EXPORT OF BUTTER.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16810, 7 August 1920, Page 7

EXPORT OF BUTTER.

QUESTION OF DISPOSAL. DEMAND FOR FREE MARKET. A- representative meeting of butter producers was held at Inglewood on. Friday to discuss tiro position in regard to tho disposal of the coming season s output. - XUr. Arthur Morton, president or we National Dairy Association, and chairman of the Dominion Butter Committee, presided, and explained that a fortnight ago the Dominion Butter Committee had been called together to consider a suggestion by the British Food Controller to purchase at 2ios. They had no instructions to negotiate for a price for their produce, hut to press for a (free market, and they therefore felt they would have to go back to the producers and ascertain their wishes. They had, he said, been able to get the Prime Minister to send a cable to the Food Controller putting before him the views of the producers, particularly in regard to a free market. Mr. Ranford asked whether there was any iiint of commandeer on tno part of tho Imperial - Government ■ in the event of negotiations failing. The chairman said that there could be no commandeer at this end. He could assure them that the Prime Minister was sympathetic to the producer, and was desirous that tiio_ producer should get the full benefit of the market, whether a free or a 5 limited market. Mr. Hickey (Opunake) said that m pre-war times New Zealand butter realised from 8s to 10s per cwt more than Australian butter, and ho thought that they should receive the same difference now. Mr. Shotter said that the Australian price was no good to them. It would only enable factories to pay out 2s 3d for butter-fat, whereas cheese •factories at the prices offering would’ pay out considerably more. After a general discussion, Mr. Ranford (Stratford) expressed the opinion that tho Butter Committee had ed the right attitude in fighting so strongly for a free market. The butter producers felt that they had been penalised by the treatment they had received, and this would be obviated if they were given a free market. He felt every confidence in tho Butter Committee, and moved that in the event of not being able to obtain a free market the Butter Committee be given a free hand with tho disposal of the produce, while letting it remain an instruction that they use their utmost endeavours to obtain a free market. Mr. Bowler (Moa) seconded. Mr. Sinclair (Opunake) suggested that the producers should give’ some indication of the price they wisliect to receive. This should bo on the basis of cheese prices, less 2d. tho value of skim milk as compared with whey, and he 'moved an amendment in this direction. ■Mr. Sangster (Midhirst) seconded. The chairman pointed out that if the amendment was carried tho hands of the two members of tho Butter Committee would bo tied, and they would bo compelled to call a further meeting in the event of a lessor price being offered. Tho amendment rfjas withdrawn and the motion carried. Mr. Sinclair (Opunake) then moved that it bo a recommendation that in the event of negotiations being opened up with the Imperial authorities for the. sale of butter, that tho Bfitter Committee ask for a price equivalent to tho price obtained by cheese-produc-ing companies. Mr. L. Sim (Omata) seconded, and the motion was carried. It was also unanimously resolved that a telegram bo forwarded to tho Prime Minister stating that this meeting of the whole of the butter factories in Taranaki affirms the desirability of a free market being granted for butter.