CHEESE FOR LOCAL MARKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1934, Page 6

CHEESE FOR LOCAL MARKET.

A matter of considerable importance to dairymen is dealt with by a remit from the Mokoia-Whakamara branch of the Farmers’ Union adopted at the meeting at Hawera yesterday. The remit requests that all dairy produce for local marketing be subject to Government grading, and in discussing it several delegates alleged that cheese of an inferior quality is often foisted on to the local markets at a price which undercuts that of the better quality article, making sales of the latter a difficult matter. In view of recent developments in England it is more than ever necessary not only that the standard of New Zealand dairy produce should be kept uniformly high but also that every possible avenue of new sales should be explored and developed. Of the potential markets New Zealand itself is one of the most important, and if increased sales of butter, cheese, milk and cream can be effected it should be of material benefit to the dairying industry. With the quality of milk, cream and butter supplied to the local market little fault can be found, but with cheese it is a different matter. Many a Taranaki housewife will say that the cheese offered by the grocer is often not attractive, though perhaps she is not able to say exactly where the fault lies. The fairly frequent requests by shoppers for South Island cheese indicates that there is something in the complaints voiced at Hawera yesterday. It may be that lack of maturity is the chief cause of complaint, but whatever it is the position needs remedying. If sales on the Dominion market are to grow quality and a taste to suit the consumer are of first importance. A prejudice against local cheese undoubtedly exists, and it is essential in their own interests that the cheese producers should take immediate steps to remove it. Whether the method suggested by the Mokoia-Whaka-mara farmers is the best one is a matter for the experts to decide, but the Farmers’ Union is to be commended for setting the ball rolling. :