THE FROZEN-MEAT TRADE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6190, 10 December 1881, Page 3

THE FROZEN-MEAT TRADE.

" Anglo-Australian," writing in the European Mail, says :—

Several months ago 1 hinted at cold storage as being advisable, and subsequent experience has eoiilirmeil me in mv views. The existing plan, I believe, is for the butchers to carry oil tlie meal, in its frozen state, and thus it is often sold before it is half thawed. The result is that the consumer becomes disgusted with his purchase, and it is clear that if this system is continued a prejudice which it will be dillieiilt to overcome will set in, and do much damage to a promising industry. To some extent this prejudice may be said to already exist, and as it is desirable that it should not be allowed to extend, perhaps Colonial exporters will see the importance of instructing their consignees to discover whether any cold stores ill close proximity to the Thames are available for tho storage of meat; and, if so, lot them stipulate that the meat be so stored, thawed, wiped down, and sold at a fair market value to all comers, in this way the meat could be kept pure, and not be sold at a sacrifice. I havo seen Australian meat, which lias been kept in cold store, after it has been thawed and wiped down, that has looked as inviting aud as fresh as if it had only just left the butcher's shambles. Tliere is reason, therefore, to believe that if attention was paid to such little details as I have hinted at, the importation of meat would become a profitable and paying industry. It is to be hoped tliat the consignment expected by tlio Europa will be of tho best quality.