Chathams talks

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32902, 28 April 1972, Page 3

Chathams talks

(From Our Own Reporter) CHATHAM ISLANDS, April 27. Plans to continue the Chatham Islands meatworks at Te Awatea under Government control for at least 10 years were advanced today. After inspecting the meatworks, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Highet) and the secretary of the department (Mr P. J. O’Dea) had more talks with members of the Chatham Islands County Council on this and other subjects. The meatworks is in receivership pending a firm Government decision.

Mr Highet found it fully employed today under the management of Mr A. Clark. The last of the season’s lamb was going through, and a start was made on hoggets. The works are delivering a modem-style pre-cut package of ready-cut joints. The works have sufficient lamb and hogget to last until the end of May, and sufficient beef to last until August. Packages were being loaded in the Holmdale until she was driven from the Waitangi wharf by heavy weather today. Because of lack of equipment, meatworks waste was disposed of by burial, although marginal island land was in need of fertiliser, said Mr Clark. This point was well taken by Mr Highet.

Candidate.—Mr C. L. S. Kirby, a senior wages clerk, aged 46, will contest the St Hilda seat for the National Party in the November General Election. He was selected in preference to Mr L. G. Anderson, who represented the party during the last two elections. Mr Kirby came to New Zealand from England in 1954.—(P.A.).