BUTTER AND CHEESE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9676, 2 June 1917, Page 11

BUTTER AND CHEESE

THE SHIPPING SHORTAGE POSITION A VERY SERIOUS ONE. The position in regard to the shipment of the butter and cheese from the Dominion is at present a very serious one, and is causing no small concern to dairy farmers. The storage space for both products is considerably taxed, and there is no immediate prospect of relief. The fact, that the Home authorities have commandeered all oversea traders has made all the difference. In tUo course of inquiries made by a “Times” reporter, he learned there are about 211,000 boxes of _ butter in the freezers in the Dominion. It can be seen that as the storage capacity of the Dominion is about 230,000 to 300,000 boxes, and there is no immediate prospect of any ot it being litter!, the position is an alarming one. During _ the month just concluded only about 13,000 boxes were shipped, space for which was booked six weeks before. While the Government is making advances on cheese no advances can be secured on butter. Advances have been secured in the past from banks, but whether under present conditions further advances to cover next season will be made is a question that must ho troubling many a dairy farmer. Perhaps the only consolation the farmer has at present is that the Dominion consumption each month is 30,0110 boxes, bringing as it is a very satisfactory sum per 10. The Auckland province has had a wonderfully productive season, and is laying up a good supply of butter. A large amount, hotyever, is being used in local consumption. The total number of boxes of butter in store at present in the principal producing centres can be seen from the following table; Auckland 170,000 New Plymouth 36,200 Wellington 21,000 South Island - 6,700

Tho balance is held in smaller quantities in Gisborne, Wanganui, Patea, and other ports. The position in regard to cheese has improved somewhat during the past few weeks. About the middle of the month there were 150,000 crates of cheese awaiting shipment in grading stores in the Dominion. Some fairly large shipments have been made within the past few weeks, however. At present there are 130,000 crates of cheese awaiting shipment in the Dominion, but probably about_ the middle of June, with the quantity that is being allotted for shipment, there will be about 100,000 crates remaining in stock. Tho total storage capacity for cheese in the Dominion about 211,000 crates. A few weeks ago this capacity was taxed to the utmost. The position on the whole is such a serious one in regard to dairy produce that the problem is being considered by the Efficiency Board. The board is concentrating its attention more in regal'd to the coming season’s difficulties than anything else. .OVERSEA TRANSPORT. Tho following ate interesting excerpts a propos tiie above subject from the annual report of the National. Dairy Association; "The problem, at this stage of the great Continental upheaval, which concerns the commercial arid producing interests of the Dominion is still a serious one. The withdrawal of some steamers to meet Imperial requirements, the constant demand throughout the world tor additional tonnage, the losses entailed by submarine warfare have levied a heavy toil on the usual transport facilities available to tho Dominion under normal conditions and have been severely felt during the year. The position during trie, present season has been more acute as proved by the congestion oi dairy produce in the various Dominion grading stores. For tho weeks ending March 3rd, Kith, 17th, 24th, and 31st, tho cheese in grading stores was 214,040, 217.500. 216,730, 193,410, and 185,420 cases respectively. This did not include stocks bold in factories and in temporary stores pending dispatch for shipment. The delay in regular dispatch of cheese this yea/’ lias had a serious effect on quality. ,/Aust the cheese stood well for several weeks in buildings not insulated and tne temperature was not controlled, tho heat during March was too severe for such as had been so treated, and they matured too rapidly. The shortage of shipping has bean a serious drawback, but this was inevitable, and it is gratifying to note that with the restriction of tonnage at; their disposal the Shipowners’ Overseas Committee have invariably given every assistance in their power to facilitate iho shipments of butter and cheese with Iho limited space they were able to control. As to future prospects for the coming season, it is difficult to determine whether the situation will become easier or more difficult. Cargo steamers suitaide for tho New Zealand trade are not procurable immediately bv purchase, neither can we expect under existing circumstances any great increase to the number of the Dominion trading fleet by the addition at short notice of new boats, and it is quite within tho realm of probability that the tonnage position will became, more unsatisfactory before it improves. COOL STORAGE. “The capacity of cool storage for cheese throughout the Dominion has during the past season been taxed to its utmost. The same conditions practically apply to butter. The question of ocean tonnage has had the effect of causing heavy accumulations of butter and cheese awaiting shipment. The experience of the year demonstrates beyond doubt that more storage mom for dairy produce, especially cheese, must be provided if these products are to bo handled with the minimum of loss and advantage to the producer. The time has passed when the Dominion, in any case until a return to the normal condition of shipping facilities, can rely on rapid transit to cover the defects of a system which should be re-adjusted to meet altered conditions. To handle this business effectively increased accommodation, by way of cool storage is essential. Naturally this will he an addition to present manufacturing or transit charges, but whatever those charges may be it is an absolute necessity that groups of cheese factories must have ample s.pace for storing perishable articles at ports whilst in course of transit and in case of delay to meet extraordinary contingencies. It may, of course, be urged that the conditions of the last three years were abnormal and will he nonrecurring. That may be true, but the tact remains that existing provisions are now even insufficient for normal requirements. It is wiser to have an excess of such advantages than to experience the annoyance, worry and loss of restricted conveniences incidental to inadequate space.’’ 1