THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 October 1930, Page 6

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

The news of the slight improvement in the London prices for New Zealand dairy produce is very welcome and warrants the hope that the bottom of the depression has been readied. At the same time comes the intimation that the Empire Marketing Board has granted a subsidy for four years to the Massey College Dairy Research Institute for the investigation of troubles that are affecting cheese, particularly the condition known as. "openness.” That the value of scientific research is recognised in Tai’anaki has been clearly demonstrated. The institution of the dairy research laboratory at Hawera was only made possible by a federation of dairy factories; and the value of that institute to the industry is now fully admitted throughout the province. At Massey College good work is in progress, and with the necessary funds assured for the next few years research that nftist necessarily take some time to 'complete can 'be undertaken without fear of its interruption by lack of money. So far as the scientists are concerned there is no fear of any lack of keenness, but it is essential that the rank and,file in the industry should show equal enthusiasm for the improvement of the exportable products. Tomorrow there is to be a meeting at Hawera of those interested in the dairy industry. It is to be addressed by the chairman of the Dairy Produce Board, Mr. W. A. loins, who will tell his hearers 'of his actual experiences in Great Britain with those who buy the Dominion’s dairy produce. In particular he will deal with the question of standardised cheese, about which such differing opinions are held. It is a sub-, ject upon which it is easy to dogmatise but not quite so easy to' be wise. Advocates of the immediate prohibition of standardising are inclined' to overlook the fact that there were complaints from Great Britain that Taranaki aut-umn-made cheese was “sticky,” the inference being that there was more fat in the cheese than consumers desired. Just now many are blaming the hightesting dairy cow for the troubles of the eheesemaker in the autumn months. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that there may be other causes. Pasture management is comparatively df recent origin in Taranaki, and it may be that further research will show that chemical agents not now recognised are having an effect upon cheese, for it must be remembered the trouble seems more acute in Taranaki than in any other part of the Dominion. However, the causes of the troubles are for experts to seek x and to solve. What is important is that suppliers themselves should show their interest in the inquiry. It is to bo hoped to-morrow’s meeting will not be left entirely to factory directorates. They have tremendous responsibilities and the problems they are called' upon to handle are often graver, than suppliers have any knowledge of. When a. matter so important as the suspension or cancellation of the standardisation regulations is to be discussed it behoves as many suppliers is possible to hear for themselves the reasons for and against any action that may be proposed. Unless they do they cannot complain if a decision which they think is arbitrary is taken either by the State or by their own directorates.