WAXNGANUI FREEZING WORKS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 20

WAX NGA NUI FREEZING WORKS.

There was a pleasant little function the other day at the Wanganui Freezing Works on the occasion of starting the new machinery. Mr E. A. Campbell, who presided, geve some information as to the progress of the company and the works. When ths works were started nearly 20 years ago the capacity was equal to 500 a day, whereas now 2000 sheep could be treated per <day. By this time next year the works would be capable of putting through 3500 sheep per day. When the works werev opened' killing continued during ' practically the whole year; now the season was confined to about three months. In January, February, and March 80 per cent, of the sheep in New Zealand were killed. That being 6o it was necessary th&fthe accommodation of the works should be such a.3 to enable the company to meet the rush which occurred during the months named ; h-enoa the new machinery which was that day being opened. When the new store was erected the works would be capable of storing 60,000 sheep instead of 40,000 as at present. When the works were first opened the arrangement with the Tyser Company, which still did the company's shipping, was that 5000 carcases should be shipped each' month. Now 30.000 carcases were often shipped in one month. It was hoped that this number would be gTeatly .increased during the next few years. The speaker paid a tribute to the Tyse* Company for the manner in which they* had afforded every facility to the company. They recognised that the interests of themselves and the company were identical. Mr Campbell went on to speak of the competition which New Zealand freezing companies had to contend with from the combine which was 'buying up the freezing works in South America. The combine was cutting down the price of meat because it could buy cheaper and paid cheaper freights than we did. It was true New Zealand meat still commanded the highest price, but that, of course, meant restricted consumption. The combine to which he had referred had 20 millions behind its back, and as an instance of its methods Mr Campbell mentioned that it was selling meat for less in London than in New York. Mr Gamplvell then mentioned that the Wanganui Freezing Company employed 150 men, the wages last year amounting to £19.555. This spoke of the importance of the industry to the town and district. If there were more factories like it in the district Wanganui, would be a prosperous town. Steaaiera of 10.000 tons were frequently in the roadsteads, yet ths people of Wanganui took little interest in them.