CO-OPERATION AND THE DAIRY FARMER 9 



hibiting the export of butter. And while in 1914 the 

 Union production was only 10,682,000 Ibs., in 1915 

 it had risen to about 13,470,000 Ibs., an increase of 

 2,750,000 over that of 1914, while in 1916 we began 

 a smalLexport trade for the first time. This increase 

 and export were not all owing to the war, but were 

 largely due to the fostering care of those who have 

 given their time and energy for developing the 

 butter industry. When the war broke out they 

 began to reap the results of their untiring and 

 ceaseless energy. During the 1916-17 season 

 the export of butter had risen to 1800 odd tons, 

 but for the next two years there was a serious 

 decline. The 1919-20 season saw a great scar- 

 city of butter in South Africa, owing to the after 

 effects of the influenza epidemic and by reason of 

 a drought and caterpillar plague during the grazing 

 season. No butter was available for local trade in 

 the usual manner, consequently there was none for 

 export. Prices touched a fabulous value which the 

 consumer could not afford to pay. 



With that remarkable power of recovery which 

 our country possesses things soon became normal, 

 and for season 1920-21 there were about 600 tons 

 available for export. The season 1921-22 has 

 commenced under good conditions, and given a 

 continuation of normal conditions there will be about 

 75 % f the whole Union production available for 

 export. 



