H—3o

BUTTER AND CHEESE TRADINGS

Note.—Owing to the diversion of supplies of butter and cheese in 1942-43 and later seasons to the Allied Forces in Pacific Area, a correct comparison between gradings for the 1942-43 and later seasons and gradings in previous seasons is not possible. EFFECT OF THE RATIONING EMERGENCY REGULATIONS AS APPLIED TO BUTTER AND CHEESE Butter The butter ration has remained unchanged during the year ended 31st July, 1946, consumption being limited to 6 oz. per head per week. The estimated annual saving of 14,000 tons has proved of definite assistance to the people of Great Britain, where the consumption of all fats is still severely restricted by rationing. Cheese Sales of cheese on the local market continue to be restricted to the levels of sales in the 1942-43 season. PRODUCTION OF DAIRY PRODUCTS IN NEW ZEALAND DAIRY FACTORIES The following figures are taken from the Census and Statistics Department's publications :

Total Quantities of Butter and Cheese produced in New Zealand Dairy Factories (Factory Weights)

PROCESSED MILK In last year's annual report reference was made to long-term contracts concluded with the United Kingdom Ministry of Food for the exportable surpluses of skim-milk powder and evaporated milk for the four years 1944-48. Prices were fixed for the two years 1944-45 and 1945-46, and thereafter subject to annual review.

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— Butter (Creamery). Cheese. Tons. Increase or Decrease on Previous Year. Tons. Increase or Decrease on Previous Year. Per Cent. Per Cent. 1945-46 103,977 16-93 (decrease) 88,185 14-048 (decrease) 1944-45 122,352 19-96 (increase) 95,548 11-787 (increase) 1943—44 101,992 4 • 60 (decrease) 85,473 11-735 (decrease) 1942-43 106,947 3-504 (iacrease) 96,837 36-738 (decrease) 1941-42 103,326 25 • 90 (decrease) 153,074 28 • 74 (increase) 1940—41 139,444 4-61 (increase) 118,899 26 • 90 (increase)

Season. 1 Creamery Butter. Cheddar Cheese. Whey Butter. 1945-46 .. 123,972 94,530 2,737 1944^5 151,637 103,675 3,030 1943-44 .. 133,650 .92,149 2,747 .. 139,083 102,846 2,908 .. 129,854 157,659 3,910 .. 161,809 122,370 3,355