MEAT PRESERVING AT OAMARU.

Otago Witness, Issue 919, 10 July 1869, Page 8

MEAT PRESERVING AT OAMARU.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in the establishment of a meat-preserving factory in this district took place on Saturday at the Northern Hotel, the Hon. J. M'Loan presiding. There wore also present the Hon. H. J. Miller, Dr Webster, Mr Ashoroft, M.P.C., Messrs Hassell. W. Peuwiok, Gilkison. J. Holmes, Black. Rolland, F. F«nwiok, E. 8. Lees, C. De V. Tesohemaker, P. Aitchiton, Atkinson, and Locke. Before proceeding to business the gentlemen present eat down to a luncheon of preserved mntfconhanw and rolled sides, smoked and cured by Messrs Servioe, Gibson, and Co, General satisfaction and not a little surprise was expressed at the excellence of the artiole, and it appeared to be the general opinion that meat prepared in this manner would command a ready sale in the home market as a relish, though scarcely likely to meet with a large demand as a staple article of food for the masnes. After the viandt had be«n disposed of and duly criticised, a long conversational discussion ensued as to the best way of preparing meat for tho home markoi All presnnt appsared to bo agreed as to the desirability of providing some outlet for the surplus stook of the station-holders ; and by a rough calculation it was shown that in the immediate district there woro not less than 800,000 sheep, and that from 100,000 to 200.000 could be calculated upon as annually available for tho export trado. Among those reckoned upon a* likely to aend sheep to aoentral establishmentforthispurposowere several runholdors on tho north side of the WaltaW, and an opinion was unanimously expressed that the restriction as to dipping whioh now exists, and which would operate to prevent sheep from beiug crossed, should 1x» at onoe removed. The chairman stated that no donbt valuable information for their guidanoe conld bo obtainod from Canterbury, when steps had already been taken for oommonoing the preservation of meat for oxport. Mr Tooth had sent out * complete plant, oapabla of preparing 250 sheep per day. whioh he believed had oost at home LI 000, and also a gentleman as manager who had boon engaged in superintending similar work* in Turkey. That plant had been sold to the Canterbury Company, and the perton referred to had been engaged as manager. He had, therefore, no doubt that important information oould b*

obtained by writing to^Ohristohiirch. Mr Ashoroft said that he bJa been informed by a brother of Mr Robert. Hunter, who had recently arrived from home, that a firm in Scotland had stated their . willingness to start a meat-preserving factory in New Zealand, provided they had a guarantee as to & sufficient supply of sheep being forthcoming; He thought it would be well that the station owners should take the matter up, and it was with ,the view of opening up the. question that he. had asked the gentlemen present to attend that meeting. MrFeawiok thought that the matter wa» of so great importance to the squatters, that thay should have ' au interest in the i undertaking, not only pecuniarily but in the way of sup- rvision. After considerable further discussion, Mr Ashoroft moved the" followingresolutions:— " 1. That this meeting considers it desirable to encourage the preservation of meat for exportation m this district. 2. That it appears necessary first of all to get skilled labour and knowledge. 3. That to encourage the starting such manufactory, this meeting considers it desirable to | guarantee one-half of the capital necessary, providing the whole amount of capital required to preserve 250 sheep at least per diem does not exceed LSOOO. 4. That the best mode of raising the necessary half of capital, viz. , £2500, is by each sheepowner contributing at the rate of L 4 per thousand sheep owned by him." The resolutions were agreed to, and the following undertaking was signed by those present, viz., "Wo, the undersigned, agree to subscribe L 4 per thousand sheep owned by us towards one- half the capital of a meat- ; preserving company, if started in terms of the resolutions passed this day." On the motion of Mr Fairfax Fenwick, seconded by Dr. Webster, Mr Ashoroft was appointed in* terim secretary, and he was instructed to ! write to Christchuroh and Melbourne, and ! to Eugland, to make the necessary enquiries, and also to forward circulars to the ranholders within the district, not present, ask. ing their support in the projected undertake ing. — Oamaru Times, June 29fch.