SOFT CHEESE MAKING

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8329, 15 January 1913, Page 2

SOFT CHEESE MAKING

APPEALING LOCALLYUntil quite recently the New Zealandborn citizen was unC with the table delicacy kno?; ,»r as soft or fancy cheese, excepting perhaps the variety known as Stilton, which has been specialised in for some considerable time by a noted Southland dairyman. About eighteen months ago the Government decided, to include instruction in the art of soft cheese manufacture in the scope of-the operations of the dairy division. To that end the services of a highly qualified English instructress was secured in the person of Miss G. N. Davies, N.D.D.. whoso assistance has been placed at the disposal of such dairy companies and private dairymen an feel disposed to take up the work as a Commercial enterprise. From the commencement it was not supposed that this class of cheese could be made on a large scale in New Zealand, or in quantities suitable for building up an export trade; one reason being that many of the varieties will not stand long storage. It was felt, however. that a reasonable demand could be created locally in the main centra* of population. POPULARITY ELSEWHERE. Soft or fancy cheese is a very popular article of diet in England and on the Continent /of Europe, particularly in France, where the business 'has grown to largo proportions and is recognised as one of the most profitable industries of the country. The output of some of the largest French dairies averages during the season from one thousand to two thousand cheeses per day. In England, too. a large quantity is manufactured annually. PROGRESS IN NEW ZEALAND.

Interviewed by a “Times" representative as to the probabilities of the success of the business in this country, Mr Cuddie, Director of the Dairy Division, said he was well satisfied with the progress that bee already been made- The instructress has been invited by many ot the leading dairy produce manufacturers throughout the Dominion to impart the special knowledge required, with the result that such well-known firms ns Ambury and English, Auckland, Messrs Nathan and Co., Manawatu, Taieri and Peninsular Dairy Company, Dunedin, Canterbury Central Dairy Company, as well os a number of private dairymen, bane added the manufacture ot this class ot product to their operations, and it is confidently expected that a steady trade will follow the enterprise. Soft che<*je is an article of diet to which the taste of the New Zealander needs to 'be cultivated, and judging from the demand that has already followed its introduction to the local markets fair business is being done, and will continue to extend so long as the cheeses are made from the very highest class of milk; high-class in the sense of its hygienic standard of purity. BEST SELLING VARIETIES.

A great many varieties come under the bonding of soft cheese, differing from each other hy their peculiar flavour and process of manufacture, and are usually named after the district in which they were first made, but they all resemble each other in that little or no pressure is required during the process of manufacture. The three best selling varieties are those known as Little Welsh, Miniature Wensleydale, Club and orcam cheese, the three first-named being the most popular. The cheeses are placed on the market in a very attractive and appetising style, as may he known to visitors attending last winter’s dairy shows, where a number of samples were on exhibition and formed the subject of favourable comment by those who tested their merits.

POSSIBILITIES OP THE INDUSTRY. With a reasonable turnover, the production of these cheeses pays the makers very well, and they can he placed on the market at prices that are quite reasonable. They are put up in handy sizes and are now obtainable at most of th. leading household provision stores in the larger towns. Por the benefit of those who may be inclined to exploit this branch of industry the department wishes it to be generally known that instruction in the details of manufacture may bo had free

of charge. Miss Davies is provided with a complete outfit for demonstrating the making and packing.of all varieties m commercial use, many of which oavo not been mentioned,in this notice. As the expense of the outfit is exceedingly small, and the instruction gratis, there is every probability that os the public taste becomes educated to the use of this hitherto rare article of diet greater provision will be mode to supply its needs by an extension of tho industry.