DAIRFING. 197 



We hear tlie question frequently asked, ''Is there not a prohahilitv 

 of the thing being overdone in these colonies?" and grave doubts are 

 expressed as to the wisdom of further extension, lest pricrs will bt'comu 

 unremunerative. I see by the report of the Colonial Consignment 

 and Distributing Company, Limited (London), dated 27tli December, 

 1895, that the United Kingdom imported during 1895, 1:37,840 tons of 

 butter, of which the Australian Colonies and New Zealand together 

 sent 15,250 tons, or about 11 per cent, only; whilst of cheese the 

 imports within the same period were 104,855 tons, of which Australia 

 and New Zealand contributed 4,(365 tons, or near 4i ])er cent. only. 

 We see no reason why we should not secure a much larger share of 

 this trade; in fact, Ave intend to do so. Our present competitors, 

 Denmark, Sweden, France, Holland, United States, Canada, Kussia, 

 Germany, and Belgium have advantages over us in much quicker 

 transit, with very low freights, and cheap skilled and careful labour. 

 But we have equally good or better opportunities on other lines. 

 Whilst they have to house and feed their cattle on hay and other 

 expensive foods for six months in the year, we have usually such 

 genial climatic conditions that abundance of rich succulent fodders 

 may be grown at all seasons, and throughout the year the cows are 

 never taken off their pastures. 



Besides those now in work, thousands of acres of rich lands are 

 available, at very low rates, to be brought into the industry, and we 

 can remuneratively produce at prices much lower if need be, than have 

 been hitherto obtainable. The greatest factor, however, in our favour 

 is that of our seasons being the opposite to theirs, the time of our 

 greatest and easiest production, is the time of their scarcity, with 

 increased costs and values. Still, it is not wise to be too optimistic, 

 and whilst we are confident that a large and remunerative trade may 

 be done by us, we must not overlook the indications of increased efforts 

 on the part of the aforesaid countries to retain their markets; and also 

 that we are likely to have a dangerous rival in Argentina with her 

 great economic advantages, to be followed by Cape Colony with cheap 

 lands, black labour, and only half our distance from market. 



Keen competition and increased production mean receding prices, 

 and, notwithstanding the favourable position in which our dairymen 

 stand, by reason of their natural advantages, it is well to look and 

 decide how lower prices may be met without reducing the net returns 

 to the producer. Year by year we have improvements in the mechanical 

 appliances of the industry, in its working methods, and the extension 

 of co-operation on broader lines ; but beyond these we require more 

 scientific and technical knowledge amongst our butter and cheese 

 makers and factory managers, and it is necessary that all such 

 should undergo a special course of instruction to qualify them for 

 such positions. The old days of " rule of thumb " work are over, and 

 these men, like officers in a great army, must be scientifically trained if 

 they would be of equal skill with their opponents. At the Hawkes- 

 bury Agricultural College such a course of dairy instruction is given, 

 both scientific and practical, and it is gratifying to record that students, 

 having passed through this course, are now holding responsible posi- 

 tions in connection with dairy manufactures. Respecting our dairy 

 farmers, it should be said there are large numbers who thorouglily 



