CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8123, 27 March 1888, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

YET MORE ABOUT BUTTER. TO THE EDITOR. Sib, — Mr Brash has shown one side, and " Audi Alteram Partem " virtually says " hear the other side on tbia subject of bo vital an importance to the bulk of the community. 1 ' I Bay, hear all Bides, Bince wo cannot hear or learn too much about oar staple commodity. " Audi Alteram Partem " appears desirous of discounting Mr Brash's remarks and the success of the more enterprising farmers. That bugbear, the risk of the market, is aa nothing ' when examined, in fact it is a very microscopic bug and the bear a shadow. I would ask " A.A.P.," MDo not the farmers take the risk of the market when they 801 l their stock, their wool, their potatoes, or their fungus ? Then why on earth should they not take the risk of the markets on butter ? Last year's transactions could not be beaten for disaster. Many only cleared one farthing per lb.; some had to pay excess of costs over returns. This year one may say all have sold their butter. I venture to say all are fairly satisfied. This yenr the market ib comparatively clear of butter; suppose the same thiug occurs next yeai, in the Bame ratio. Then take the occasional chance of Sydney drying up ; what would then be the price of butter and stock ? The self-reliance and independence which are generated in the hearts of the farmerß by this course are priceless. Then as regards poor Mr Mynott, for anyone can see at whom the fourth paragraph is aimed, I contend Mr M. is far moro to be pitied than the farmer, and he truly was the farmer's friend, when he took their butter at a price above the market prioe, allowing goods to be taken to any amount when they bad no cash, and an unsaleable article. Whether Mr Mynott was a friend to himself is another matter. The " survivors who are still carrying od," are not compelled to take anyone's butter, it is quite competent for them to Bell only for cash and refuse credit, and it is quite competent for them to take butter to sell oa commission, or, if they choose, give a small advance, and charge interest on same, on sales being effected. On the other hand, the farmers must see that it is perfectly absurd to expect the storekeepers to carry on business in a spirit of philantrophy, that they should take all the risks and the farmer aone. As regards where would the farmers be if all the dealers declined to take more butter ? 1 answer, they would be exactly in the position of those farmers who have long been dealing at the Co-operative Stores. They would have to enquire for markets themselves; and live economically until returns come. It in hard to beign with, aB economy always is, bo are all forns of self-denial, and like all others, impalatable, bat wholesome and satisfactory in the long run. — I am, &c., D. A. Aruowsmith.