PROPOSED FREEZING WORKS.

Colonist, Volume XLIII, Issue 9688, 18 January 1900, Page 2 (Supplement)

PROPOSED FREEZING WORKS.

MEETING OF THOSE INTERESTED,

I On January 13th", a meeting of the ' Provisional Directors, and those interested I in the formation of the proposed freezing j works for Nelson, was held in the City Council Chamber, there being about twentyfour gentlemen present, most of whom had travelled a long distance to attend the j meeting. Mr J. H. Cock occupied the chair, and after minutes of previous meeting had been confirmed, the Chairman said that Mr Glen, the Secretary, pro tern, informed him that guarantees had been received for the supply of some 18,000 fat sheep and lambs, and about 8,000 stores, so that it appeared they were within reasonable distance of getting th£ necessary supplies, but only between three and four thousand shares bad been applied for. It appeared to him that they had reached nothing final, and that they would have to consider what further efforts should be made after hearing the report of canvassers. He asked- gentlemen present to make their reports.

Mr Eatwell admitted that he was disap' pointed with the result of his canvass. Everyone he had conversed with spoke as though he would do his utmost, but the majority hesitated to put their names to paper, and there were few who subscribed a third of the number of shares that they could. l ■•' Mi- Heaih feared that the effprt would have to be begun anew unless they could find a, hundred men willing to take up 100 shares each. In Im district the reaitiJ G. the canvass had been favorable, and the chief objection, was to guaranteeing sheep, but he bad pointed out thttt it was. not fair to ask outsiders to find money iinlejjs they guaranteed the supply.

Mr Marsden said that Mr Douglas and he had met with small encouragement in Stoke, but the reason was not far to see. At present there were many buyers in the district) ap.d there was no difficulty; just now, in getting rid of stock';

Mr Cook said that his colleague and himself had come to the conclusion that the sheep farmers would have to be starved down to this business before they realized, its importance, Mr Marsden was quite 1 right in what he said, but present conditions were not going, to last, and when farmers could only, get 4s, where they now got 10s, they would be much iiiore anxiotis that the svorks should start. He found the greatest objection was because of the failure of the Farmers' Co-operative Society. He would be sorry to wind up their proposed company prematurely, but the only alternative was to postpone action. He was prepared to take 100 shares in a company that was soundly proposed. Mr Win said he had not been as successfull as he had anticipated:

Mr Field regretted that he too had been disappointed) and said that some who had originally promised had backed out. Mr Hanron urged that they should hang on to every step they advanced. Mr Haddow was sorry that present results were not more satisfactory. If they had one dry season in Canterbury, the local farmers would soon be educated to the necessity of establishing local works, for then there would be no market for stores. He spoke of the advantage that local works would be in leading to the improvement of land, and the benefits that would accrue therefrom to the farmers. With local freezing works a man with a limited number of sheep ready for freezing could send them to the works and get within 4d a head of the same price that the biggest shipper could obtain, but hitherto farmers bad been afraid to fatten because there was no market. He thought they would have to defer further action till after harvest.

The Chairman said he did not think anyone who had paid his deposit, on application for shares would object to letting the money remain in the Bank for a few months, but the money could not be locked up indefinitely without consent. He was thankful that they had aroused the interest of a number of people for, like leaven, that interest would go on working. A few years ago when the merchants moved in the matter there was scarcely any response, but now they had the stock promised, and in course of time they would probably get the money also. In course of time he hoped the sheep farmers would see that they were trying to pull them out of the rut.

Mr Win said it was no use adjourning unless they worked. .

Mr Hodson (Richmond) moved that they wind up. He believed that something had been done in the way of educating the farmers, but it was a slow process, and he thought that more might be -done when sheep were lower in price. Mr Marsden seconded the motion, and he, as well as the mover of the resolution, explained that he had no desire to throw a damper on the project, but thought it of little use to go on at present.

Mr Eatwell urged that they should continue their efforts, and moved as an amendment that another six months be taken within which to endeavor to establish the Company.

Mr Hanron seconded the motion

Mr Cook pointed out that non-producers of sheep had not been canvassed, the understanding being that if the sheep farmers would guarantee the sheep, and find half the necessary capital, non-producers would be canvassed for the balance. If the sheep farmers would double the number of shares they had applied for they would be much nearer their goal, but till they did that they could not ask the support of the nonproducers. If the farmers did not respond then they must let the effort drop.

On the question being put, the amendment was carried on the voices.

As to preliminary expenses, the view was expressed that, in the event of winding up, all who had promised to take up shares even though they had not paid a deposit, should share them, but it was pointed out hat the amount would be very light.

A vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman, and Mr Glen was specially thanked for the work he has done as hon. secretary.

The desire was expressed that all who are willing to support the present effort by taking shares will communicate direct with Mr Glen.

The meeting then terminated.