CHRISTCHURCH MEAT COMPANY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 168, 17 July 1903, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH MEAT COMPANY.

10 THE EDITOR.

Slßj—l know that your columns are always open for the discussion of topics affecting the interests of the district, and on this ground I crave space in your paper for the following matter, which, in my opinion, is of deep importance, not only to the landowner, but indirectly also to everyone in the province. In one of your late issues we read the very interesting and satisfactory results of the Christchurch Meat Company's operations for the year. We learn that the Company put through their works upwards of 100,000 sheep. This is a great advance on previous yeirs, and augurs well for the future. We also read certain criticisms upon the character of the Marlborough 0 sheep, and these criticisms have been stated elsewhere at various times by those in authority. I gather there that these criticisms amount to tais: "That the sheep are generally lighter here than the sheep in Canterbury ; that the numbers are much smaller, and consequently the charges for freezing must be higher than the Canterbury charges; and that the price given for fat sheep must also suffer in sympathy." This is perfectly fair, and no one, I think, would quarrel with paying for the difference arising from the above causes. The important matter is what do we pay ? I have roughly estimated this, and, write subject to correction, I desire only to eliminate the truth. Well, then, taking Canterbury charges and values as a standard, it appears to me that the price the Marlborough farmer paya the Christchurch Meat Company is— £17,900 for freezing 100,000 sheep over and above what the Canterbury farmer pays ; or five shillings and eightpence per head; or for turnip and rape-fed sheep, 10 sheep to the acre, at 3d per head per week for three months, which amounts in round figures to £3 per acre. The price paid for possessing freezing works here seems stiff. It looks as if we are paying for a luxury which is rather beyond our means. I have always taken a keen interest in these matters, and shall be glad to discuss, •or see others discuss, the question in your paper. As I have said, my estimates are roughly taken, and discussion will grind the subject down to a fine point.—l am, etc., C. DE V. TeSCIIEMAKER. Note.—Calculations—How estimates are arrived at: To extra charge on freezing in Picton as compared with Canterbury charges on 103,000 sheep averaging SOlbs each, at |d per lb, £10,400; fat skins from 100,000 sheep 19 6d each less allowed in Picton than in Christchurch, £7500; total, £17,900.