The Daily News FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1932 STUDY THE MARKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 March 1932, Page 6

The Daily News FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1932 STUDY THE MARKET.

Three important addresses were given at the conference of Taranaki dairy factory managers on Wednesday. They were given by experts, they dealt with proven facts, and they contained advice for the future which the dairy industry will be wise to apply. Mr. F. ’J. Nathan spoke from the point of view of the distributor of New Zealand * butter and cheese, Professor Riddet detailed the findings of scientific research, and the Director of the Dairy Division (Mr. W. M. Singleton) indicated the scope of new regulations and the attitude of the State authorities in regard to the manufacture of cheese. Each of the three speakers was actuated by one purpose only, to bring about an improvement in the quality of Dominion exports, and with that improvement better returns to the dairy farmer. Mr. Nathan spoke with special authority. He has recently visited Great Britain, his interests are largely concerned with the dairy industry,, and he spoke from actual experience of the condition and reception of New Zealand butter and cheese in the United Kingdom. His strictures upon a certain amount of both products were sound. They hut confirm the conclusions of all who have made an honest and extended effort to find out the attitude of the British merchant and consumer towards Dominion products. All such investigators agree that the position is anything but satisfactory. Three facts are unmistakable; the first, that Great Britain is practically New Zealand’s only market; the second, that competition for that market becomes fiercer every year; the third, that Denmark has succeeded in producing a butter that is liked and desired by the British consumer and therefore can command a higher price. Proximity to the British market is an advantage the Danish producer holds. Against that in New Zealand’s favour are the smallness of the dairying area available and the long European winter. Other Baltic countries are developing on Danish lines, and if ever, trade with Russia becomes normal a still more formidable competitor for the British market will have reentered the lists. As it is, supplies from Russia are rapidly increasing and the quality of the butter shipped is improving all the time. If New Zealand is to retain a firm footing in the British market, and without it the dairy industry faces ruin, she must do as her competitors, study that market’s and even prejudices, so that the commodities supplied may be those desired by the consumer and not those the producer here thinks he ought to ■desire. All that he said about butter was emphasised still more by Mr. Nathan in regard to cheese. In cheese production Canada has forced ahead in both quality and

quantity. The Baltic States are beginning to experiment in cheesemaking, and exports from Australia are improving all the time. Unfortunately New Zealand cheese has lost ground in the only market capable of absorbing the Dominion’s output. A few years ago it was on a par with Canadian in regard to quality and price. To-day the older Dominion’s product brings a much better price and is sought for by the market, while New Zealand cheese is neglected or purchased as the n second best.” Fortunately the need for improvement has been recognised. Professor Riddet was able to show from scientifically prepared data certain methods by which improvement could be achieved. The outstanding point of his address was the importance of a good, clean raw supply to the successful manufacture of cheese. Given that and what the professor called “sound manufacturing methods,” a well matured and palatable article would result. Mr. Nathan put the matter more plainly when he said that restriction of hours by Arbitration Court awards had proved mischievous to the Dominion. Chemical processes cannot be controlled by false economics, except to their detriment, and it is now generally admitted that undue haste in order to limit hours of working has done much to bring disaster upon the dairy industry. The importance of good raw material is the justification of the proposed regulations which Mr. Singleton explained. They are to make compulsory the grading of all milk supplied to cheese factories. Mr. Singleton admitted that to do so meant a considerable addition to the factory staff’s duties, and that it was essential that the tests applied should have the confidence of the supplier and of the factory manager. The regulations are to be given a trial, and upon the experience gained their final form will be decided. The position of the industry is undoubtedly serious. To improve it will need the fullest co-operation of supplier, manufacturer and distributor. All must work with one end in view. The requirements of the market must be studied and re-studied and its wishes given the fullest consideration. Imperial preference may help New Zealand exporters. On the other hand it may quicken competition in sister Dominions such as Australia and Canada. Whatever opportunity political action may afford, the teaching of all who know their subject is the same. It is that the supplier who best suits the market will get the trade, and, what is more, will also get the price.