THE BUTTER TRADE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8829, 12 July 1890, Page 3

THE BUTTER TRADE.

The following review of the Australasian butter trade with Great Britain in 1890 has been compiled by H. Trengrouse and Co., London :—: — " This season has been a very disappointing one to all concerned. Early in the year first arrivals sold fairly well, although quotations for European were from 15s to 20s per cwt. below thoso of last year, but only a small proportion of the total imports could be .designated as of fine quality, and most of the parcels answering to that description went off in flavour shortly af cer delivery from the steamers, causing dissatisfaction to consumers which might feasibly confirm the theory suggested by us last year, through our representative in Australia, Mr Meadows, that the refrigeration chamber is not the most desirable medium for the conveyance of butter, and that freezing should be discontinued, a temperature of 35deg. to 40deg. being likely to show a more saleable condition upon arrival. When frozen, butter appears to lose its keeping properties very quickly after exposure in shops, and indeed before the packages have been opened, notwithstanding that they Jiavo been] kept iin ,cool warehouses upon this side, the trouble being considerably aggravated by such phenomenal mildness as wo have experienced here during this year. In regard to secondary grades great difficulty has been met with in finding buyers at fair prices in consequence of enormous supplies from all the European and American sources, which have ruled at very moderate figures, as already indicated. In the United States, similar climatic conditions having prevailed, very heavy shipments have been made from thence to London, sadly tending to aggravate an already demoralised market. ' Although values of Normandy have rallied during the last few days' to the extent of several shillings per cwt there has not been any additional attention bestowed upon secondary Australian or New Zealand, which move very slow indeed at from 50s to 60s, down to 455, indicating very unsatisfactory results to shippers and importers. " The chief lesson to be learnt therefrom is the necessity of exparting only the finest grades, manufactured upon the Factory system, as, except in seasons of great scarcity, inferior qualities are more than likely to result in loss. " Packages are an important feature, and kegs containing from*6olb to 701 b are thought to be much superior to boxes, and are more capable than the latter of being made air-tight. Of course if boxes can be made thoroughly air-tight they have the advantage of stowing better on the steamer. "Some brands have been seriously prejudiced by the development of a ' fishy flavour/ which may possibly have been imparted by inferior salt. The cause, however, should be promptly investigated, with a view to prompt removal. "It has been amply demonstrated that the antipodes can supply us with most excellent butter, and with the improvements for transit which should shortly be attained it cannot fail to occupy the position it deserves in the English market. May Ist, 1890. COMPARATIVE PRICES. January, January, 1889. ' 1890. Finest N Zealand... 110s, 126 a 100s, 110s Secondary do. ... 90s, 100s 70s, 80s Present nominal quotations of Australian and New Zealand, 40s, 50s, and practically unsaleable, whereas fine would command 80s to 90s. Danish, 108s, 112s ; Dutch, 86s, 90s ; Normandy, 100s, 120s (scarce)."