NEW ZEALAND BUTTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16677, 23 October 1917, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND BUTTER.

THE PROPOSED SALE. OFFER TO THE GOVERNMENT. A statement regarding the negotiations between the Government and the representatives of the dairy companies in tespect to the proposed purchase of New Zealand butter on behalf of the Imperial authorities was made yesterday by Mr. H. E. Pacey, managing director of the New Zealand Dairy Association. The proposal submitted to the Prime Minister, said Mr. Pacey, at tap recent conference was a sale at 165s per cwt f.0.b., or equal to slightly less than Is 4{jd a pound. It was proposed that the vendors should bear certain charges which might seriously reduce even that amount. The information submitted by Mr. Massey had confirmed every member of she producers' delegation in the opinion that it would be highly desirable to enter into negotiations with the Government if suitable prices and terms could be arranged, I The price submitted, however, was deemed to he inadequate in view of tho greatly increased cost of production. Tho extent of this increase din not appear to be fully appreciated by those not immediately connected with the industry. A present sale at 155s per cwt would not bo as advantageous to the producers as the sales under the market conditions existing prior to tho war. The dairy companies' representatives, said Mr. Paeey, after fully considering the position from the point of view of both producors and Imperial needs, had unanimously decided to submit a counter proposal, a reply to which was now being awaited.