DOMINION NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 27, 29 May 1912, Page 6

DOMINION NEWS.

(Per Pre3a Association l Wellington, May 29. The annual report of the National Dairy Association states that there have been twenty-six new factories (8 butter and 1G cheese) registered during the year. Reference is made to the had effects of severe weather at the opening of the season which proved disastrous to dairy herds in many parts. The milk supply was diminishing up to December 30th to such an extent that the export to London showed considerable shrinkage. The total export to all countries up to April 30th was increased, but the development does not show the expansion that could be reasonably expected. Looking back over a period of years, the report states, it is possible to make an interesting comparison, in 1902 New Zealand exported to the United Kingdom 8295 tons of butter iiid in 1911 the quantity has risen to 15,852 tons, an increase of 91 per ;ent. In 1902 cheese was exported to the extent of 2710 tons and in 1911 it had developed to 20,256 tons, equal to an increase of 684 per cent. There s no good reason why in the next few years the progress of the period mentioned .should not lie exceeded. Referring to the future the report states that from the statistical and commercial standpoint it appears that the demand will be good and fail- prices realised. It must not, however, l)e necessarily assumed that the record prices of 1911-12 will be maintained. The outlook may be regarded as promising to the dairy farmer for some time to come.

The Department of Commerce has issued the following statement regarding West Canadian trade: "At the present time New Zealand enjoys preferential treatment on the Canadian markets, but from advices received from the New Zealand Trade Commissioners in Vancouver New Zealand shippers to Western Canadian markets evidently are either not aware of the fact or do tint understand that it is necessary for the securing of the tariff concession in question to invoice goods on special forms provided by the Canadian Customs. The failure of some .Yew Zealand shippers to comply with the requirements of the Canadian Customs in this respect is causing inconvenience and annoyance to their agents ami customers in Canada. Copies of the Canadian invoice form may be seen at the office of the Department of Agriculture, Commerce and Tourists, Wellington, or at the Chambers of Commerce in Auckland, Wellington, Christchureh, Dunedin, New Plymouth and Napier. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward returned to Wellington by the Maunganui today.

A conference of delegates of automobile associations this morning decided that it was desirable to form a union of all Automobile Associations in the Dominion. A committee was set up to draft rules for rubmission to the various associations. The object is to secure legislation providing amongst other things lor the enforcement of careful and considerate driving on the part of all motorists and due observance of the rules of the road by everybody ; that no person be allowed to drive without a license; and that steps be taken to

make it compulsory for all vehicles to light up at dark. Auckland, May 29. A man named Ernest Shires was killed while working in the bush at Manunui. The Norwegian barque W>liinlatta, from New Caledonia bound for Glasgow with ore, put into 'Ahipara short of provisions. Half of the crew deserted. It is reported that the rest of the crew will not obey orders. Thereis danger of the vessel being driven

ashore if the wind changes. The captain is liable for £IOO per head for the men left ashore without them passing the education test. The Norwegian Consul is endeavouring to send a crew from Auckland. Whangarei, May 29.

The employees of the Northern Coal Co.'s mine at Hikurangi struck today as an outcome of a difference wit!; the management respecting weighing. There are indications that the difficulty is adjustable. Wanganui, May 29. At the Police Court this morning Albert Larson was sentenced to three months' imprisonment on a charge oi false pretences. Larson had taken a subscription list alleged to be in aid of the sufferers in the Titanic disaster and representing himself as a constable.