THE FROZEN MEAT EXPERIMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1229, 25 March 1880, Page 2

THE FROZEN MEAT EXPERIMENT.

(Per Steamer at the Bluff.) The Strathleven arrived in London on February Ist. The charterers boarded her, and found the meat excellent. During the next few days the meat was inspected by hundreds, and all were surprised and gratified at its condition, after such a long voyage. On the 6th of February, 150 colonists and others lunched on board the Strathleven, after first inspecting the refrigerating chamber and apparatus. Mutton, lamb, and beef were served cooked in various forms, and were warmly approved. The speakers congratulated the Australians on'thisnewand important trade, which was likely to be productive of immense results to the colonies and England. The Press subsequently, with scarcely an exception, warmly commended the meat. It is generally regarded as superior to American, especially mutton. The meat was sold at Smithfield. The market was the lowest for some time, nevertheless the prices were good in comparison with other meat, and better than American. The only complaint is that the meat is uncovered, but the quality and flavor is everything that can be desired. Hopes are expressed by salesmen and the public that this successful experiment will be the beginning of a large trade, and that other perishable articles will be imported by the same process. There was great demand from all parts of the country for joints of the Australian meat, and difficulty was felt in supplying all that was required ; but the meat was despatched in every direction in England, Scotland, and Ireland, where it met with universal approval. A lamb was sent to the Queen and a, sheep to the Prince of Wales. The West End butchers particularly approved of the meat, which commands a ready sale. It is hoped to be unnecessary in future to freeze to the same extent, as there is difficulty in cutting, owing to the meat thawing slowly on account of the cold weather. The mutton is not open to the same objection as the beef in this respect. Butchers desire that the mutton should be dressed as plainly as possible, and the beef is preferred in quarters—not cut smaller. During the voyage , the temperature in the chamber exceeded but ruled generally about 14.2Q below" freezing point. During a large portion of the voyage the engines worked eight hours daily, and in the Mediterranean five hours, Much disappointment is felt that the promoters are unable to charter th,e Strathleven to return immediately to Australia for a i large.. cargo. The beef was sold in the 1 carcase in Smithfield at from 4|-d to s|d, and retailed in Smithfield for joints atTd and 8d per lb. The mutton wholesale brought §|d to @d, and was retailed at at 7d to 9d. The West End and other butchers who bought the meat retailed prime joints of beef at 10|d, and the mutton at 9d to lOd. The butter is favorably spoken of, and large dealers would willingly purchase at the same prices as are given for Home produce of similar quality.