EAST COAST FREEZING.

Auckland Star, Issue 154, 2 July 1934, Page 4

EAST COAST FREEZING.

TOKOMARU BAY KILLINGS. Killings of fat stock at the Tokomaru Bay freezing works during the season just closed showed a decrease on those of the previous year, but the total in sheep equivalent was the third largest during the past 10 years, Sheep decreased by over 27,000, while lambs were fewer by more than 10,000. Cattle increased by 855 and calves by 113, while pigs showed a great increase to 612, or 10 times the number slaughtered the previous season. The increases in cattle, calves, and pigs, however, were insufficient to compensate for the large decline in the number of sheep and lambs. One of the reasons for the decline in sheep and lamb killings was the poor fattening conditions early in the season, while the markets for store sheep were so attractive that there was an increase in the numbers sent out of the , Coast districts. In addition, the improved prices of wool caused farmers to prepare for the building up of their flocks in preparation for an even better season in 1934-35. In spite of all these circumstances operating against the freezing works, the killings 'were the third best on a sheep equivalent basis since 1923. The cool chambers at Tokomaru Bay have been kept reasonably clear, and the last of the frozen meat, totalling about 40,000 freight carcases, is scheduled for loading on the liner Rangitiki on July 17.