BUTTER SUPPLIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15912, 8 May 1915, Page 6

BUTTER SUPPLIES.

■ «•» _ It is evident that the Government's decision to control the exportation of butter was not taken a day too soon. The Food Commission reports that " While the present stocks, with the quantity likely to be produced in

the next two months, will be sufficient for our requirements, there will be a shortage if further exportation to any extent are allowed." This in itself is sufficient proof of

I the wisdom of the Government's ( action, but if further justification were needed it is supplied by the announcement that, 6000 or 1 7000 boxes of New Zealand butter are being shipped back from England by the Ruahine. The Prime Minister draws from this the reasonable inference that at present prices it pays better to bring the butter back to New Zealand than.to unload it in England. At any time the consuming public of New Zealand would have' good ground- for protesting against such a proceeding. . Under present , circumstances it is singularly unfortunate that shipping space should be occupied in. carrying but-

ter to' England and ; back. - Exporters are complaining of • the scarcity of ships, and are protesting that tho Government has failed in its duty in not' providing sufficient cargo space. Ships have been brought to New Zealand in. ballast at the expense of either the British Government or the New Zealand Government as may be arranged. Under such circumstances the Government would be failing in its duty to exporters as well as to the public if it failed to strictly control the export of butter until the new season's supply is on the market.