DAIRYING PROGRESS.

Waipa Post, Volume V, Issue 212, 13 May 1913, Page 4

DAIRYING PROGRESS.

THE EXAMPLE OF NEW ZEALAND

Commenting on the conference of representatives of co-operative dairy concerns recently held in Sydney, some particulars of which have been published, the Sydney Herald says that perhaps the most vital feature of the conference was the recognition by delegates that in the exportation of superfine butter and the general improvement of the industry was to be found one of the best means of combating the margarine competition. 1 his is a view the Telegraph has put forward time after time, with the difference that it believes it is absolutely the best means. No other step will have the same splendid effect, to judge by advices from overseas and a practical survey of existing conditions. The recent meeting of a section of the London Chamber of Commerce voiced much the same opinion, and it is obvious that the large percentage of secondary and inferior butter Australia sends away is a growing menace to the whole industry and the trade of the country.

It is gratifying, the Telegraph adds, not only to learn that the gentlemen who have been so commercially successful in extending the butter business now realise hie above fact, but are also recognising that the example of New Zealand cannot be ignored. The fact of the Dominion’s marked supremacy as regards the Australasian butter export trade has been commented upon continuously for years. This is only natural, for there is no secret about that success. It is due to the enforcement of a thorough system of compulsory grading. Any unbiassed investigation of the dairying industry in New Zealand will drive home this fact beyond dispute. It is amazing, therefore, that while the conference wisely came to the conclusion that a delegation visit the Dominion, it unanimously opposed compulsory grade stamping of butter for export. An antagonistic attitude is thus taken up against the compulsory system, which, if persisted in, nullifies any good that a visit to New Zealand might do. Such a visit will be of enormous value if it is made by men who approach the subject free from prejudice in everyway, and willing to learn what is the secret of success. Otherwise it is a waste of time and utterly useless. A delegation leaving this country with set views that are not going to be changed by the strongest proof cannot possibly do any good. Its report could be made without leaving these shores. “On the other hand,” continues our contemporary, “ if an honest attempt is to be made to learn the reasons of our backwardness, and New Zealand’s progress, it is to be thoroughly welcomed In the interests of the industry. In recognising that we should be able to learn from our friendly competitor, and that there is a real necessity that we should learn, the conference is to be congratulated ; but its further attitude must create grave doubt as to whether the right steps will, j We trust it will, because the in- ! terests of the industry are far j

more important than the beliefs and opinions of any section of it, however distinguished it may be. If inescapable facts prove those beliefs to be wrong, it is imperative that there should be no hesitation in a frank admission being forthcoming to that effect. There is this much to encourage hope, the fact that there is no question, however we may differ from their ideas in some respects, that the members of the conference are united in a desire to improve the industry they represent. It remains to be seen if they are loyal enough to boldly alter certain opinions if faced with that necessity, for an honest investigation of the influences at work in New Zealand must result in that being the only alternative later on.”