THE CANNED BUTTER TRADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2056, 20 July 1893, Page 8

THE CANNED BUTTER TRADE.

(London Correspondent of the Argus.)

The severe and prolonged drought in Northern Europe has called jrenewed attention to Australia as a source of butt°r supply for this market, It is amusing, indeed, to note how London men in the bntter trade, who a few months ago were going about declaring that Australian bntter imports were overdone and that the enormous shipments from the colonies were a disturbing element and a nuisance, are now looking forward eagerly to next; autumn's receipts from Australia, and predicting a " certain " rise in prices np to 130s per cwt or so. Meantime I hear much surprise expressed^ at the neglect in Australasia of the production of canned or tinned butter for this market. Of course thereal " market " for canned butter is not in Great Britain, nor in Europe at all. The majority of Englishmen would express surprise if told that the trade in canned butter is an enormous one, and would probably refuse altogether to believe that the quantity of canned bntter sold annually through London houses far exceeds the total production of Australasian butter in any one year bo far. The "market" for canned butler is in India, in South America (Brazil chiefly), in the Spanish main, and in Cape Colony— in short, in those tropical countries where the dairying industry on a large, or small, scale, is out of the question. It is argued here that Australia might easily supply the Rio Janeiro market direct with canned butter, the New Zealand homeward-bound steamers calling on the east coast of South America; while India and the Cape might also be supplied direct if necessary via Mauritius. While orders might be executed, and the finance and exchange business carried on, at all events at fitst, through London firms, there would be immense advantages in establishing a direct trade with India, South America, and the Cape. Canned butter, no matter how carefully and scientifically it is' put np, "suffers" by crossing tbe equator. Obviously' it would not be necessary for consignments from Australia to Hio or Gape Town to cross the equator at all, while to reach India but one crossing would be necessary. At present, Cape Colony and Brazil are supplied with canned bntter from London, Bordeaux, or Havre.

What is wanted to start the canned butter industry in Australia are the old requisites, brains and capital. Not a great deal of capital, for canning machinery and plant (to be procured in France) sufficient for a considerable factory, would not cost more than £1000. " Brains " are of use in the canned bntter industry in helping the manufacturer' to avoid errors. Already an attempt has been made in Australia to put np bntter in hermetically-sealed cans for export. The result was not satisfactory. The tins or cans which have been sent to London were all soldered. Now, ordinary soldering in the case of this delicate staple is fatal. The heat of the soldering iron, passing through the metal, leaves a circle of -melted grease round the top of the butter, and this grease speedily becomes rancid, ultimately spoiling the whole contents of the tin. Tins of her-metically-sealed butter for export ought to be closed by pressure only, or, rather, by a powerful twist or screwing motion applied to the cap or top lid. This operation can only be performed properly with the aid of special machinery, which, as I said, is to be procured in France. Development of the canned bntter industry in Australia will be woith thinking about — when the clouds roll by. • ''