THE BUTTER MARKET

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6489, 8 April 1908, Page 4

THE BUTTER MARKET

NO HEDTJOTXON POSSIBLE IN AUCKLAND. SHORT WINTEnTsUPPIiY PROBABLB. I’BEaS association. AUCKLAND, April 7. Tho Wellington quotation for butter has for some time past boon higher than that ruling in Auckland. Tho all-round decline of one penny per lb therefore brings tho southern price very littlo lower than the present quotation hero. Some relief was afforded By tho gonial 'weaThor conditions which prevailed towards tho end of last month and the production all over tho North Island received a considerable stimulus.

In tho opinion of a gentleman identified with tho Butter trade in the Auckland province, the reduction in Wellington was arranged while tho full advantage oTHio increased make was being realised. Tho brief spell of favourable weather and consequent improvement in the milk supply also mode It appear possible that a reduction might be effected in Auckland, but tho sudden cold change of tho last few days precludes tho likelihood of this being realised. Tho ouput will bo rtill further restricted, and as the quantity in oold storage is very small for tills time of tho year, butter is likely to bo in short supply right through tho winter. Another well-known butter merchant, in rofotrring to tho subject pointed out that the reduction in Wellington only brings tho southern price to an equivalent fo that now ruling in Auckland. Ho anticipates very little variation ono way or tho other in the Auckland quotation. Some alarm, ho that 16,000 boxes which were intend ed for export had to bo retained in tho Dominion, but after tho bulk of this luiff boon disposed of the market will, in his opinion, settle down. It is impossible to say what tho 'Aprll-May output ia going to bo, but the cold snap in the Auckland and Taranaki provinces will (have a deteriorating effect. DUNEDIN PRICES UNCHANGED. DUNEDIN, April 7. Tho price of butter is unchanged ‘hero. It is Is Ijd wholesale and Is Ud retail. It is not likely that these prices will alter.