Margarine in Demand—But Copra

Growers Won't Profit!

rE comparatively high price of but ter and the comparatively low price of copra has brought about a very rapid increase in the use of margarine throughout the world and it was reported in Auckland in the middle of July that the growing sales of margarine were causing uneasiness among dairying interests in New Zealand.

A report from London dated June 6 says that since the ration of butter in Britain was increased to 8 ounces per head per week the margarine trade had gone flat, but other reports from Eng land say that although there has been a falling off in the demand for margarine, preparations were being made to meet an increased demand that was expected in July and August.

Another British commentator said that when butter is sold at from 1/- to 1/2

per lb. there is little demand for mar garine, but when butter goes beyond 1/4 per lb. there is a marked swing-over to margarine.

However, the position does not seem to make any difference to the South Seas planter. The situation is completely in command of the Unilever combine.

If there is an increased demand for margarine and greater profits from the handling of coconut oil the profits clearly go into the pockets of the mar garine trust —they do not by any chance find their way into the Pacific.

Mr. Tom Ellis, Junior, married Miss Freda Mathieson at Wewak, New Guinea, recently and travelled by plane to their home at Maprik.

Mr and Mrs. W. Johns, of Bulolo, T.N.G., have been receiving congratula tions on the birth of a daughter (at the Wau Hospital on July 6).