20 
starting Jate in the race, with a little perseverance Queensland may yet hold a 
prominent position in the London market. Another matter on which the 
farmers and dairymen of Queensland are to be congratulated is that a number — 
of samples of farm and dairy produce were exhibited by the writer at a large 
influential gathering of merchants and experts in Victoria, all of whom pro~ 
nounced them of excellent quality. The butter, after undergoing a severe test 
during the voyage, was stored for eight weeks in Melbourne, and when opened 
was found to bein excellent condition. The cheese was considered exceptionally 
good, in fact almost equal to the best brands of New Zealand. The samples of 
farm produce also were considered very good. Many of those present were 
astonished to find that such excellent products could be produced in a colony 
which was considered by a number of Victorians as only fit for cattle-raising 
and sheep-farming. 
EXPORT TRADE. 
Although the recent shipment of butter from Queensland has proved such 
a success, and to a certain extent has established a reputation in the London 
market, yet optimists must not be led away by the belief that the acme of 
perfection has been reached, or that there is nothing more to be done or learnt, 
It behoves manufacturers to avail themselves of every opportunity to improve 
their conditious and methods by putting into practice the scientific and 
practical knowledge to be obtained from the leading agricultural colleges of 
America and elsewhere. Science at present plays such an active part in the © 
industry that to ignore it means not being in the race. Some manufacturers 
who consider themselves on the top step of the ladder of perfection are far 
from it, and would do well to pay a visit to neighbouring factories, when © 
amongst other things hkely to benefit them, they would obtain a knowledge of 
the different flavours of butter and cheese. he man who is accustomed to — 
handle only the article of bis own manufacture, often acquires a taste for that — 
particular flavour, and is apt to consider it better than an article much superior, 
Others, again, are careless in preparing and churning their cream at the 
proper stage of ripeness—a most important matter. 1t also came under 
notice that amongst consignments shipped to London, in some cases, much 
neglect was displayed in the packing, handling, and branding of the boxes, — 
These may seem trivial matters at this end, but they detract seriously 
from the appearance and price of the article when placed on the market, 
One great defect in the present system, and to which the writer would 
like to draw special attention, is the irregularity of our supplies. Yo retain 
a firm hold of the London market this must be altered, and can only be 
brought about by adopting a method whereby an equal number of cows are 
kept in milk during the year round, and by feeding during the winter months, 
This is the secret of the Danish people’s success, and which has done more 
towards establishing their trade in the London market than their climate, 
-and proximity to that market, than many in Australia are led to believe. 
Under the present system in Queensland, expensive plants are lying idle for 
half the year, employees must be paid, and pro;rietors, if not actually 
losing money, get but a peor return. Were these factories kept going all the 
year round, the cost of production would be reduced, and all concerned would 
profit to a greater extent. The improvements pointed out cannot naturally be 
brought about in a day, but it is hoped that a move in the direction suggested 
will ere tong be taken. 
THE DAIRYING INDUSTRY—PAST, PRESENT, aND FUTURE. 
Until within the last five or six years the prevailing opinion was that 
Queensland would never be in a position to export dairy produce successfully, 
or compete against the southern colonies. Climatic influence was considered 
unfavourable, but the idea has exploded, and recent experiments have proved 
that Queensland dairymen are able to turn out an article equal to that 
produced where it was claimed that the surroundings were more favourable, 
At the time mentioned 75 per cent. of the dairy produce consumed in this 
