FARMERS AND FAT STOCK.

Clutha Leader, Volume XLIII, Issue 92, 1 June 1917, Page 5

FARMERS AND FAT STOCK.

FREEZING SPACE WANTED. REPRESENTATIONS TO HON. W. D. S. MAODONALD. Representations were made to Mr A. S. Malcolm, M.P., on Wednesday of the 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 100Q are fat enough for the freezer. It was found, however, that no 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. 8. MacDouald): "Great destruction of feed is likely to result from the pros-, cut 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 an immediate or early shipment from the works and so make room for the cattle and save 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 next steamer available for South Island loading is the Athenic, due at Dunedin about the end of June, when she will lift 3000 freight carcases from Cb,itha Freezing Works. I greatly regret the 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 iu South Otago works that the company might consider it advisable to make arrangements for the works at either Mataura, Bluff or Dunedin to deal with it."