THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9444, 26 February 1894, Page 4

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

The rapid growth of the frozen, meat trade, and the immediate prospect of its yet infinitely greater developement, are not unreasonably commanding the serious attention of those to whom the agricultural problem at Home is something more than an interesting politicoeconomic speculation. To the farmer it is a question fraught with possibilities which he may well view with some misgiving. Frozen meat is being pouredinto the English markets,aud will continue to be poured, at a rate which must appal the Home producer. The prejudice that at first existed against it is fast disappearing. It has established a name for itself, and its sale is increasing among all classes. We believe the time is not far distant when the majority of the people of Great Britain will be dependent for their meat supplies upon shipments of frozen mutton and chilled beef from the colonies. At present they import onethird of their total consumption of flesh foods. But the frozen meat trade is only in its infancy. It is destined to assume gigantic proportions. New steamers are constantly being constructed for the trade, the most recent being the Gothic, which arrived in New Zealand waters the other day. It is stated that there are now sixty-seven vessels engaged in the colonial meat trade, and that this fleet can convey on each voyage from Australasia nearly two and a - half million carcases. There are twenty-one steamers similarly equipped for the trade from North and South America. As this trade has practically sprung into existence within the past decade, who can say to what dimensions it may not reach during the | next ten years ? Whatever its effect; may be on the fortunes of the Home farmer, there can be no doubt that it has been an incalculable boon to the consumers, placing within the reach of the great masses of the population a cheap supply of wholesome animal food. This is pointed out with much force in an able and instructive article in a recent number of the Scotsman, which concludes with the sensible and logical observation that "a new impetus to industry and commerce in our colonies and in South America cannot fail to be reflected in an increased demand for the products of our own manufactures — further illustration of the truth that a new development in the relations between one part of the world and another, though it may affect the interests of individuals, is to the nations concerned a reciprocal benefit.