THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1935, 26 March 1891, Page 7

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

CONFERENCE OF COMPANIES*

The following circular was sent by the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company to the various freezing companies in New Zealand* and ib has since been decided to hold the proposed conference in Wellington on Tuesday, April 7. It is expected that 11 freezing companies will be represented : —

Dear Sir, — My directors have had under consideration for Eome time past the very serious question of the increasing proportion of New Zealand frozen meat reported by the London salesmen as having reached them in faulty condition.

This state of things not only causes a heavy present loss to the shippers concerned, but threatens to materially prejudice the future successful prosecution of this trade, now of such vital importance to the stookowners of this colony. My directors have evidence showing that the increased proportion of damaged carcases is one of the main causes of the unusually low prices that have ruled in the English market for some time past. It is probable that one other cause of this reduction in price may be found in the active competition resulting from the large shipments of chilled beef and live cattle respectively from the United States and Canada. But this competition seems only to add to the urgent necessity for the taking of immediate steps to thoroughly investigate, and if possible to remove, the cause or causes of damage to New Zealand mutton.

Among the different interests that successively handle New Zealand meat until it reaches the London salesmen, a tendency has been shown to shift the blame from one to the other. On the face of it, it seems very improbable that the fault lies in any appreciable degree with the freezing companies in the colony. While these companies worked with comparatively inexperienced men and imperfect appliances the trade went on for years with but very few cases of damage. It is therefore hardly conceivable tbat, with greater experience and generally improved buildings and machinery, the freezing companies should now be doing their work less efficiently than in the earlier period of their operations.

In view of the great valae of the meat trade to stookewners and the colony, my directors feel that they need hardly refer to the apparent urgent need for co-operation among freezing companies in order to devise measures for the successful prosecution of the business. If the colony is to secure its fair share of the English demand it must bestir itself and see that.its meat is placed upon the market in a sound and attractive form.

Past experience has amply shown that for purposes of effective co-operation in the interest of shippers it will be in vain to look for any movement among the London consignees of New Zealand meat.

My directors would therefore now venture to suggest that a conference of representatives of the several New Zealand freezing companies should be held as soon as possible at some central place to consider what steps should be taken in their mutual interest.

The following would appear to be the main questions requiring consideration, viz. :—

1. The expediency, of appointing an officer to inspect meat as 1 delivered to ships, in order to obtain clear bills of lading, and preclude subsequent dispute as to whether meat shall have been properly frozen when shipped.

2. The effective survey of ships and- ships' chambers and machinery prior to receiving meat in New Zealand, and to require guarantee from owners in respect of ships that shall have damaged meat previously.

3. The expediency of requiring that {the existing practice of paying premiums to captains and engineers for saving coal be abandoned — affording, as it does, temptation to withhold coal, so as to prejudice the safe carriage of the meat.

4. That the captain be held responsible for supervision of machinery and temperatures of chambers during the voyage.

5. To provide against careless or improper handling of meat in discharging from ships or in the docks, and to secure the systematic inspection of temperatures in the dock stores and the machinery and insulation of these stores.

6. The expediency of taking such united action as shall secure the consent of shipowners to the payment of freight at destination, and only on delivery of meat in good condition. 7. Any other business in respect of which united action could apparently be taken in the mutual interest of persons chiefly concerned in the successful carrying on and development of the New Zealand meat trade.

My directors are of opinion that the proposed conference should be held some time next month. They would in the meantime ask if yon would be good enough to reply to this circular, stating whether you approve generally of the specified objects of the proposed conference, and, if so, the place and time that would be most suitable for the attendance of your representative. On receiving replies from the several companies my directors would be prepared to make such arrangements for the conference as would be convenient for the majority.— l am, dear sir, yours faithfully,

F. Waymotjth, Secretary.