADE.

[FkOM OuE CoKSBSPONDEIfT.] WELLINGTON, April S. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce in its annual report makes soma observations on the urgent necessity that for the establishment of scientific investigation and experimental work in furtherance of the dairy trade and the promotion of scientific agriculture in New Zealand. “ This,” says the Council, “is a matter in whidl judicious expenditure might well be repaid a hundred-fold, while it constitutes an aid to progress which the colony cannot afford to neglect if it desires to hold its own in the trade of the world. The opinion is expressed that the Chamber might well urge the matter upon the attention of the Government.”

The price of butter on the London market has for the past six weeks been a good deal higher than its has been at this particular season for some years past., although a cable message on-Sat-urday stated that prices were easier; Inquires by a “ Post ” reporter this morning, amongst produce exporting firms elicited an explanation. Thera has been for some time a considerable shortage in the supplies sent to London, the Siberian and Russian supplies have been completely checked, and other countries also have had short supplies for export. Some of the exporting countries have actually been importing considerable quantities of butter, and Canada and the United States have .both been buying in the London market. The position, said one local merchant, is unique, as the shortage extends to all classes of the article. He thinks, however, that the top price has been reached, and that although prices should beep within 2s to 4s of the present figdre for some weeks the advent of the northern spring will result in a gradual drop. Another exporter, on the other hand, thinks that* prices will show a further rise, and will stand at a firm level throughout the winter. The explanation is that the dry summer caused a shortage, necessitating the despatching of March supplies to London and a part of the April supplies will also bo exported. As the March and April butter is usually in cold storage to assist in meeting the local whiter demand it will bo seen that there will be a pinch. The supplies coming in from the country districts are said' to be already from 26 to 39 per cent less than the amount usual ah this time of the year.