FREEZING WORKS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 December 1940, Page 3

FREEZING WORKS

CANTERBURY SEASON OPENED, j [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] / CHRISTCHURCH, December 10. Canterbury freezing works opened to-day when the first killings of the season were made for export. Most of the works were working on the first day below their capacity, and indications are that unless there is a continuation of the exceptionally hot spell of weather, there wili be no great rush of lambs to the works before Christmas. The lambs that came in yesterday were of better quality than they were in the early part of the season last year, and were a littel heavier, 'a reflection of the abundant and good feed that has been available this year. Mid-Canterbury draftings are, however, reported to be a li +f, e disappointing. Where farmers ex-» pected first drafts of between 200 and 300, they have been able to manage only 150 or so. This does not apply in North and South Canterbury, where expectations were fulfilled even- with" light drafting. The works report that they have been able to get enough labour, but there is some apprehension about the effect of future ballots for territorial and overseas service. Many new men have been engaged, and for a little while this will slow down the production of the works. The smaller draftings of fat lambs will in this way enable all departments of the works to get into their stride before the heavy work of the season starts.