DAIRY PRODUCE TRADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2258, 10 June 1897, Page 6

DAIRY PRODUCE TRADE.

Wellington, June 2. Mr H. Gray, lately dairy produce surveyor in London for the Government, who came out by the lonic as representative of Messrs Lovell and Christmas, aays that one of the weakest points in the trade is the stowage in ships, which must be improved. The people are not doiug enough here, whatever may be said to the contrary, and do not realise the way in whioh produce is treated aboard »hip. The irregularity with which shipments arrive was also most vexatioue. Mr Gray does not mince matters in regard to tho authorities at this end, " What I want to say," remarked Mr Gray, " is that the Government man in London must be supported from this side. I enjoyed exceptional opportunities for the inspection of work at tho docks, and perhaps many people in New Zealand do not know that I had five years' training for the business while with Messrs Coey and Co. before I entered the service of the Government. But whilst I had theseexcellent opportunities, where were the reports and advices I should havo received from this side as to shipments leaving New Zealand for London. Not a word. I had to flad out everything for myself When the vessel arrived there was no advice as to how the cargo was stored, nothing as to the weather oi: temperature at the port of shipment, or as to the distance whirh the produce travelled before shipment, or any other of these points. All those things had to be learned at the port of arrival from the officers — tho very last persons one had any right to expecb to gen the information from." Commenting on the shipments of dairy produce, Mr Gray Haid : •' The irregularity with which shipments of New Zealand butter arrive in England is a perfect; scandal and disgrace. It ia impossible to get value for the produce if it arrives in a way absolutely unsnited to the convenience of the customers." The matter of shipment at this end seems also to have been neglected. Butter has been stowed with mutton in the 'tween decks, and chopsa has actually been put in the ship'a bunkers " Yet," aays Mr Gray, " this butter wai Buppo?ed to have beea shipped in accordance with the rules. Ido not koow where the rules are which required it. to be frozen." Mr Gr&y has also paid a gcod deal of attention to the frozen meat trade. He found it to be the practice all .over England to sell Auntralian and River Plate mutton under the name of the New Zealand article. The condition of affairs may be fumtned up in his own words :—": — " The name of New Zealand mutton sells Australian and River Plate " Staying at a hotel in Cardiff he fouod a River Plate joint described as New Zealand meat. He ficut some New Zealand mutton to tho landlord, who, after sampling it, was delighted with its quality, and insisted upon having New Zealand mutton for the future.