N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

Opunake Times, 24 February 1933, Page 1

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

NEWS AND NOTES. Deterioration in the quality of our cheese is causing some anxiety in the minds of dairy farmers in Southland and Taranaki — two of the largest cheese-produc-ing districts in the Dominion. The Southland Executive has asked the Dominion Executive to make full enquiries into the matter, and draw up a full report. Various sources have been tapped for information, and the consensus of opinion, bo far, appears to put the blame on to dirty milk supplied at some factories, too much moisture in the cheese, a noticeable discoloration in some districts, and a general failure to ripen the cheese properly. • • • •

Owing to the glut of butter on the British market the British Cabinet has suggested that the butter imports from Empire countries should be reduced by 3 per cent, and from foreign countries by 6 per cent—thus restricting supplies to about the level of 1931. In 1932 109,517 tons of butter were imported into Britain from Xew Zealand, while it is expected that about 116,000 tons will be available for export this year mainly owing to the good season for grass.

If tlie British Cabinet finally decides to impose this reduction in our quota, about 9,700 tons less will be sent from Xew Zealand this year. This will inflict hardship on some dairy factories and producers, unless the scheme advocated by Mr. Sinclair is brought into operation. Moreover, many dairy companies now making butter will switch over to cheese, and the result will be a reduction of our cheese quota as well. At the moment of writing, the horizon looks decidedly black for our dairy fanners.

It is expected that Parliament will adjourn towards the end of February; in the recess a Commission will probably take evidence regarding »n adjusimeu of the present customs duties, and the Farmers’ Union intends to prefer evidence. The fiscal policy advocated by the Union at present is:—

fa) That there should be an immediate substantial reduction of duties on necessities imported from Empire countries willing to reciprocate, with the definite view of inaugurating Empire Free Trade.

(b) That with a view to extending our markets, a reduction of duties on necessities be also extended to foreign countries willing to reciprocate' with the Dominion. It is felt that such a downward scaling of tariffs is in keeping with the policy enunciated at Ottawa. • • • The reduction of Australia s butter quota will be much greater than that of New Zealand, owing to the phenomenal increase in the exportable quantity this year. It is estimated that the reduction in the imports of Australian butter will be in the vicinity of 20,000 tons, but this will not be felt so keenly by the Australian dairy farmers owing to the Paterson bonus scheme for locally consume/! butter being in operation, Australian dairy authorities predict an increase of nearly 30,000 tons this year whereas the increase in New Zealand production will centre around 7,000 tons.