708 Journal of the Department op Agriculture. 



Export of Butter and Cheese. 



Eeferriug to the question wliicli has arisen regarding the 

 advisability of permitting the export of butter and cheese, the 

 Superintendent of Dairying states that as an ontconie of the past 

 drought and other material drawbacks, prices i)aid to the farmer 

 for cream and milk were far in excess of those reasonably obtained 

 in fairly good seasons, added to which wages had increased and also 

 the cost of manufacturing the raw products into butter and cheese. 

 Therefore, the consumer had to pay a higher price for the finished 

 article, though the difference between tlie wholesale and retail prices 

 of these commodities needs adjustment — a matter outside the 

 province of the Department. 



The high selling prices caused a decreased consumption to the 

 extent of at least 50 per cent., compared with previous years, and 

 an outlet had to be found elsewhere for surplus stocks. Payments 

 to farmers for milk or cream are made monthly by the jnnchasing 

 bodies, and, if they cannot dispose of the manufactured products 

 locally, an alternative must be found, in order to ensure regularity 

 in such monthly payments, and at prices consistent with those 

 obtained for the finished article. This can only be accomplished by 

 permitting the manufacturer to dispose of his wares to the best 

 advantage. 



With reference to cheese, it is pointed out that the world's 

 markets for this commodity are entirely open, and manufacturers in 

 the Union are faced with a world-wide and keen competition, yet 

 notwithstanding, more than 50 per cent, of the known surplus stock, 

 after allowing for local requirements, is being withheld from export 

 to meet any unforeseen local demand, though such is not anticipated. 



The position regarding the export of butter is also clear, for 

 only 25 per cent, of the stocks in the Union will be permitted to be 

 exported, and even assuming that the export of this quantity proves 

 to be excessive, provision has been made for supplementing stocks 

 from elsewhere, so that there need be no fear of a local shortage. 



Control of Locusts. 



At the recent coufereuce of the Orange Free State Agricultural 

 Association, a resolution was passed " that this conference appre- 

 ciates the very satisfactory results acliieved in connection with the 

 extermination of locusts, and urges the (jovernment to make every 

 endeavour, in view of the approach of the breeding season, to locate 

 and destroy any possible new swarms before they reach the flying 

 stage." We are pleased to say that the Division of Entomology has 

 been keeping the situation under keen observation and is ready to 

 deal with any developments. Large stocks of locust poison have 

 been prepared, and these together with the necessary pumps, are 

 now distributed and held in readiness for use at convenient centres. 

 Special inspections have already been made of areas where trouble 

 may arise, and altogether the public need have no apprehension of 

 the Department being found in a state of unpreparedness. But the 

 Department looks to the farmer for his co-operation. When voet- 

 gangers are seen and egg deposits known of, the mlatter should 

 immediately be reported, so that the occurrence may not be over- 

 looked. In this manner the farmer may be the eyes of the Depart- 

 ment and help very materiallj' in controlling the locust. 



