MEAT PRESERVING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2913, 12 January 1910, Page 20

MEAT PRESERVING.

A NEW PROCESS TRIED. Recently a number of gentlemen inspected what appears to be a step forward in preserving meat for several weeks without special apparatus. It appears that a retired butcher has been experimenting for a long time, and as a result he has submitted his plan, part of which is patented, lo a number of gentlemen, who' at once recognised the possibilities of the system. In November last a quantity of beef and mutton was stored in the wine kiosk at the Royal Agricultural Society's grounds at Moore Pank for 16 days after undergoing the process. At the end of that time the meat was found to bo good, excepting where it had been cut within two hours on passing out of the process. The meat so treated, it appears, should rot le cut for 2* hows after treatment. Here, -however, the deterioration after 3.6 <'.iys was only noticeable near the parts cut. At Wieland's butchering establishment in. Pitt street the other day a quantity of beef and mutton, some killed on December 6 last and treated by the process rfi well a 6 other specimens treated at later dates, was submitted for inspection. It was explained that the preserving process is the result of gases generated by heat, and largely the result of the incineration of charcoal, sulphur, and eucalyptus. It is claimed that beef or mutton may be so preserved that it may be kept without deterioration for several weeks in a-butcher's shop, on shipboard, in camp, in a private house, or elsewhere, without any special storage or appliances except that it must be kept away from flies. The exhibits shown were carefully examined, and with the exception that some of the outside portions were dry, and. not SO attractive looking as ordinary beef or mutton—the result of hanging 'n the shop for the past 16 days—the meat in every case was absolutely fresh, and could 'scarcely be distinguished ■ from the ordinary beef and mutton in other parts c f tl e establishment. It is stated, that the C-*t of fumigation—which part of the puicese is all that is necessary for :3omo6tic_ or local commercial purposes—is quite infinitesimal, and is considerably cheaper tiian any system at present used. Major A. P. Gribben, M.R.C.V.S., principal veterinary officer of the local military forces, had both the tests referred to under his personal inspection and supervision, and the inspector of the City Council has had the exhibit at Wieland's i.rxer personal observation from s _ art to finish.