THE FROZEN-MEAT TRADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7005, 29 July 1884, Page 3

THE FROZEN-MEAT TRADE

Writing under date June 18, the London correspondent of the Melbourne Argus saya :—'

Another disaster has occurred in connection with the frozen-meat trade, and on this occasion the New Zealand consignors are the victims. The Plorida arrived a few days since, with some 17,000 carcasses from New Zealand. When the chambers were opened it soon became apparent that a considerable proportion of the cargo had suffered materially. It is stated that several hundred carcasses became affected ou the voyage from Wellington to Dunedin, and had to be thrown overboard. It is thought that the bilge-water in the lower chamber injuriously affected the meat, and commenced the mischief. The ship was pumped out, and it was hoped that no further mishap would occur, but the result has shown that the injury was more serious than was anticipated. When the chambers were emptied at the docks it was found -necessary to condemn between 2000 and 3000 absolutely, and a large number of the remaining carcasses were discoloured and more or less damaged. Up to the present about 3500 have been sold at from 2s to 3s per stone of 81b. The Melbourne portion of the Sorata's shipment has been placed on the market; about 520 have been sold, at from 3s to 3s 6d per stone. The Tongariro has brought a large cargo from New Zealand. It is reported to be in excellent condition. A large consignment of River Plate meat is selling freely at prices equalling that from Melbourne.

A company has been privately floated to construct refrigerating chambers for the storage of frozen meat in the vaults under tho Poultry Market, adjoining tho Smithfield Meat Market, The company will pay a rental of £1500 a year for the vaults. The necessary alterations and additions are now in progress, and it is hoped that storing operations will commence in three or four months' time.

Messrs Ward and Stimpson, of Smithfield Market, are about to make a vigorous effort to push the frozen meat in the provinces. As a preliminary step they are about to advertise it extensively in some 90 provincial papers. It is to be hoped their enterprise will produce the desired result.