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Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 199, 7 September 1894, Page 2

Tun imports of butter into the United Kingdom from Australasia during th five years ending in 1898, show the remarkable progress the industry has made, and the possibilities of expansion as enormous. The figures are as follows :

It will be seen from the above that the output from tihe colonies last year was nearly double that of the previous year, and there is not the least doubt that the trade will show a great expansion this year, at any rate New Zealand will show a substantial increase. The total quantity of butter imported into the United Kingdom last year was 2,827,175ewt., valued at £12,754,288 ; there is therefore every possibility of expansion for the colonial product, but to ensure good prices and an increased trade, quality must be studied. Fortunately our factory proprietors realise this, and every attention is being given to produce a first-class article. The prejudice of the British public is fast disappearing, so that if we maintain the quality the possibilities of expansion are great.

“ Strikes ” have been so disastrous in their effects that the question of settling industrial disputes by arbitration or conciliation is engaging the attention of Parliaments. No less than throe measures dealing with the subject are before the British Parliament, and have been introdveed by the President of the Board of Trade, Sir •John Lubbock, and tho Earl of Onslow. The grave defect in the Bill introduced by the President of the Board of Trade is that while it provides for tho submission of controversies between employers and employed to Boards of Conciliation with their joint consent, it fails to ensure the enforcement of the award of the tribunal to which tho dispute is referred. This defect is sought to be remedied in the rival measures. The associated chambers of commerce of the United Kingdom, the London Chamber of Commerce, and the Lon don Labor Conciliation and Arbitration Board, who are favorable to compulsory arbitration, recently waited on the Government urging that progress should be made with the Conciliation Bills. Tho Arbitration and Conciliation Bill, introduced by the Minister of Labor in our Parliament, is on the linos of compulsory arbitration, and is almost certain to become law this session. It remains to hr seen, how ever, what effect a compulsory clause will have when put into force. It may turn out that the cure is worse than the disease.

From the discussion in tho House on Tuesday wo begin to understand our true relation to tho State Bank. We have guaranteed the Bank of New Zealand to the extent of £2,000,000, and until tho nominee of the Govern ment takes his seat on the Board, the colony has no voice in tho conduct of the afiairs of tho Bank. Tho negotia tious that arc pending between tho Bank of Now Zealand and the Colonial Hank, and which are expected to reach a climax this week, can, it appears, proceed, and the colony is powerless to in torforo. The Bank of New Zealand oan do just as it pleases, and the guar antor of its stability has no voice in the management of its affairs. The amalgamation mayor may not be sound business, hut we fail to sou upon what equitable basis the welding can take place with the Estates Company standing in Ihe way. How is the Bank of New Zealand to wash itself clear of this? We arc in no way anxious to see the amalgamation effected. As guarantor \\e believe tile colony will suffer, therefore we are pleased to hear the. statement of the < 'oloniai Treasurer that the House will be afforded an opportunity of discussing tho projected hanks' amalgamation. The Government will find that their second attempt to legislate in tile interests of

banks will not bo so stiooessfully accomplished as thoir previous effort. The freedom with which the affairs of th j Bank of New Zealand hare been discussed in the House and the hostile attitude exhibited by some members leads us to think that any further legislation affecting banks will be carefully diasected by a competent though small body of members. Mr Bell, of Wellington, clearly indicates the line of action to be pursued by him, for he has given notice of a Bill, which has for its object the prevention of the proposed banks amalgamation except th-; colony’s consent is obtained by act of Parliament.

YEAR. QUANTITY. VALUE. 1889 l(i,415cwt. £ 75,479 1890 40,498 „ 168,738 1891 54,418 „ 270,880 1892 87,520 ,, 470,329 1893 169,649 „ 861,209