FROZEN MEAT IN BELGIUM.

Otago Witness, Issue 1905, 25 May 1888, Page 19

FROZEN MEAT IN BELGIUM.

Mr A. Beck, the Belgian Consul, has forwarded the following to the Christchurch Press : — Several times I have tried to show to the New Zr-alanders how the direct Continental frozen meat trade -was increasing. Steamers and vessels are trading direct from Australia and the ft iver Plate to Antwerp, saving the cost of the London agencies and the expenses of re-exportation. Belgium leceives actually some direct invoices of meat from New Zealand, but through London firms dealing with Continental commission ascents it increases the price of meat on account of the two middlemen and the stoppage expenses. If all the meat forwarded through London is genuine New Zealand remains a question. Still the Societie Anonyme d'Entreposage et de Transports a air froid in Antwerp is issuing a weekly price list recommending specially the New Zealand carcasses as far superior to any other. Full particulars are given how to thaw, to keep well, and how to cook nicely the frozen meat. I have never seen this information in any English price list or cookery book, although it is of the greatest importance. The above firm has actually 10 large retail shops, connected by telephone, in Belgium, and even at Lille, in France, serving a total population of over 2,000,000 inhabitants. The last price list in my hand is as follows : s. d. Full carcasses ... ... I 0 per kilogramme Half carcasses ... ... 1 0£ „ „ Legs of mutton ... ... 14,. „ Saddle and loin ... ... 13,, „ bhoulder ... ... 0 ll£ „ „ Neck and breast from 8d to lOd „ „ Chops from 2d to 4d, according to size. One kilogramme is equal to 2lb 3oz nearly. The orders are delivered free of charge. The meat is inspected by sanitary officers in Antwerp, and again in every retail town.