Old Kakariki Freezing Works

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 229, 27 September 1940, Page 10

Old Kakariki Freezing Works

USE OF COLD STORAGE BLOCK TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY STORAGE SPACE For some months past freezing companies throughout New Zealand have been taking measures to increase cold storage capacity as a result of representations made by the Government. The aim of this step is to provide emergency storage capacity to meet any shipping hold-up and in the Feilding district the local works have about completed substantial additions to the plant in compliance with the request of the Government. It was considered desirable that freezing interests should make provision for between 60 and 70 per cent, additional storage but farming interests considered that the Government

■should take steps to provide for 100 per cent, extra cold storage.

As a result of discussions with the Wellington Aleat Export Company arrangements have been completed for the rehabilitation of the cold stoi*age block of the old Ixakariki freezing works which were built during the Great War and after a short period of service were closed down. Equipment for this purpose is being salvaged from the Port Bowen which went ashore on the beach at Wanganui in July, 1939, and it is anticipated that the use of this will make available half a million cubic feet of storage at Kakariki. Simultaneously with the stripping of the plant from the Port Bowen work is proceeding at the Kakariki works in readiness for the refitting of the plant. The material which will be obtained from the Port Bowen will more than satisfy requirements at the Kakariki works and the surplus w T ill be made use of in other directions.

The Government is also taking steps to provide additional space for the storage of cheese and already provision has been made to meet all immediato needs.