THE STRATHLEVEN EXPERIMENT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5953, 25 March 1880, Page 5

THE STRATHLEVEN EXPERIMENT.

[BY TBIBGBAPH.] The Strathleven arrived at London on Feb 1. The charterers hoarded her, and found the meat in excellent condition. During the next few days the meat was inspected by hundreds. All were surprised and gratified at its condition after such a long voyage. Oh Feb. 6,150 Colonists and others lunched on board, after first inspecting the refrigerating•chamber.and apparatus. The mutton, lamb ■and beef, were seryed cooked in various forms and approved. The speakers oongratulated the Australians on the new: andimportant trade, which was likely to he productive o£ immense results to the Colonies and Engliihd.' The Pfess subsequently, .with! scarcely an exception, warmly commended the •meat. It is generally regarded as superior to American, especially the mutton. The cargo was sold at fimithfield. ; The-market was the lowest for some time, nevertheless prices were good in comparison with , other meat add better, than* American, The principal complaint is that the meat is uncovered, but the quality and flavour is eveiythihg :tb be desired. Hopes are expressed by the salesmen and public that this successful experiment will be the beginning of a large trade, aod'fbat other perishable articles will he imported bjr the same process. There was a great demand from all parts of the country for joints of Australian meat. There was a difficulty in supplying all that was required, hut the meat was despatched in every direction into England, Scotland, and Ireland, where it met with universal approval. A lamb was sent to the Queen, ana a sheep to the Prince of Wales. The west end butchers particularly approved of the meat, which commands a ready sale. It is hoped that it will be unnecessary in future to.freeze to the same extent. There is a difficulty in cutting owing to the meat thawing slowly on account of the cold weather. The mutton was not open to the same objection as the beef in this respect. Butchers desire that the mutton should be dressed as plainly as possible, and the beef is preferred in quarters, not out smaller. During the voyage toe temperature in the chamber exceeded 26.5 deg., but ruled generally about 142 deg. below freezing pit ' During a large portion of _the voyage theengines worked eight hours daily, and m the Mediterranean five hours. Much disap TOintment is felt that the promoters are unable to charter iho Strathleven to return immediately to Australia for a large cargo. The beef was sold in carcase at Snuthfield at from 4Jd to s*d, and retail ati ,Smith field, for joints, at 7d and ad per lb. The mutton wholesale brought sid to 6d, and was retailed at Smithfleld l at 7d to 93. The West'Ehd and'other.butchers who bought the meat retailed P” me at IOJd, and mutton 9 to lOd. The butterw-as favourably spoken of by th,s large - „ —mjnnW nurebase at the same prices as JvLfOT&Le produce of similar quality.