FARMERS AND FAT STOCK.

Bruce Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 43, 4 June 1917, Page 4

FARMERS AND FAT STOCK.

FBEEZING SPACE WANTED. 3EPBESEXTATIOXS TO HON. W. D. S. MAiODON'ALD. Representations were made to Mr A. b. Malcolm, M.P., on Wednesday of tbe loss that is likely to ensue through the destruction of feed for stock by flood water and silt. On the Island alone there are at present between 3000 and 4000 head of cattle on turnips, and of these about 1000 are fat enough for the freezer. It' was found, however, that do space was available in the South Otago Freezing Works, and Mr Malcolm's good offices were asked to secure an early shipment to make room for the beef. Mr Malcolm accordingly sent the following telegram to the Minister for Agriculture (Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald): "Great destruction of feed is likely to result from the present phenomenal flood. Over 4000 cattle are on turnips, 1000 of which are ready for the freezer. The Clutha Freezing Works, however, are fully occupied. Can you arrange for ah immediate or early shipment from the works and so make room for the cattle and 6ave very heavy loss?" . The following reply has been received from the Minister: "Your, telegram re shipping received. I have conferred with the Overseas Shipowners' Committee and am informed that the Whakatane is now due at -Port''Chalmers and lifts 9000 freight carcases from Balclutha works. The other space in. this steamer is already allotted. The jiext steamer available for South Island loading is • the Athenic, clue at Dunedin about the end of ,Juue, wheu ehe will lift 3000 freight carcases from Clutha Freezing Works. I greatly regret tbe shortage of shipping prevents anything further being done. I suggest that if great loss is likely to arise by keeping stock over owing to shortage of storage space in South Otago works that the company might com eider it "advisable to make arrangements for the, works at either Mataura, Bluff or Dunedin to deal with it."