THE RECENT FLOODS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LVII, Issue LVII, 12 April 1910, Page 7

THE RECENT FLOODS.

DAMAGE IN FREEZING WORKS.

[PREBS ASSOCIATION.]

GISBORNE, April 12. It has not been possible until now to ascertain the damage done to Nelson Bros.' freezing works during the recent floods. About 5000 carcases, of mutton and between 300 and 400 quarters, of beef were found to have been badly damaged. The water rose to a depth of 10 inches in the freezing chambers, and reached the second and third tiers of the meat, which was stacked up to 20 feet. It was only when 22,000 carcases of the untouched meat had been taken out for shipment that it was possible to get at the lower tiers. The water lir.d been at a temperature of about 6'J degrees, and this, combined with tho weight of the meat on top, compressed the lower rows out of shape. When, tho water receded these sheep, wore found frozen solidly together in one block. A gang of 40 to 60 men is employed with crowbars clearing away tho carcases, which, though not very seriously damaged, are unfit for export.