DAIRYING PRODUCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18772, 28 July 1924, Page 9

DAIRYING PRODUCE.

OPERAT6ONS OF I3QARD.

HIGHER GRADING STANDARD.

[BI TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Sunday. The New Zealand Dairy Produce Control Board at its recent meeting discussed the following questions:— Resolutions approving of the proposed increase in the minimum points for firstgrade butter and cheese to 90 had been carried at various conferences of producers during the last two years. The board decided to support the Department of Agriculture in thi3 connection, realising the absolute necessity o)t keeping up and improving the standard of New Zealand dairy produce. The proposal for compulsory cream grading was heartily approved. Li connection with complaints being received regarding cheese, in respect to soft crowns or ends the board would aiak all cheese manufacturers to do their utmost to put into practice the suggestions made by tha Dairy Division in its circulair of July 15 issued to cheese factories. Shipping is naturally giving the board a great deal of concern, and; while not a great deal oan be done until the report is received from the overseas delegates as to the possibilities of an improved contract the board will certainly do its utmost to eliminate the irregularities of past seasons. The board has under consideration the appointment of a representative, preferably a refrigerating engineer, for the purpose of inspecting ships' holds, watching the temperature of produce, supervising loading and' the quality of produce on delivery at the snip's side, a.nd giving some attention' Lto handling generally. Shipping oompanies have always been willing to give facilities for inspection and supervision. It is likely that the board will decide that cheese must be delivered at the ship's side at a temperature not higher than £5 degrees. | The temperature in a steamer's hold has j to be maintained at 40 or 50 : degrees, and j the time has almost arrived when cheese should be delivered to sliiips at 45 degrees or under. No definite decision has been received from the Minister for Railways as to a reduction in railway freights, but a reduction is confidently expected. in a letter from the New Zealand Commissioner of the British' Empire Exhibition in London, he • indicated that New Zealand's dairy produce exhibit compared more than favourably with dairy exhibits from other Dominions.

The board decided to support a request from Hawke's Bay factories that Napier should be declared a grading port. The board has been asked to agree to its overseas delegate, along with representatives of the Meat Producers' Board, acting in London for the Fruitgrowers* Association and the New Zealand Poultry Association in the arranging of freight rates for the coming season. To this the board has agreed.