The Opunake Times. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1895. THE BUTTER TRADE.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 136, 22 October 1895, Page 2

The Opunake Times. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1895. THE BUTTER TRADE.

We notice from our exchanges that Mr Sawyers, Government dairy expert, has been taking a look round the butter business in Victoria, and has come to the conclusion that the only point in which the Victorians excel New Zealand producers is in the branding of the boxes. We are not prepared to discredit Mr Sawyer's statement, but are under the impression that if that is the only point of difference it would be worth the while of our producers to lose no time in copying the Victorians in that rest pect, as near the close of the lasseason when butter from this district, or the quotations, at least, which were supplied, gave the price as 655, the Yea Dairy Factory, Victoria, was realising between 04s andlo2s for their produce. If, therefore, the English consumer is prepared to pay 30s per hundred weight for an artistic external brand, it would be worth the while of our paternal Government offering a bonus for designs on similar lines to that offered for stamps. The butter market this season promises a great improvement, Danish butter being quoted as high as 134?, and it is anticipated that it will be very brisk at all events up to Christmas. As far as our own district is concerned, where most of the factories belong to the Crown Dairy Company, we believe a very much superior article will be turned out, as the company has gone to a great deal of expense' in making better provision for the manufacture of butter. They have adopted the centralising policy for butter making, and treat the surrounding factories of the part as creameries. They have also provided cool chambers, and intend having a supply of ice forwarded daily to each factory. Although this means a large outlay, we believe it will amply recoup its cost by turning out a more marketable article, which will command top market price, irrespective of the design on the outside of the box.