National Dairy Association. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2556, 11 March 1903, Page 33

National Dairy Association. TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, — I noticed in the report of the South Island Association's conference at the Bluff that one of the southern exporters had brought under the notice of members present the unsatisfactory coastal shipping arrangements that have existed during the present season. Mr Tothill, of Invercargill, who brought the matter tip, suggested a remedy by hiving a special train to take the butter to Lyttelton, •which would, no doubt, if arrangements could Ikj made, prove satisfietory U> the South Island. The Northerr Association, however, view the matter from a broader point of view, and that is to induce the U.S.S. Company to fit up certain, vessels, and especially those trading to Australia, with refrigerating machinery, Eo that not only one port but the whole of the colony would be served, and the trade With Australia carried on under very much better •uspices than it is at present.

The latter association has an arrangement irith the U.S.S. Company for butter shipped at Onehunga and New Plymouth for ocean steamers to be carried in insulated chambers, but in order for the butter io arrive in Wellington in good condition it requires to be fcoz^i to ft much lower, temceraiuie Hum. waiild

be necessary were the vessels fitted up with refrigerating machinery, and consequently less expense incurred by the factories. My executive have approached the company with a view to having butter carried to Australia in vessels fitted with refrigerating machinery, and no doubt the late disposal of four of this company's steamers is but a preliminary step to having new ar.d up-to-date boats for this purpose. As the matter is one of importance to al/ parties (producers, mrnufacturers, and importers) engaged in the industry, as well as for the credit of the co'ony that one of its staple products should be landed in the best possible condition, I would suggest the uniting of all interests in attaining this desirable end. —I am, etc., Francis Shaw, Acting Secretary. Nationnl Dairy Association of New Zealand (Limited). Wellington, February 39.