FREEZING SEASON

Evening Star, Issue 23128, 30 November 1938, Page 7

FREEZING SEASON

WORKS OPEN NEXT MONTH GOOD RETURNS EXPECTED POSSIBILITY OF BUYING COMPETITION Seasonal activities are slowly coming into their own, and it is anticipated that the, Otago freezing season will open on Thursday, December 15. This date is not quite definite, and a great deal will depend on the weather that prevails in the next fortnight. Should the unsettled conditions continue a slight delay may occur. _ The lambing season in the district has been a fairly good one, although it is expected that there will be a decline of 3 or 4 per cent, on last year’s returns. It is more difficult to estimate whether there will be an increase or a decrease in the number of sheep sent in for killing, so much depends on the incidence of culling. The number oi wethers culledi out each year varies considerably. The season opens with the killing of milk lambs, which are first drawn from more coastal districts. The season for milk lambs is a lengthy one in Otago, extending into February, the reason being that Central lambs are usually some weeks behind the coastal lambs. In most other centres there is a slight delay between the killing of milk lambs and those that come off the grass, but it is rare for any such delay to be experienced locally, as grass-fed lambs start to come in as the milk lambs lessen in supply. ' Drafters and buyers will be commencing their work any time now, and they may possibly extend their operations into Southland, although it is believed that the number of sheep and lambs obtainable in Otago will be sufficient for the season, despite the anticipated slight decline. The last two or three seasons have been variable, in accordance with the vagaries of the weather. Last year was exceptionally good, but the year before returns were down.

There is a possibility that some of the Otago lambs may be railed to the North Island', where the season has been poor. It is reported that representatives of northern freezing companies intend operating in the south, but no official confirmation was available this morning. No difficulty is being met with in regard to obtaining services of men for killing, the Burnside works advising that most of these who have been employed in previous seasons are returning again this year. ' , In order to cope with increased production the Burnside works have made various extensions over the last few years, and there is to-day a very full accommodation. It is not likely that any further extensions will be necessary this year.

The works at Pinegand and at Oamarn should begin their season about the same time as the local works, while the Southland companies are hoping for a slightly earlier start, possibly on Monday, December 12.