Untitled

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 239, 25 December 1888, Page 2

FROZEN MEAT PROJECT. The leaders of the frozen meat movement are certainly to be complimented on the energetic way in which they have set about their work, and Mr Nelson’s speedy arrival proves that he is a thorough man of business. Though we are not even yet altogether satisfied with the arrangement, we have too much consideration for the general interest of the district than to do other now than urge the thing on. It is very bad policy for Mr Nelson to make aspersions on another company and assert that it would no doubt be glad if the arrangements of his company were to fall through, and it is also a piece of extraordinary information for him to tell us that the other company could not give the farmers as good terms, because it was unable to arrange as to freights. Indeed, the inference we take from it is that Messrs Nelson Bros.’ plan of competing with an opponent is to establish for themselves a monopoly which, in the same ratio that it excludes opposition, must place disadvantages in the way of shippers. However, no matter how that may be, Mr Nelson said many things which he might much better have left unsaid, for what is intended as a general explanation may leave a false impression upon the mind—and convey the exact opposite of what was intended. But to continue arguing about such matters would appear to be losing time in quibbling, and therefore we must express an earnest hope that matters will be pushed on as speedily as possible. Mr Nelson’s candor is astonishing in some respects, but it increases our admiration of him. He plainly tells the sheepfarmers that the firm has arranged for a certain amount of freight, which they would have to pay for whether they utilised it or not, and they looked to the sheepfarmers of Hawke’s Bav and Poverty Bay for assistance. Well, if in assisting the firm the farmers were assisting themselves, by all means let them do so, and it certainly appears better to accept the offer than to lose the opportunity. Many minor objections might be raised, but matters having gone so far we think it advisable that the proposal should be offered every support. Any terms almost would be more profitable than to allow things to continue in the disorganised way they have been doing in past years, and it is evident that there must be unity on some project if the district is to advance. Mr Nelsbn’s promise with regard to the erection of freezing works in the district is a satisfactory one, and assures us that they are not merely consulting their own convenience—or rather that they would not be consulting their own interests if they intended depending on the hulk alone. Mr C. Evans is to be thanked for the way he has interested himself in the matter, and in whatever way things are brought to a head, all must agree that Mr Evans has done great service, to the district by the persistent manner in which he has followed up the matter for years past. We may have differences as to the best means of attaining the object sought, but all must agree as to the advisability of the object itself.