EXPORT OF CHEESE

Otago Witness, Issue 3275, 20 December 1916, Page 10

EXPORT OF CHEESE

CONCERN IN THE TRADE. TROUBLE REGARDING FREIGHT SPACE. (From Our Own Cobbf.spondent.) WELLINGTON, December 15. From inquiries made concerning rumours that have been current during the last day or two it anpears that the cheese manufacturers and exporters are in a state of considerable concern about their business, the reason being the very serious shortage of freight space for their produce. It is said that many of them are concerned about the prospects and would now be much more content if the Government would take over the cheese output at a rate which they would have rejected with entnusiasm a couple of months ago. This difficulty about space was mentioned at the time tho Imperial Government's offer to purchase was rejected, but it was then believed by the cheese men that there would be more ships available this season than last season. That forecast, which it is understood camo from agents in England, has not turned out a good one. There is more than a possibility that the cheese producers and exporters will apply to the Government for relief. .„ , Their position will very soon become precarious unless ships are available Cheese is a product which cannot be held in store for a long period. It does not merely deteriorate fit becomes worthless. In this respect it is even more dangerous to hold than butter. In other ways the cheese men are being hit. They do not know all about the English requisition in England, and they fear that the return from that compulsory trade will be less than the market rate that promised to rule for the season. While thev are getting an uncertain return, or (on" the unexported cheese) no return at all they have still to pay the Government the Id butter-fat levy, and it is conceivable that this payment, with regular payments to suppliers, may lead to embarrassed finance, because no money can bo obtained for cheese in the ordinary way until it is shipped. Oat crops have already been harvested in the Gladstone and Clareville districts (Wairarapa).