THE SEASON'S OUTPUT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20474, 28 January 1930, Page 16

THE SEASON'S OUTPUT.

BUTTER IN PROVINCE.

STRIKING INCREASE MADE. A striking increase in dairj production is occurring in the Auckland Province this season. For the first five months of the season butter production throughout the has increased 11 per cent, over the .output of the corresponding period last season, and the December figures constitute records for tb.it mouth.

The continuance of plentiful rains during the late spring and into midsummer primarily accounts for the substantial advances made. Feed is available in profusion, and a continuance of favourable dairying conditions Over the remaining seven months should witness an even better season than the record one of 1928-29.. Cheese production has declined 4 per coot, over the preceding season's figures. In the Auckland Province there has been a slight increase, the decrease having taken effect in the southern districts. In December 9442 tons of butter were received at Auckland grading stores, compared with 7995 tons in December, 1928, ait increase of 18 per cent. This is a record output for the month of December. Cheese received for grading amounted to 2036 tons, a3 against 1904 tons in December, 1928, an increase of 7 per cent. Tho following summary tabulates these figures, together with the receipts (in tons) for tho season to date and s the quantity in store at the end of December, with comparisons for the corresponding periods of last year in each case:— Butter. Cheese. 1929. 1923. 1929. 1928. December .. 9,442 7,995 2,036 1,904 Season .. 32,287 28,735 6,35 L 6,447 In store .. 5,492 3,308 1,141 . .1,150 A similar table shows the Dominion figures Butter. Cheese. 1929. 1928. 1929. 1928. December ..' 14,704 12,678 13,351 13,271 Season .. 48,717 43,693 38,052 39,601 In store .. 8,782 5,663 8,921 7,498 In view of the lower prices ruling for dairy produce the general increase of production in the Auckland province is a welcome sign.