FREEZING WORKS AND COOL STORES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23743, 15 September 1942, Page 4

FREEZING WORKS AND COOL STORES

“COAL SUPPLIES MUST BE MAINTAINED” (P.S.S.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 14. The stoppage of coal production in Waikato mines is being viewed with concern by the managements of large industrial establishments dependent on those sources of supplies. The reactions on the dairying industry as to the disposal and preservation of produce were discussed by representatives of the industry. Mr A. G. Brown, managing director of the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company, Ltd., said that his company had stocks of coal sufficient only for two weeks’ operations at the King’s wharf cool stores and the freezing works at Southdown and Horotiu. “Now that the new season’s butter is being received in progressively large quantities as production advances, it is imperative that supplies of coal be maintained for its preservation in cool stores,” he continued.' “Unless coal become available in sufficient quantities a serious position will arise. The value of dairy produce at the three works varies from £2,000,000 to £5,000,000, according to the time of the year and the shipping position.” To enable reserves of coal to be built up and drawn upon in the busy killing seasqn when normal supplies would be inadequate, the company had built concrete pits at the Horotiu and. Southdown works capable of storing 10,000 tons, said Mr Brown. This method was necessary to arrest the deterioration of Waikato coal, which Is rapid when it is kept exposed to the atmosphere. Because of the shortage of coal supplies over the last two years the company had been unable to accumulate stocks, and even at the height of the season had never more than a few weeks’ requirements. In spite of the utmost endeavours, it had been found impossible to build up reserves. An official of the Westfield Freezing Company. Ltd., said that his works were now drawing on reserves, which at the most were sufficient for only three weeks. Other establishments are said to be in a similar position.