DAIRY SUPPLIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1930, Page 8

DAIRY SUPPLIES.

The interesting-statistics in regard to the quantity, and distribution of dairy produce in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States are remarkable in more than one direction. Incidentally it may be said that the Dairy Control Board is rendering the industry considerable service by the provision of this important information. Three facts are plain. The first is that except in the United States stocks of dairy produce in the Dominion and its principal markets were considerably, heavier on October 31 this year than at the corresponding date last year. The second is that butter supplies to England from Australia, Argentine, Denmark and the Baltic States have shown a large increase in the last twelve months, the first two countries named having doubled their exports during that period. As regards cheese, there was little increase, and of this New Zealand had its fair share. The third and most important feature of the returns is that they prove conclusively that Great Britain is to be the only market for the

Dominion’s output. The Canadian market has been practically closed by the new tariff, and the few hundred tons imported in other countries besides the United Kingdom are scarcely worth consideration, except perhaps as an indication of future markets to be developed. .The heavier stocks of last, season’s, produce in hand in New Zealand as well as in British stores do not make the outlook for the present season any better, though it has to be remembered that the Christmas period is usually one of heavy consumption. With retail prices low, though these do not appear to have the effect upon household consumption that was once experienced, there should be an increase in retail trade next month, thus enabling absorption of stocks and of the larger output from this country that is how going forward. A perusal of the trading figures forces the conclusion that the one market New Zealand must study to meet requirements is that of Great Britain. The Dominion’s rivals are doing their best in this direction both in regard to manufacture and to systems of marketing. They have the advantage of proximity to the London market and are sparing no expense in their selling organisations. Against this New Zealand has natural advantages of climate and soil that should make the quality of her products the finest in the world and of a nature to suit the requirements of the British consumer. The idea of political aid to extend Dominion sales in . the Homeland must, in view of the recent Imperial Conference, be ruled out of practical discussions. It is upon quality and suitability that New Zealand must rely if her export trade is to flourish.