A FORMIDABLE RIVAL

Waikato Times, Volume XLII, Issue 3424, 9 June 1894, Page 5

A FORMIDABLE RIVAL

By way of emphasising what is written above we may say t-liat a somewhat startling leaderette appeal's in The Grocer of April 21st, a copy ot which has been handed to us by a gentleman well-known in the dairy trade in this district. In this article it is set forth that the first shipment of Australian butt ;r consisting of H3O cases "has Arrived in London from Melbourne and is giving great satisfaction to the trade. The cheese which is of Cheddar shape is packed in wooden or skeleton cases, two cheeses in one case, each of an average of i ® about 62lbs and weighing together 1251b5, Being of excellent make, in clean cool condition, and superior to New Zealand description which has hitherto been the sole representative of colonial cheese in the English market it has been quickly disposed of and has realised 55s to 58s and 60s for straw coloured and pale qualities. These are good prices and more consignments are on the way . for this port. . , •. It is likely that the importation of cheese from Australia to England will soon grow into large dimensions and be SDurce of wealth and profit to both countries." In view of the fact that Mr Valentine speaking of New Zealand cheese having last season been the best imported into Great Britain, and that the reports of some cheese have not been favour' able this year, this, appearance of a competition which outstrips New Zealand's quality and commands a considerable advance on anything shown in New Zealand account sales is remarkable, and unpleasantly suggestive. It means that a competitor, working under adverse circumstances, has beaten us, and will prove a thorn in our sides unless we improve our quality. Is the explanation, to be found in the rfact that Mr Wilson, the Victorian Ijdairy expert,- brought knowledge andvmethods with him from Great Britain after his recent visit which New Zealand makers do not possess? purely this is not an unreasonable suggestion. But another moral appears: that the consumer is prepared to give a higher price than New Zealand makes have yet attained if •he is given the article he • wants.- • .New Zen land has greater natural advantages than the Australian colonies. What she lacks is the knowledge of bow to make use of them.—Hawera Star, i