Hawke's Bay Herald SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1868. MEAT PRESERVING—THE FROZEN PROCESS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 929, 28 March 1868, Page 2

Hawke's Bay Herald SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1868. MEAT PRESERVING— THE FROZEN PROCESS.

It is well, in the depressed condition of the stock-owners of New Zealand, and this part of it in particular, that our wealthy neighbours of Victoria and New South Wales have taken the initiative in the great question of the export of meat. Experiments in meatpreserving involve a . heavy outlay, such as can only be incurred by a wealthy commuuity j and we are pleased to see that both the colonies named are treating this matter in such a way as to show that they fully appreciate, its vital importance. This colony, while vitally interested in the result of the experiments now going on in Melbourne and Sydney, is not in a position to do much on its own account : a long course of misfortune has. crippled the means of its settlers j but, although thus compelled, in a sense, to " bide the time" of their Australian fellow-colonists, they would willingly, we are sure, co-operate to some extent in any great and united effort. Not long ago we transferred to our columns the report of a meeting held iv Melbourne to consider this subject. Mr. Hughes, at that meeting, advocated the process of preserving in tins ; and the letters subsequently received by him from the Duke of Edinburgh as to the quality of the preserved meat used on board the Galatea, impress the public mind as to the value of that process. One thing is in its favour, namely, that it can be carried out without delay. The process is well known, and is perfectly simple ; so much so that, as formerly stated by us, the Hawke's Bay Boiling-down Company contemplate making this a brauch of their operations.

Another public meeting has been held, on this occasion in Sydney, with the object of considering a different system of preserving — that known as Mort's freezing process, but which, as explained by that gentleman, is a misnomer, the real inventor being a Mr. Niccole, a New South Wales colonist, and native of France. We this morning give the proceedings of that meeting, also of one subsequently held, at which a report was submitted by the executive committee to the general committee. From that report we learn that £2,900 had then been subscribed towards carrying out the experiment of sending home a ship load of frozen meat, principally in a few large sums. The business transacted during the month had been mostly of a preliminary character, but the committee expressed themselves as having every reason to hope that they would shortly be in a position to fulfil their portion of the arrangement with Mr. Mort, this depending, we may presume, on the prospect of a sufficiency of money being subscribed. The hon. secretaries are said to have communicated with the sub-committees in Victoria and Queensland, but the journalists of those places have not heard of one being formed at either. New Zealand does not seem to be mentioned. The illness of Mr. Niccole had unfortunately delayed Mr. Mort in his preparations, but the machinery was, nevertheless, iv a state of forwardness j and it was expected that the first portion of the meat would be ready for shipment in June, and that about ten tons could be put on board each day until the receiver is full. Thus, the ship is not to sail, even if there should be no unforeseen delay, before July. . The general committee is to meet once a month, just before the departure of the mail, and report progress, so that the people in England may know when to expect this very important cargo.

We feel satisfied that, had New Zealand beeu communicated with, subcommittees would readily have been formed at its principal towns, more especially those which are the outlet of a stock-groyving country. As it is, its settlers will watch with the deepest iuterest the proceedings of the New South Wales committee, and the progress of the experiment. Whether successful or not — although of this there would seem to be little doubt — the thanks of all Australasian colonists are due to Mr. Mort for his publicspirited conduct in reference to this great question.

Stamps wjth a Vengeance. — We happened, a day or two ago, to see a deed, the stamps on which amounted to £47 10s.

The Granite Block, subscribed for by the Presbyterian congregation, to be placed over the last resting place of the late Mrs. Barclay, has now arrived in Auckland, and will reach Napier shortly.

Later News from Sydney was due in Auckland when the Ahuriri left, by the s.s. Egmont. She was supposed, indeed, to be signalled as the Aburiri was steaming down harbour ; so . that, in all probability, the Star of the South will bring us definite news of the reported attempt to murder the Duke of Edinburgh.

English Mails. — The Panama Co.'s s.s. Lord Ashley is due in Napier to-morrow (Sunday) with the English mails via Suez and Panama. Should the Auckland portion of the Panama mail be on board, the Ashley will steam northward the same day; otherwise, 'she will not leave until the following day (Monday).

