FROM AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12507, 24 July 1926, Page 20

FROM AUSTRALIA

SHIPMENT OF CHILLED BEEF PRICE NEARLY EQUAL TO ARGENTINE EXPERTS PLEASED By Telegraph —Pre.9s Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z Cable Association. (Received July 23, 0.5 p.w.) IAKXDOA, July 22. Many expert* visited bmithlield to inspect the Port Auckland’s cargo ot chilled beef, consisting of 720 hindquarters from Brisbane and 41 from \\yrulham. The consignment was in excellent condition, and, though only second quality beef, realised within fd a pound of the Argentine price, the Biisbane quarters showed considerable patches of mould round the buttocks and legs, but this was confined to the surface. The beef was searchingly inspected, both at tho docks and at Smithtieid, by the sanitary authorities, who permitted its exposure for sale on condition that the mouldy parts cut off. All experts considered the quality and dressing of the meat excellent. When cut into joints it looked quite as attractive as tho Argentine. There was not the slightest doubt about it being chilled. There was no trace of frost. CAUSES OF THE MOULD The general impression of experts was that the mould was due chiefly to over-close packing, which prevented free air circulation. This was indicated by tho fact that ribs and loins which, a* hung, received a free current of cool air entering from below, were quite clean. It was pointed out that the space allowed for Brisbane beef was 102 cubic feet to the ton, whereas the Argentine allowed 108 to lit cubic feet. This theory was borne out hv the fa.t that the Wvndliam carcases, which weighed 10 pounds each less than Brisbane’s, carried perfect ly. Other experts believe that there is too great humidity in the chamber. This was shown by tho very slight loss of weight during the voyage. Ten quarters weighed had lost only eight pounds between them. On the whole, experts consider that tho shipment has proved the possibility of successfully carrying chilled beef from Australia. Even the Argentine representative admits that this parcel did not show more mould than was usual in Argentine shipments 20 years ago. Opinions differ regarding the coni'mercial possibilities of chilled beef. Some are doubtful whether the price obtained for it would effectively meet the increased cost of transport and handling. DEFECTS CAN BE REMEDIED Mr W. A. Hassaii, in an interview with the Australian Press Association, said lie considered that the shipmentoffered more convincing proof than the last shipment of the possibilities of chilled meat from Australia ns a commercial proposition. Although a large percentage of the beet was badly moulded, a cursory examinai.oll suggested * hat the causes might be definh *• ;ablished, and found not beyo: !•- dy. Probably the moulding ■ bo prevented by better air circti \'M. through increasing • the cubi - v.cc to 120 feet a ton, which woni.. be still within the commercial limii> ci stowage. The excess of humidity also was possibly a contributory cause. While the Wyndham beef’s quality was not equal to the Brisbane, the condition of the Wyndham on arrival showed a notable advance, meriting encouragement and continuity of effort with the project, and auguring its complete success. He was sanguine that Mr Rayson would proceed until he overcame the disability of distance. ■