Loading of meat for Iran begins

Press, 6 December 1979, Page 2

Loading of meat for Iran begins

PA Ashburton The first cargo of frozen lamb killed by Muslim slaughtermen is likely to •leave New Zealand for Iran on December 14, said a spokesman for Borthwick’s, the company handling the $lOO million contract with Iran, yesterday. • Mr Brian Freeman said ■that loading of the halal meat started yesterday afternoon. ' ” Provided there are no further hold-ups we hope the ship will leave on December 14,” he said. At present the ritual kill is being done at five works throughout New Zealand, including the Fairton works near Ashburton and the Islington works at Christchurch. “Our main problem at present is that there has not been enough meat killed to fill the cargo.” Mr Freeman said. “At present we have 1500 tonnes and we are keeping a close watch on the amount lulled daily. “Once sufficient North Island supplies are loaded, the ship will then load the balance at Timaru." ;The original departure date for the ship was December 7. Mr Freeman said t!)e Iranian meat organisation was “a little concerned that we have not met the contract on time.” “However, they still want the meat. The contract is quite safe although the delay has meant that we will have t(j negotiate a new shipping ; programme.” •Mr Freeman said present; intentions were for the halal; kill to begin at the Pukeuri works, near Oamaru, and the; Alliance, Ocean Beach, and’ Southland works next week. i ;