FROZEN MEAT.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1062, 20 July 1883, Page 2

FROZEN MEAT.

At the annual meeting of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association held yesterday afternoon, when there were present about twenty members, the subject of the meat freezing industry was brought up by the retiring president, Mr Gibson, who read telegrams handed to him by Mr Christie, from the Refrigerating Companies at Wellington and Auckland. The Auckland telegram stated that the directors of the Company there would give the subject of establishing a depot at Patea their earliest consideration, and meanwhile asking the fullest particulars regarding the matter. The Wellington one was to the effect that a letter treating upon the subject had been posted to Mr Christie. That gentleman, however, explained that the letter had unfortunately not yet come to hand. He had no idea that the matter would be discussed by the Association, or he would have taken steps to communicate with the Auckland and Wellington Companies earlier. A few days ago ho had thought it would be well if the meat freezing industry could be started here, so he bad wired to the companies in question on the subject. The meeting should elect a committee to gather all information regarding the matter. Mr Barker thought this was a matter that should be taken up by the Society, as it was within their scope. These things were taken up by Agricultural Societies down South. Mr Gibson : If we adjourn the meeting one week and notify that the question of meat freezing will come up, we will evidently get a large meeting. In the meantime if any information could be got it might be well. Mr Gower stated he had received a letter from the Secretary of the Wellington Company, and that he intended writing again for full information, including the price of machinery, etc. A resolution by Mr Barker, to the effect that a committee of the following gentleman to take all the necessary steps towards getting branch freezing works erected at Patea, and to report to a future meeting to be called specially for the purpose, vis: —Messrs Shield, Christie, Gower, Hamilton, Wilson, and the mover, was carried. After some discussion it was resolved that Mr Lysaght’s name be added to the list, although there was some objection to this, as he was not a member of the Association. Votes of thanks were accorded to Messrs Christie and Gower for the information they had given the meeting, which then adjourned.