COMPLETE SUCCESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21727, 16 February 1934, Page 11

COMPLETE SUCCESS

CHILLED BEEF SHIPMENT AUCKLAND TO LONDON CONDITION HIGHLY PRAISED By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON. Feb. 14 The first shipment of chillcil beef from Auckland arrived by the Sultan Star to-day. There were 1300 quarters, of which two-thirds were subjected to the carbon dioxide process in sealed holds. The remainder was not subjected to this process. Both sections of the cargo were identical in quality, and the conditions of loading were similar, in order to make a practical test of the different methods of carriage.

Mr. Ronald Ycstoy stated: "Both parts of the shipment opened perfectly. There is nothing to choose between them, and they are fully equal to the best Argentine." The Evening Standard discusses at length the future of Australia's chilled beef trade through the approaching perfection of the use of frozen carbon dioxide bricks, one pound of which will do as much as four pounds of ice and will give quicker and lower temperatures.

Experiments are being conducted in the hot>e of keeping Australian beef in perfect condition for 10 weeks, in which ease there is no reason why Australian should not entirely supplant Argentine. It is expected that the first experimental Australian cargo will be carried this year.

The favourable report received from England is very pleasing to the management of W. aiid R. Fletcher, New Zealand, Limited, which is arranging the shipments of chilled beef by the Blue Star Line vessels. Ihe firm has received a cablegram from "\\ . Weddel and Company, Limited, London, stating: "Congratulations. The shipment arrived in excellent condition."

The Sultan Star carried the first shipment of chilled beef. 1308 quarters, from Auckland, making a fast passage of 33 days from Auckland to London, via Panama. A second consignment, comprising 2151 quarters, left Auckland by the Avelona Star on February 3, and it is expected to reach the London market about March 10. A third shipment will be lifted by the Tuscan Star, which will be loading at Auckland on March 6. Although recent developments have greatly increased interest in this class of beef, it is now 10 years since the first shipment was despatched from New Zealand, the original shipment having been made by Weddel and Company in the Kent in 1924. Since then, however, much has been accomplished in perfecting the system in accordance with the requirements of New Zealand and Australia. Considerable importance mill attach to the prices obtained by the Sultan Star's shipment and advice is being awaited with interest. It is expected that the cargo will be placed on the Smithfield market within a day or two.