QUALITY OF HIDES AND SKINS SAID TO HAVE DETERIORATED

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 April 1949, Page 9

QUALITY OF HIDES AND SKINS SAID TO HAVE DETERIORATED

(P.A.) INVERCARGILL, April 27. Deterioration in the quality of hides, bobby calf skins, and lamb and sheep pelts received by tanners from freezing works and abattoirs was alleged at the annual conference of the New Zealand Tanners’ Association at Queenstown. Fifteen delegates reported widespread deterioration through lack of care and attention in the butchering and flaying of skins at slaughterhouses. There were some killing points where pride was still taken in the removal of the hide, but hides from most slaughterhouses were seldom free from cuts and flay marks, it was stated. "Numerous complaints have been received from overseas concerns importing New Zealand skins,” said the president (Mr T. G. Tomkins). “Unnecessary financial loss is being incurred by producers; also overseas Lunds are being jeopardised. New Zealand tanners have as the main aim the. production of the highest quality leathers for many essential ourposes. It is imperative therefore that the gravity of the present position be fully realised by freezing works and abattoir employers and employees alike, and that every effort be made to effect a much-needed improvement in the quality and general get-up of hides, pelts, and calf Officers elected were: president, Mr Tomkins (Dunedin); executive, Messrs E. A. Astley and J. A. Lee (Auckland), S. G. Bow-ron and W. M. Ollivier (Christchurch), H. L. Longbottom (Dunedin) and Dr. H, C. Holland (Auckland).