Inspection of Butler for Export.

Otago Witness, Issue 1892, 8 May 1890, Page 14

Inspection of Butler for Export.

TO THE EDITOB.

Sin, — In my letter that appeared in your issue of the Ist on the subject of inspection of butter I stated that there were several more good reasons that I could give for its being done, and if you will kindly allow me space I will now do so.

The first is : Everyone making and packing butter that they know is to be inspected will naturally do their level best to have it classed as first.

Second. In shipping by steamer in cool chambers we pay an extra freight, not only to carry it, but to store it at both ends in cool places, and to deliver it to our agents on the other side in the same good condition as they got it, or keep it and pay therefor. If it is branded first-class when they get it, that is the article they must deliver,

Third. We are sending butter to a market where the buyers are for many years in the habit of seeing everything of the kind inspected and branded, the favourite inspectors' brands known to most of them, and any parcels not branded they take to be grease ; won't waste time to overhaul and examine, unless at a price to cover all risks. Hence, if for no other reason, we should have it done so that we might compete with them on equal terms. Fourth. On account of the extra charges of freight, &c, I believe nothing but first-class butter would be sent Home. Other 'grades we we would try and find sales here for, always keeping in mind the necessity of lessening the quantity of it. Fifth. By thiß morning's mail I have the "Australian and South American ' Journal," in which I find for the month of March prices of butter and cheese quoted as follows :— - Butter. Cheese. Creamery ... 26c to 27§c Best ... Ho to ll£c State best ... 23c „ 2*c Best ... lOjo „ lie Dairy fine ... 16c „ 18c Aud at those prices they have exported to : Butter. Cheese. lb. lb. China ... ... ... 500 — Cuba ... ... ... 8,165 18,731 Central America ... ... 11,348 4,674 United States of Colombia ... 14,349 5,100 Porto Rica ... ... 9.782 16,023 San Domingo ... ... 10,318 3,718 Dutch Weßt Indies ... 7,997 1,581 This butter, you will understand, could not go to those places for sale unless classified, as it would be destroyed, no matter how good it might be when shipped, overhauling and sampling. From what I have now said and in my previous letter I feel pretty well satisfied that you will agree with me that this inspection should have been done years ago. Had it been I feel quite satisfied that ere now New Zealand butter would have taken first place in many of those markets. Indeed, years ago, when I first mentioned if we only could get steamers to go round the Horn with it, in the city of Rio de Janeiro alone, where there is a population about as great as the whole of New Zealand, we would have a market that none could compete with us in — and prices there always from 2s to 3s per lb ; all being got from the United States or Canada,

You will observe that the prices quoted and quantities exported from New York are Li March when prices are at the highest with them and at the very lowest here. Why is this thus ? you will say. I am quite satisfied that had it not been for Mr Larnach they would have been eating and boiling down their mutton here. Yet they had no faith or hope in it, but his energy forced them into it. So now I feel quite satisfied that with your assistance we can get this inspection of butter insisted on ere shipment, and that in three or four years the results will be the same as in that of the mutton in any market to which it is sent — viz., none such as it ;— and the Daily Times and your humble servant will be complimented therefor.— l am, &c, May 2, W, D. Sutherland,