A USE FOR SURPLUS MILK.

Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 72, 15 October 1872, Page 2

A USE FOR SURPLUS MILK.

Thb manufacture of condensed milk appears to solve the question of what ought to be done with oar surplus milk. The subject is attracting attention in England, and it is certainly worthy of being well considered by every one who wishes the well-being of the dairy and fanning interest. The report states that there is only one factory in England where its manufacture is extensively carried on. The English market is mainly supplied from three sources:—lst. The English company at Aylesbury, before mentioned; 2. The Anglo-Swiss company at Cham, in Switzerland; and 3. The Irish factory at Mallow. The demand is far in excess of the supply. It cornea upon the market in sealed tins, and is gradually bi - coming a common article of household consumption, being in reality far purer and better than the so-called fresh milk sold in cities. The process, which is a very simple one in theory, consists in extracting by condensation, in vacuo, about three-fourths of the water naturally contained in the milk, and the residuum, of the consistency of thick syrup, is rendered semi-solid, and effectually preserved by the addition of a certain proportion of refined sugar. This preparation ia then hermetically closed in tins, and, thus protected, will keep sound and sweet in all climates for an indefinite time; and even when exposed to the air, will not suffer deterioration for several weeks. After more fully describing the process of manufacture, the report goes on to state that tho Anglo-Swiss Company sells now about 300 tins per month, and could sell more if they could produce it. The principil shipping companies use it in their boats. Each tin contains the equivalent of rather more than half a gallon of good milk. The price per tin is Is 3d; the co3t of the tin Id. The price of the condensed milk, when diluted with five quota of water for useis 6d per quart. About one-third of a pound of loaf sugar is used for each tin; and the net profit on the production, after paying all charges for manufacturing, freight, agency, &c, is said to be about Is 6d per gallon of milk. Tke present prices at the English, Company's establishment at Aylesbury are as follows: —For case of 4 doz lib tins, 7s 3d per dozen, or 29a per case ; for case of 8 doz £lb tins, 3s 9d per dozen or 30s per case. These prices are in excess of those quoted at the beginning of the year. If the dales and particulars given in the memorandum are correct, it suggests the question—Might not we in this co?ouy find the manufacture of condensed milk a more profitable industry than many which are now pursued in the present state of our markets. A large demand for it exists in England and America, and there cannot be a doubt that in India and China, and Japan a most profitable and extensive market would be found for this concentrated preparation of milk. Wβ think the subject deserving of the serious thought of the colonists, and we are glad to know that some enterprising men are disposed to add this new industry to those already established in New 2feaJantL.