THE PRICE OF BUTTER

Otago Witness, Issue 3396, 16 April 1919, Page 14

THE PRICE OF BUTTER

DAIRY FACTORIES GRIEVANCES.

CONFERENCE WITH MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE.

NEW PLYMOUTH, April 14. A deputation representative of dairy factories conferred with the Minister of Agriculture to-day regarding tho Butter Equalisation Fund, pointing out that Australia, who sold outright, received a gift of 19s, while New Zealand producers got only 17s, making £8 14s, whereas tho British Government sold for £l2 12s. The price of butter fixed locally was Is sd. It was contended that, if English consumers were able to pay 2s 6d, local consumers could do the same.

The Minister replied that ho had nothing to do with the sale by the Imperial Government. Regarding tli9 equalisation fund, all butter factories except two agreed to it. Last and all this year the sale was fixed by tho Butter Committee and not by factories. Pie was confident that in two years' time they would be satisfied. The two years', contract imposed no hardship. Neutral countries had got higher prices, but they were under nq obligation to the flag. He pro-

mised to place tho matter beforo Mr Guthrie. Mr Buchanan, as spokosman, asked for release for tho second year, so as to go into tho open market. The Minister questioned tho wisdom of that course, and doubted whether the butter factories would agree. Mr Buchanan replied that he would call a meeting of men affected, when he was assured of its cancellation.