L Juny, 1902.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 31 
grows much quicker than other cereals, is highly recommended. If these are not 
required for feed at the moment, ensilage can always be made, and thereby provision 
obtained against the proverbial “rainy day.” 
The chief cause of the deterioration in our butter is, however, mainly the result 
of the introduction of the “home separator.” Until the year 1898, the work of 
separating the cream from the milk had been mainly done at large skimming stations. 
A station was established in a closely settled district, and the milk from the 
surrounding farms separated daily. By this means a regular, even quality of cream 
was obtained. .Jhis eream was despatched daily to the factory, and the manufacturer, 
by having the cream to hand fresh, was able to produce a quality of butter which was 
not excelled anywhere. Our product was received with favour on the London 
market, and, if this high quality could have been maintained. the success of the 
export business was assured. Unfortunately, a new system sprang up—to wit, the 
establishment of See on the farms—which, altering-as it did the quality of 
eream—firstly, by the different degrees of density at whichthe separation took place ; 
secondly, by the length of time the cream was held before despatching to the 
factory; and, thirdly, by the conditions under which the milk was separated—has 
given those manufacturers. who have the welfare of the industry at heart many an 
anxious moment. Under the old conditions, 400 to 500 lb. of cream of an even 
degree of density would be despatched daily from a skimming station. To-day, 
this quantity of cream would probably be made up of from nine to ten suppliers, 
each man’s cream being of a different degree of density, and the age of the 
cream varying from one to seven or even ten days. The establishment of numerous 
factories has rendered competition so keen that any cream is accepted, and full value 
ispaid The factories which have attempted to stem the tide of disaster have found 
‘their suppliers deserting them because they would not pay full value for inferior 
cream, and have had, unfortunately, to fall in with the majority, and treat ‘all 
conditions of cream as of the, same value. 
In very few cases are proper dairies constructed on the farms in which to place 
the cream awaiting transit, so that it has to lie amidst the most unsanitary conditions, 
absorbing bacteria of the most harmful description. Realising that the home 
separator has vome to stay, 1 only mention these points to show in what direction an 
improvement is required. 
Our experience, however, is only that of the sister States, and it is to be hoped 
that we can take a lesson from their book and profit by their knowledge. In those 
States we find Dairy Acts have been airanaeedt working upon somewhat different 
lines, but with the one object in view—viz., the improvement in the products. In 
Queensland our Dairy Act only covers the largest towns and affects principally those 
dairymen who supply milk for home consumption. What we want here is an Act 
compelling, first of all, the registration of every person who disposes of dairy produce 
in any shape or form. An improvement in the milking sheds and yards, and separator 
house, and the condition of the pig yards, together with the erection of a suitable house 
to hold the produce awaiting transit to market, should be insisted upon. 
Absolute cleanliness is decidedly essential, and the milking of diseased cattle, after 
instructions have been given to destroy the same, should be deemed a criminal act. 
Dairymen should not be allowed to keep cream longer than two days before despatching 
it to a factory. : | 
These are a few of the most important points which require immediate attention, 
and, if an Act covering these were to be wisely and strictly administered, the ultimate 
success of the industry would be well assured. Under such an Act, inspectors for 
various districts would be appointed, whose duties would be to inspect all dairies and 
cattle, and to rigidly enforce its provisions. hey would, of course, require some 
veterinary knowledge in order to detect diseased cattle. 
' An excellent way of conveying information to the dairymen is by means 
of lectures illustrated by lantern views showing the various changes which take place 
in the raw material under different conditions. Lectures might also be given in the 
State schools, and the rising generation taught the right method of starting the 
industry. . Tied 
I sincerely trust the Government will introduce an Act during the coming session 
dealing with this vast industry, and that in framing the Act they will carefully gather 
information from the producers and manufacturers. They. are able to give the 
information necessary for the successful framing of such an Act, as they will realise 
the difficulties to be contended with ard suggest, the best means of remedying them. 
‘Since the above paper was written and sent to the Department of Agriculture, 
the returns [for the export“of dairy produce for the year 1901 are complete and 
