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16 ‘ QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Jan., 1898. 
Since the inception of the creamery and factory system, progress in 
dairying in all its branches has been rapid; creameries and factories, co-opera~ 
tive and proprietary, are to be found in every district where a sufficient supply 
of milk is procurable. In numerous instances the co-operative system ig 
superseding the proprietary. 
Previous to the introduction of the factory system, there was no inducement 
offered to the farmer to carry on dairying. There was no suitable storage in 
which to carry over the surplus summer production, and, consequently, prices 
were so low that the pure milk in many cases was fed to pigs. Now that we 
are in a position to supply the markets of the world, we have no need to fear 
a lower price than 7d. per lb. for butter, and for some time to come prices will 
even exceed 7d. per lb. during the plentiful months. These prices should be 
sufficient inducement for the farmers to combine dairying with agriculture. 
Prices in the London market this year have been somewhat higher than 
usual, owing, no doubt, to the demand being greater and the exports from 
many places being short of previous years. 
During the first week in November this year, Victorian butter was sellin 
in the London market at 104s. per cwt., Danish 108s., and New South Wales 
100s. 
_ If the Queensland dairymen are desirous of obtaining the highest prices 
in the London market, they must first of all adopt a system of regulating their 
herds so as to have the cows coming into milk in the early spring. The month 
of August is a favourable time. 
At present the annual value of the whole dairy produce of the United 
Kingdom sold off the farms amounts to £32,4.93,000, or one-sixth of the whole 
income of British agriculture. In addition to this, twenty millions a year are 
paid for foreign dairy products. I think I am very near the mark in stating 
that the British production of dairy produce is developed to almost the limit, 
and the demand is ever increasing; and it remains for Queensland to keep y 
a good reputation, which can only be maintained by adopting better methody 
than are now adhered to in many cases. Serious neglect is noticeable in 
numerous instances, which is sure to militate against success. 
Milk is being delivered to creameries in bad condition, the men in charge 
(in some instances) use no judgment in taking delivery, and, to my own know. 
ledge, receive milk which should be thrown into the pigs’ trough. Milk igs 
carted to the creameries without any protection whatever from the sun’s rays, 
and we all know that any bright material (not porous) is a conductor of heat, 
Cream is also being carted to railway stations in the same manner, and in 
many cases left on the platform for hours without any protection from the 
weather. I have also known cream to be kept for two days before being 
delivered at the railway station, and by the time it reaches the factory it is 
three to four days old, and not in a fit condition to be converted into a 
marketable article. Newly calved cows’ milk is also delivered to the creamerieg, 
There are numerous other matters that I could mention, and which are like] 
to affect the industry. If those engaged in the business expect to uphold a 
reputation for Queensland dairy produce in the world’s markets under existing 
circumstances, they are very greatly mistaken; and as there is no supervision 
over the sources of milk supply, Iam ata loss to know how we are to oyer- 
come the difficulty. : 
In classifying butter for export, I found some excellent samples which 
were nicely packed, and well prepared for the market; and this, to say the 
least, is very creditable to those who prepared it. In other cases a great deal 
of neglect has been displayed in salting, packing, branding, &c., and the 
general appearance was in no way attractive to buyers. I found it necessary 
to reject some samples not only for bad packing but also for bad quality. 
T find the majority of shippers in favour of Government supervision over 
the export trade, for without the Government brand, the agents here and else- 
where wil! not advance against jthe butter, which means that the companies 
with small means could not pay the farmers for their milk until the returns 
