102 



Dairy Factories in Ireland. 



much more wholesome than ordinary fats used for baking 

 and cooking. Cocoanut butter is generally sold in square- 

 packages wrapped in parchment paper, but a small 

 quantity is sent out in hermetically sealed tin cases 

 during hot weather. It is sold throughout Germany 

 at the uniform price of 8d. per lb. The Consul states 

 that when furnished to consumers (bakers, etc.) the 

 product is coloured so as to resemble butter, but it is 

 unlawful to colour it when furnished to dealers. The 

 method of manufacture is reported to be secret, and protected 

 by patents. The kernel of the cocoanut — imported in long' 

 narrow strips, known as the "copra" of commerce — is 

 subjected to various refining processes which separate the 

 vegetable fat from the free acids and other substances. The 

 fat is then placed in centrifugal machines, whereby the 

 water, etc., is separated, and in the later stages the product 

 is stated to resemble ordinary fresh butter. A by-product 

 which is obtained is sold to the soap manufacturer. 



The detailed Irish Agricultural Statistics for the year 

 1900* contain particulars of the dairy- 

 Dairy factories in Ireland in that year. The 



Factories in num b e r of such factories is returned at 

 Ireland. 



506, two-thirds of which are in Munster. 

 Of this number, 97 are proprietary, 219 joint stock, and 190 

 co-operative. The quantity of milk supplied to these factories 

 during the year is given as over 120,000,000 gallons, besides 

 more than 185,000 gallons of cream. Inquiry has also been 

 made into the number of separators used, from which it 

 appears that these factories had 985 separators (nearly all of 

 them steam), while, in addition, 899 separators were recorded 

 as used in private establishments. The returns of production 

 show an output from the factories of 401,490 cwts. of butter 

 and 439 cwts. of whole milk cheese. In most instances the 

 skim milk is returned to the farmers. 



* Cd. 557. Price is. 5d. 



