THE LOWER DAIRY PRICES

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1931, Page 16

THE LOWER DAIRY PRICES

DECREASE IN CONSUMPTION. MORE INTENSE COMPETITION. '“The butter market, after showing signs of a revival when England went off the gold standard, has again sagged badly,” states a report just issued by Joseph Nathan and Company, Limited. The report states the dullness of the markets is shown by the decreased c ° n " sumption. Since the beginning of tober the weekly deliveries had been considerably lower than those of the corresponding period in 1930. Heavier shipments from New 'Zealand, Australia and other countries had affected the demand and it would appear that buyers were reverting to purchasing only if? I** 1 ** hand-to-mouth.” Another factor which was probably influencing the position was that France had prohibited imports in the meantime, thus diverting additional quantities of foreign produce to the British markets. It was expected that this restriction would be lifted at the beginning of next month. Imports of butter into the United Kingdom from all sources had continued to increase. Mr. F. J. Nathan, managing-director of Joseph Nathan and Company, Limited, who recently returned from a visit to 'England, said the position in Britain, as regards New Zealand buter and cheese, was not as bright as he would wish. “Just so far as butter is concerned, said Mr. Nathan, “we simply must realise that competition is keen, and is likely to be much keener in the future. Competition iti rife from other countries, and the quality of their product is improving all the time. 'I am. convinced, however, from the study I made of the market, that there is ample room for us, provided always that we send to the market the quality that the market demands.” . . Mr. Nathan said there was a decided and growing feeling in favour of patted butter, and when the marking order came into force it would have a beneficial effect. The position would need watching, because of the popularity o patted 'butter. He thought it would pay New Zealand companies to get together for a combined advertising scheme to further their interests. Referring to cheese, Mr. Nathan said the quality of the Dominion produce placed on the English market was not up to the standard of that exported a few years ago. Some of the cheese was certainly of good quality, but much of it showed serious failures on arrival at London. The greatest care would have to be taken and much patience exercised before New Zealand regained ite old position on the market. . *The only bright spot I can visualise is the fact that Great Britain, has taken steps toward a tariff protection, which, in my opinion, will combat to some extent the unemployment, so rife at the moment,” said Mr. Nathan. “Given more employment there will be a 'better demand for our produce. It is extremely doubtful whether Great Britain will ever place a tariff against foodstuffs, but with a revival of trade in Great. Britain we must have a reaction in this country.