The Military Rifle Practice terminated on Thursday forenoon, having continued five days. The proximity of the target to the main road, and the fact that the passage of the bullet was parallel to it, raised some apprehension for the safety of passers-by. One case occurred — that of a man carting for Capt. Russell — who was hit by a piece of lead, and had his skin grazed. The ball, in this case, had probably struck the target and split into pieces, one of which diverged to the right anrl crossed the road. This was pretty close work, and might have caused accidents, especially where skittish horses were being driven. As, however, the firing is now over, it is hardly necessary to say anything more about it.

The Late Accident. — The boy Robert Willis, who lately sustained so serious an injury, is doing remarkably well. He is comparatively free from pain, sleeps well, and enjoys his food. But the lad, however well his recovery may go on, is, by the loss of his right arm, rendered unfit for manual labour during the remainder of bis life, and must turn his attention to some employment of a light nature — of a mental rather than a physical character. For this purpose, education is necessary ; and his stepfather, however willing, is not in a position to pay for it. It has occurred to us that this boy's case is one eminently fitted for consideration by the charitably disposed residents of Napier, who might, without any very great effort* raise and invest such a sum as would yield, annually, enough to pay for his education in a superior school. Perhaps our musical amateurs, who are ever forward in any good work, will think over the suggestion we have ventured to offer. -

Pubmc Works. — Tenders are invited for the following works in the Meanee district : — lst., for metalling about 20 chains of the North road, between the racecourse and the Meanee Bridge ; and 2nd, for metalling about 45 chains of the North road, between Messrs. Peacock's and the bridge over the Salt-water Creek. These works — so urgently required before the setting in of wet weather- — will be paid for out of an advance granted by the manager of the Bank of New Zealand on security of the toll dues. No other funds were available, and the suggestion made in our columns was acted upon by the Deputy Superintendent, who evinced a sincere desire to do all he could under the circumstances. Tenders are also invited for making 80 chains of tlie Upper Beach road, between Napier and Tareha's Bridge. This will be the commencement of a fine road, which, commencing at the end of the present White road, will be continued on to Tareha's Bridge. Being of considerable width, quite level, and with a view of the sea throughout its extent, it will form one of the best carriage drives in the colony, and will give the Napier people, what they have not hitherto had, something to pay toll for without such payment being accompanied with a sense of strong injustice. These works come in very seasonably for the laboring population of the town and suburbs, many of whom would otherwise have keenly fell; the pinch of the times during the approaching winter.

Artesian Sinking in Napier. — On Wednesday last, Garry and party commenced preparations for sinking on the White Road, at its junction with Edwards street, 2^ chains beyond the Napier hotel ; and, on Thursday morning, they commenced driving. About 3 p.m. — they having then driven down 46 feet, with, latterly, a ringing sound, indicative of some hard, substance or stratum being reached — the top length of piping was found to have bent. It was then 4 feet under ground, and the task of sinking down these four feet in what is little better than a quicksand, occupied them till yesterday (Friday) at noon, by which time the bent pipe had been unscrewed, and a sound one substituted. They then drove down three inches, at the rate of 50 or 60 blows to the inch ; after which, fearing that, possibly, the bottom length might be giving, they put down the rods, which descended with ease, and thus, so far, shewed that all was right. In course of the afternoon they got down two feet more, and then encountered so hard a bottom that, in fear of the pipe bending, they knocked out the plug and probed the ground below. They found that there was no stone, as was feared, but a hard conglomerate of gravel and sand. They managed, however, to clear out in advance of the pipe, and, by knocldng-off time, had driven down another foot. They are therefore now about 49 feet down. Their prospects of success are a little better than they were, but their prospect ojf hard work (through the plug being out) is greatly increased.

Trained Nuhses. — Miss Osborue and six trained hospital nurses arrived by the Dunbav Castle, -which anchored in Port Jackson on March o. This staff of nurses was sent for from England some months ago ; they have been trained by Miss Florence Nightingale, and it is anticipated that they will prove of the greatest value to the Sydney Infirmary, where they are to be employed. The staff is tinder the superintendence of Miss Osborne — a lady whose courage, conscientiousness, and devotion to duty are spoken of in terms of warm commendation by Miss Nightingale. On the arrival of the Dunbar Castle the Hon. the Colonial Secretary went on board to meet the nurses ; and it is understood that, on the invitation of her Ladyship the Countess of Belmore, Miss Osborne repaired to Government House.