THE FROZFN MEAT TRADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2523, 23 July 1902, Page 10

THE FROZFN MEAT TRADE.

CONFERENCE AT WOODVILLE.

WOODVILLE, July 17.

A conference of delegates appointed throughout the Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, and West Coast districts to discuss some scheme whereby farmers might obtain better prices for their stock and a general improvement oe effected in the existing condition of things, commenced here to-day. Between 70 and £0 delegates attended, and Mr W. Ferry (Masterton) presided. Correspondence was read from various freezing companies. The Wellington Export Company pointed out that the freezing charges for mutton, and lamb were the same as in Canterbury. The North British Company, in their letter, advanced the opinion that the differen?e in price between North Island and South Island sheen was due to retail butchers in the South obtaining higher prices for th^ir mutton, and to the facilities for fattening- m Canterbury being better. Air I'iotou (representative of the Christchurch Meat Company) accounted for the difference by stating that tho bulk of the sheep in the South Island were halfbred and threc-quar-terbred, whoso skins were far more valuable on account of the wool, and also because these- sheep threw a great deal more inside fat than Lincoln or Romneys. The companies in the South did not care for North Island sheep, and lines that went to Canterbury were not killed as Canterbury mutton but branded " New Zealand." After considerable discussion, during which a motion and an amendment were proposed, it was eventually unanimously resolved — " That a New Zealand Meat Producers' Association be formed." A committee wa9 appointed to arrange details in connection with the company, and report to a meeting- on the following morning.