FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18016, 15 February 1922, Page 8

FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

FIRST NEW ZEALAND CARGO

FORTY YEARS AGO TO-DAY.

An important anniversary in the history of the New Zealand frozen meat trade occurs to-day. Exactly forty years ago—on February 15, 1882, tho first consignment of meat from this country to England was despatched from Port Chalmers in the sailing vessel Dunedin, which had beon fitted for the purpose with a freezing machine and insulated chambers. The two first shipments of frozen meat from Australia had been made in 1879 and 1880, and the success of tliis experiment led to the initiation of the present flourishing New Zealand industry. The consignment by the Dunedin was arranged by the New Zealand and Australian Land Company. The slaughtering was carried out at Totara, near Oamaru, and the meat was railed to Port Chalmers. At first, bowevor, success did not attend tho venture, as the cr. ;ik shaft of the freezing machine broke down when some 1500 carcases were on board and these were sold locally, so that it fell to Dunedin residents to be the first consumers of New Zealand frozen meat. After repairs were completed the freezing on board and stowing recommenced, ana was successfully completed, th«i vessel sailing on the date mentioned. The Dunedin's cargo, which arrived in London in excellent condition, comprised 4311 sheep, 598 lambs, and 22 pigs. Tho sale resulted in the mutton and lamb averaging 6J<l a pound. The expenses, however, wore so neavy that only a little over 3jd a pound was netted. The second shipment, which also went from Port Chalmers, was sent by tho sailing vessel, tho Mataura," which left on June 12, 1882.