EMPIRE PREFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20713, 5 November 1930, Page 12

EMPIRE PREFERENCE.

VALUE TO DAIRY FARMERS. increase in competition. PORK MARKET POSSIBILITIES. "Owing to the rapid increase in the output of dairy products from the Baltic States, it is essential for New Zealand that there should bo some form of Empii*j preference in the near future, said Mr. Dynes Fulton, chairman of directors of tho New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, who returned from Sydney by the Marama yesterday after attending a meeting of the board of directors of Empire Dairies, Limited, in Sydney. "Low prices are ruling all over tho world, and keener competition makes it imperative that we should have an assured market for our products." The New Zealand farmer was ready to give liberal preference to the British manufacturer, Mr. Fulton said. It would bo to the benefit of all if such treatment could be reciprocated. Bulk purchasing appeared to be a rather doubtful question. It was obvious that the price would have to be decided by somebody. If this matter were left to the present British Government, the price would probably be in favour of the consumer and against the New Zealand producer. "With world markets in their present state it is essential that the returns from dairy farms should be supplemented, Mr. Fulton said. "Pig raising is an avenue that has already been investigated, but much can still bo done in this direction. I agree that we should make some attempt at specialisation and go in for uniform breeds of pigs to satisfy the requirements of the London market. We must also establish a definite quality and a recognised brand to secure a footing. We should aim to make special brands of New Zealand pork and bacon as well known in England as special brands of New Zealand butter." When asked if there were likely to be any developments in the direction of pigraising by New Zealand dairy farmers on a co-operative basis, Mr. Fulton said he preferred to make no further statement at present. The general possibilities of the market were being considered and developments might occur shortly. "While in Australia, I travelled through the wheat belt in Victoria," Mr. Fulton said. "There was every indication of excellent crops and a good harvest. However, a large quantity of last year's harvest remains unsold, and I was offered a t shipload of first-class milling wheat at 2s lOd a bushel. Owing to the dairy farmer having to pay more attention to pig-raising to supplement his returns and to tho value of grain for finishing off in feeding, the New Zealand Government would be well advised to reconsider tho tariff on imported wheat. The high , cost of grain crops in New Zealand makes this a most necessary step." Mr. Fulton said he was generally disappointed with dairy farming in Australia, tho standard being below that of New Zealand.