The Freezing Industry

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 44, 22 February 1936, Page 12

The Freezing Industry

The annual address to shareholders of the Southland Freezing Company by the chairman, Mr John Gilhinson, provides food for thought. Mr Gilhinson, by the way, was a member of the Dairy Commission. Puture of Industry. “As to the future of the meat industry it is impossible at the moment to speak. Our new Government intends to regulate prices of primary products, and I can anly say that this company will loyally co-operate with them in any procedure laid down. We ship the best lamb to the Dritisk market, and for a two per cent, commission it is sold to the retail trade, so it is difficult to sec where any cheapening of selling methods can be effected. “The number of growers who consign their lambs through this company is steadily increasing, and this will continue to increase; farmers producing a special quality can secure a premium in London which will amply repay them. This company makes advances up to So per cent', of ruling schedule, and all charges incurred from freezing works to London arc identical with those paid on our own shipments. No doubt you will have read the remarks made by Mr Flint, chairman of the New Zealand Eefrigerating Company, at their annual meeting,- on the danger of losing control of our outlets. From recent investigations made it was ascertained that over 55 per cent, of the New Zealand output was secured by large overseas firms. Growers can readily sec that where the bulk of the output secured in this way many English firms who arc now handling our consignments would go out of business and we should revert to conditions now ruling in the Argentine. In my opinion, it is essential • in the interests of farmers that wo preserve our existing connections with those British firms who have always served us well, and retain the option to farmers of selling locally or shipping to London on owners ’ account.’'