ICE-CREAM DAMAGED

Press, Issue 29236, 21 June 1960, Page 13

ICE-CREAM DAMAGED

Company Blames Railways “The Press" Special Service DUNEDIN, June 20. Allegations erf damage to icecream and frozen foods during transport to Central Otago by the Railways Department have been made bv the manager of the Dunedin Ice-cream Manufacturing Company, Ltd. (Mr J. M. Hay). He told the No. 10 Transport Licensing Authority (Mr J. T. Schriffer) that the rail service was inadequate. The company’s goods were regularly returned as being unfit for sale. The Authority reserved his decision on the company’s application for a vehicle authority to transport ice-cream and frozen foods in a refrigerated vehicle. The application was opposed by the Railways Department, represented by Mr C. McDonald. Mr T. N. Johnston appeared for the company. Mr Hay said that his company was dissatisfied with the rail service. Special vans which the Railways Department called refrigerated were only insulated and could not keep temperatures low enough for safe cartage. The company secretary (Mr M. Dunn) said that the rail service was rarely used in the winter. If the licence was granted, rail would serve to transport goods in small quantities. Commenting on the condition of goods which arrived at the holding depots at Cromwell and Alexandra, Mr Dunn said: "I am sure a lot more of our ice-cream would be condemned if the Health Department could see it. We have to leave these decisions to emoloyees when they should, in fact, be made by us. ‘‘We want to maintain the quality of our products. On this basis rail is much inferior to road transport.” said Mr Dunn. For the railways. Mr G. F. Dunn, dispersal agent, said that the department was willing and able to carry frozen foods. Rail was used for large and small quantities. He said the Insulated waggons had been tested and it had been found that there was little rise in temperature.