228 Agricultural Jov.rmd of Victoria. 



spected three butter factories in the country during the year in addi- 

 tion to assisting generally at the Cool Stores. 



From those reports it will be seen that 44 })er cent, of the butter 

 and cheese factories, 10 per cent, of the creameries, and less than 

 2 per cent, of the dairy farms have been visited, and instruction 

 given. 



In addition, I gave 12 lectures and wrote l,4Go letters and re- 

 ports, giving advice to dairymen and factory managers. Almost 

 every day producers called for information on dairy subjects, as well 

 as matters relating to the export ti-ade. 



Statistics appearing in another ))art of the Journal shew the 

 volume of business transacted at the Government Cool Stores, and in 

 connection with the export of perishable products. From a trading- 

 point of view, the result of our operations must be considered 

 satisfactory, especially when it is recognised that the season for cer- 

 tain branches was a very short one. During the first four and a half 

 months scarcely anything was done, and the rent alone runs into £300 

 a week. The railway strike, and the subsequent train service, also 

 materially affected our turnover in the rabbits. Notwithstanding the 

 bad start made, the restrictions experienced, and the high rent, etc., to 

 be met, the whole business shows a trifling loss of only a few 

 hundred pounds. 



The Grading of Bdttee. 



The voluntary grading of biitter for export, which will he very 

 largely availed of this coming season, will do much to restrict all 

 phases of abuse in connection with the deterioration of butter prior to 

 export. Many factories have already signified their intention to accept 

 the offer made by Mr. Wallace last year that all who requested the 

 Department to grade their product prior to shipment would have their 

 wishes complied with. Grading for export is a national requirement 

 to-day. Every year sees the recognition of this principle by one 

 exporting country or another. In New Zealand the success that has 

 attended the introduction of grading is phenomenal. Prior to its 

 ado})tion she held an indifferent position both as regards quality and 

 her system of doing business. Her butter was shipped on consignment 

 and this, coupled with the fact that some brands were defective, 

 weakened her position. With the adoption of grading, however, 

 defects were not only immediately made apparent but driven home to 

 the manufacturers, and managers were obliged to effect improve- 

 ments. In this way the quality was levered upwards and a forward 

 business rendered possible. By a forward business I mean that people 

 can buy to arrive for months and, if they please, years ahead. This 

 will be possible for firms who have onl}^ business representatives in 

 the country without the technical knowledge of all the details 

 imperative under other circumstances. What has been the result ? 

 For next season, between two-thirds and three-fourths of New Zealand's 

 output has already been bouglit on grade in England. The buyers 

 have the protection of the Government classification, and being' 



