MAKING OF BUTTER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20284, 19 April 1934, Page 11

MAKING OF BUTTER.

Strong Criticism of N.Z. Methods. New Zealand methods of manufacturing and marketing butter were criticised at a meeting of the North Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union 3 T esterda\’- afternoon. The suggestion was made by Mr D. J. Hawke that in the interests of better production the number of factories should be cut down b>’ two-thirds and that an inspector should be appointed with a view to maintaining a uniform standard of cleanliness in milking. The chairman (Mr J. D. Ilall) said that recently he had been informed b\ r a dairy factory official that cream was divided into first and second grades only for the purpose of payment to the farmers. In the manufacture of butter both these grades were mixed together, and the product marketed at the best price. “That sort of thing is over the edge,” declared Mr Hall. “We have to look after our reputation.” Mr A. Fisher suggested that perhaps harm was done in the demand for New Zealand butter through its being mixed with poor quality Russian produce before being placed on sale in England. Mr Hawke said that farmers often resented criticism of their cream b)' the dair3' factories and retaliated by dealing with other firms. This also gave rise to the promotion of other companies. In the best interests of New Zealand produce, it was- essential that the number of dairy factories should be reduced by two-thirds. Mr Flawke also criticised the methods of some farmers on the score of cleanliness. “I have seen cream coming into this city and have heard the carters, who had seen the dairies, declare that they would not eat butter made from it, said Mr Hawke. “That sort of cream is only fit for calves and pigs.” Mr Hawke suggested that an inspector should be appointed with a view to maintaining a uniform system of cleanliness. The discussion was then dropped.