GEAR MEAT COMPANY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1193, 11 January 1895, Page 4

GEAR MEAT COMPANY.

The annual meeting of the Gear Meat Preserving and Freezing Company of New Zealand (Limited) was held in the Chamber of Commerce on the 3rd. Mr James Gear (Chairman of Directors) presided, and there were about 20 shareholders present. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet for the year ended 20th November last, which have already been published, said he had very great pleasure in doing so, as it was of an eminently satisfactory character. As they were doubtless aware the year through which they had just passed had been a very trying one, and had presented features in their trade little thought of a few years ago; in fact, the frozen meat business was one of constant change, and the fierce competition from other parts of the world hadconsiderably affected the New Zealand growers. The only thing left for this Colony was to make its quality better than its opponents were able to do, and thereby hold a distinct portion of the English consumption. During the year, in order to keeppace with the times, the directors decided to import a large carbonic Anhydride freezing machine of the latest type. This was now in course of erection, and they were confident that it would not only effect a great saving in fuel, but the process would retain the original flavour of the meat better than that formerly in use.There had been other minor additionsand improvements which he need not specifically mention. The balancesheet was so clearly prepared as to render any comment from him on the several items unnecessary. He formally moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. The motion was seconded by Dr Newman, M.H.R., and was carried without discussion. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded, by Mr G. Allen, a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum was declared. Sir Patrick Buckley, the Chairman, and Mr R. M. Greenfield, uhe retiring directors,were re-elected without opposition. Messrs D. T. Stuart and B. T. Badham r the retiring auditors, were re-elected at the same remuneration as formerly. Mr G. Allen moved a vote of thanks to the chairman and directors for the successful manner in which they had carried on the business of the Company during the past year. The motion was carried by acclamation,, and the Chairman briefly replied. Mr James McKerrow mentioned the good services rendered by the staff, and moved a vote of thanks to them. The motion was seconded by the Rev H. Van Staveren and carried. Mr W. H. Millward, general manager, returned thanks, and the meeting terminated.