THE BUTTER MARKET.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144131, 28 June 1913, Page 2

THE BUTTER MARKET.

There would appear to bo excellent prospects before nutter makers of the Dominion lor some time to come, for Australia is threatened with something like a butter famine. According- to tho Sydney Morning Herald it is tlia opinion of the loading butter merchants oi Sussex Street that the whole Commonwealth is about to experience one of tho most severe butter famines in tho history of the trade, and that before many weeks have elapsed choicest brands will be commanding 140 s or 142 s per cwt. The heavy duty imposed on imported butter precludes New Zealand from supplying that market except the price goes up very high indeed;- and even if there were no duty there is no great surplus hero for export at this time of tho year. But tlio fact that supplies are so short in Australia is an indication that there will bo little to export from there early in the forthcoming season, and that should help materially in maintaining values when the market for the colonial article opens in the spring. During tlie past month supplies irom tho coastal dairying districts of New South Males have fallen off at an alarming rate, and districts which ordinarily supply Sydney at this time of tho year are now'forced to draw upon Sydney for their local requirements. In previous years, too, when there has been a shortage in Now South-Wales, either Victoria or Queensland has been able to fill requirements. This winter all three butter-producing States are in the same plight. Melbourne stocks are apparently exhausted, for orders from there are being placed in Sydney, while it is understood that Brisbane supplies are barely sufficient for local wants. The chances are, therefore, that tho early spring make of butter in Australia will bo absorbed in the Commonwealth and that Loudon will be the more eager to take early New Zealand consignments.