OUR BUTTER BOXES

Wairarapa Daily Times, 19 February 1935, Page 4

OUR BUTTER BOXES

QUALITY CHALLENGED

AUCKLAND, Monday

The term “eyewash,” used by Mr C. J. Parlane, general manager of the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, last November in commenting on English criticism of lightweight New Zealand butter boxes, appears to have caused some resentment among members of the National Council of the Federation of Grocers’ Associations of the United Kingdom, with which the criticism originated.

According to private advice received in Auckland, the council of the federation at a recent meeting described Mr Parlane’s reference to the complaint as “an unwarranted insult.” It also resolved to express dissatisfaction to the High Commissioner, Sir James Parr. The council stated that in its opinion New Zealand butter packers should pay serious attention to the recommendation to use heavier boxes, and not dismiss it with a slang expression. At a meeting of the council last year Mr E. F. Gillett, on behalf of the Bristol Grocers’ Association, moved: — “That packers of butter bo asked to revert to the heavy type of box, as it is found in Bristol that butter delivered in light boxes is in a less good condition than when packed in a heavier and more substantially constructed box.” Mr Gillett said it had been found that the boxes in which butter was coming from New Zealand were a positive curse. Discolouration was caused, and the butter did not seem as fresh as formerly. He suggested that the New Zealand Dairy Board be asked to revert to the old style of box. The motion was referred to the committee.

When asked about the subject of the complaint, Mr Parlane described the statements as “eyewash.” Frequent reports had been received concerning the quality of the butter boxes used bv New Zealand producers for the British trade, he said, and these showed that purchasers of New Zealand butter were well satisfied with the containers used. No complaints had been received by the company. On the contrary, complimentary references to the type of box used had been forwarded from England.