426 Jounial of AgricuUiire, I'ic/oria. [lo July, 191 t. 



I have not been able to procure the highest actual average price realized, 

 but expect it to be in the neighbourhood of iios. a cwt. In computing the 

 value of the total butter exported the average is placed at 105s. for the 

 season. Considering the great increase in exports, this compares well witii 

 II2S. for last season, 112s. for 1908-9. 115s. for 1907-8, and loos. for 

 1906-7. 



Towards the end of the season, when the price hovered in the vicinity 

 of 1 00s., many dairymen were somewhat pessimistic, but thev may be 

 reminded that this season followed three of the most phenomenal in regard 

 to high prices. Hence, by comparison with recent seasons, rates which 

 appear low, when contrasted with those of many years ago, are most satis- 

 factory. It is surely better to have 25,000 tons of butter for export, with 

 a selling value of ^2,666.000. than only 15.000 tons with a value of 

 ;^i,68o,ooo. 



The quality of the iDutter has been favourablv comme^nted upon from 

 abroad. 



Grading. 



Judging liy the few complaints received, factory managers are satisfied 

 with the verdicts awarded the butter. In a couple of ca.ses, however, 

 brooded grievances have recently come to light. I would like every factory 

 manager to immediately write when he considers that he has any grounds 

 for protest, so that an opportunity may be given his agent or representative 

 to see the butter on his account. The city factories a\'ail themselves to the 

 full of the privilege of reviewing the graders' decision with the result that 

 a much better understanding now exists than formerly. 



From the London importers' point of view complete satisfaction has 

 been given, and quite recently one authority remarked that our Government 

 grade certificates were now regarded on a par with Bank of England notes. 

 Another stated that, although his transactions during the past season 

 assumed very large figures, he had not received a solitary complaint. 

 He made forward sales on a gradually falimg market, and buyers lo.st 

 up to I OS. per cwt. Thus, if there had been the slightest weakness, he 

 concluded that it would have come to light. Only one complaint was 

 received from London. Upon in\-estigation, this was found to be ground- 

 less. 



It has recently been pointed out that brands should be cloaked whilst 

 the butter is being graded, so that the grader may not be even unconsciously 

 biased. Attempts have been made to do this on different occasions. It 

 uas only possible to do so when the quantity of butter to be examined 

 was very small, say, at the beginning, or towards the end of a season. 

 When the number of boxes requiring examination became numerous, the 

 work of cloaking proved too cumbersome. 



In grading butter it is necessary, in addition to its flavour and texture, 

 to take into account its condition, for which points are awarded. Condi- 

 tion covers packing, finish, and general appearance, so that the parcels of 

 butter have to be seen as a whole by the grader when awarding points, or 

 determining the grade. The top of the butter is usually stamped with the 

 name or trade mark of the manufacturer, so that if the brand end of the 

 boxes were hidden, the purpose in such instances would not be served. 



Considering the magnitude of the business, the decisions queried have 

 been very few. If received before the butter was shipped, every facility 

 was afforded the manufacturers or agents to see it in company with the 

 grader. 



