KILLINGS STOPPED

Grey River Argus, 19 March 1941, Page 2

KILLINGS STOPPED

SOUTHLAND SHEEP SHORTAGE OF SHIPS [Per Press Association] INVERCARGILL, March 18. The killings at the Southland and Otago freezing works, from the beginning of this week, are being confined to fat lambs. Wethers and ewes are not being handled. This is because of pressure on the storage space at the works. The freezing chambers have been filling rapidly. This is the result of extremely heavy killings. The companies have decided that, as lambs cannot be held conveniently once they reach prime condition, and as they represent the greatest value, the mature sheep must be held in the meantime. The allocation of shipping space has been very low so far this, season. Even increased storage space at the works has been insufficient for the meat-producing industry in the province. Killings at the Southland works have been exceptionally heavy this season. The total slaughterings are many thousands ahead of last year’s figures for the same period. Last season was itself a record. Some apprehension has been shown by the Southland farmers that there may eventually be delays, or a cessation, in the killings of lambs also, if shortage of freezing space becomes more acute. The attitude of companies is that they will continue killings of lambs as long as possible. They are anxiously awaiting 'a statement from the committee at present sitting in Wellington to consider the meat export position.