8 July, 1908.] Review of the Dairying Season igoy-S. 



439 



riie above proves that in almost every case the sample deteriorated most where 

 no preservative was added at the time of manufacture; in conne.xion with the 

 samples to which preservative was added in varying proportions, that with 0.5 per 

 cent, kept the best ; the others showing deterioration in proportion to the variation 

 in the percentage of boric acid used. 



The addition of saltpetre appears to have given negative results. 



The samples of pasteurized butter kept better than the unpasteurized where no 

 j)reservative was used. 



All these samples are being kept till seven or eight weeks old when they will 

 be again scored and appraised, and the results made known. 



Cultures. 

 Some 116 pure cultures were issued by the Department from the 

 Bacteriological Laboratory at the University, 72 to butter factories, and 

 44 to cheese factories. The fact that those who received them ordered 

 subsequent supplies regularly is considered as evidence that they proved 

 satisfactory. 



Pasteurization. 



Unfortunately, the staff is not large enough to permit much personal 

 instruction being given during the height of the season, officers being 

 fully engaged in inspection.al wotIc at the Port, but as soon as supplies 

 slackened off, they were despatched to the country to afford factories 

 benefit of their advice and experience, and give demonstrations in the 

 pasteurization of home separator cream. Everywhere the results were 

 successful and appreciated. In most instances, the proprietors of 

 factories would not permit the temporarv plant installed to be removed. 

 It is somewhat a drawback that the present season is so slack, manv 

 factories having practically suspended operations. Whilst such is the 

 case, attention will be mainly directed towards those now in work. 



New Developments. 

 With a view to expanding trade, particularly the export of butter, the 

 ^linister of Agriculture subsidized a line of steamers so as to provid*^ 



