STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 13, 3 June 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

FROM OUB RESIDENT REPORTER.

Office and Job Fruiting Works: York Chambers, (upstairs) Telephone No. 113.

PKOPOSED FREEZING WORKS A START ADVOCATED. SITE SUGGESTED. There was a large and representative attendance yesterday of members of the committee appointed to enquire into the details relative to the proposed formation of a Taranaki Meat -Freezing Co., ' Mr. Joseph McCluggage presiding. I The chairman stated that lie had obtained the information which was necesI sary to enable the committee to come to a conclusion as to the advisability of carrying out the project, and it would be for the meeting to decide whether to go ahead or not. He considered that in the light of the facts he would place before the meeting the prospects were brighter than ever, and that it Would not be taking too great'a risk to make a start. The Wairarapa works, which were a great success, were started when 2000 £5 shares had been allotted, and last year the paid-up capital amounted to £42,000. In the Waikato, the works were commenced with 3000 allotted shares; Hawke's Bay 7000 out of a nominal capital of £100,000; and the Wellington Farmers' Meat Co. with 2300 shares allotted. He then read letters from several settlers, expressing willingness to take shares.

Mr. J. B. Richards, at the request of the meeting, detailed the information he had obtained, and explained the circumstances relating to his calling the previous meeting. He quoted from the New Zealand Year Book for 1013, which gave the total number of sheep in the Dominion as 23,750,153, the total export of mutton and lamb being set down as 5,535,389 carcases, the proportion of the exported carcases to the total flock being 23.306. The total number of sheep in Taranaki was stated as 719,088, and on the Dominion average the export of Taranaki sheep would be 123,087, but this would not include the Ohura. The Year Book figures included the whole of the Patea county in the Taranaki province, tut a great portion of the sheep from that district went to Wanganui or Wellington. For the last five years the figures indicated little difference in Hie average. From the Department of Industries and Commerce he ascertained that there were 31 meat freezing works in the Dominion, with a total killing capacity of 82,175 per dav, and on that ratio Taranaki required *a. killing capacity of 2485 per day, the present capacity being 3025 per day. Mr. Newton King 'staled that with the recent alterations the Waitara works' capacity was 3200 per oay, but that probably included cattle, 40 head of which equalled 500 sheep. Mr. Richards submitted prospectuses ot the Nelson, Waikato, Tokomaru, Wellington Farmers', Hawke's Bay, South Otago, and other freezing works, also several letters dealing with the method of output. The chairman stated that there were 6f5,000 sheep in the Ohura and 5800 at Awakino.

Mr. Kirkwood quoted from the Now Zealand Shipping and Mercantile Gazette giving the bi-monthlv shipments of pro", duce from Waitara as follows:—Beef, lfl.OOOcwt., mutton lUHWbwt., lamb 3000 cwt.: from Wangiinui, beef IOOOOewt, mutton 2n.fioocwt., lamb liymOewt.; from Patea, mutton, Slilcwt.. -lamb i.22cwt. The chairman pointed out that there were 50,0(10 pigs in Taranaki, a greater supply than anywhere else in the Dominion, but he could give no figures as' to the quantity exported. Taranaki also had twice as many cattle as Hawke's Bay. Ho also explained the freight rates for live and dead stock.

In reply to Mr. W. 11. IT. Young. t..e chairman stated that the question of whether there was room enough for another freezing works in Taranaki depended on whether the producers supported the proposal to have works of their own.

In reply to a statement that blocks liiUroccurred owing to shortage of shipping facilities, Mr. Newton King said that as a rule there was no trouble in getting produce away, but that nt Waitara every year there was trouble In reply to Mr.' M'TodMi, Mr. Rich, ards stated that lie had been unable to obtain official information a s to the number of sheep frozen for export in each province, and he thought the safe way was to take the Dominion average which gave 800.000 for each freezing works.

I he chairman said there were (i.000.0f10 sheep in the Wellington province and three freezing works.

Mr. Newton King: They are very large works.

Mr. Richards said it was a question whether any of the farmers present had been unable to get freezing accommodation for their stock- if they had given reasonable notice. He did not want to see another freezing works started if it were not wanted, but if it were required, then he would say, "Go ahead.'" Mr. King: The best answer to that is. Why were Messrs Borthwick doubling the capacity of their works? It was not for fun. but must be a good business proposition, and indicated that the premises could not meet the demand. Mr. McCutchan said lie had on one. occasion to wait for five weeks. Borthwick's had promised to station an agent in the Wliangamoiiiona district. The important point was the price for the produce. He contended that the farmers did not get the best, price if there were no competition. He did not place much reliance on figures. lie pointed out that the farmers in the back country bad received no inducement to turn out "fats," and mentioned a case where out of 735 lambs only one was passed in the second grade. He said that, there was a large amount of land in the Whanga. district fit for fattening cattle (all the papa country), and that there was no reason to be discouraged from going right ahead with the project, as he was confident that there woulil be a very large output if encouragement were given.

The chairman pointed out. that the trade of Ohura in fat stock must come to New Plymouth. ft was coming all the time as the railway progressed. Mr. K. Griffiths pointed out Dial there was no reason for (he railway lo go right, up lo every part of the'district, as stock could travel a reasonable distance by road.

-Mr. Kins pointed out. that the Ohura was 87 miles nearer to New Plymouth than to Auckland.

In .i-pply to Mr. Vouncf. (lie clininiian slnlH that ll:n Meat f'o.'s r-npital was ;C-12,(10.; f\l tlioy borrowed ,c:!3,C(K) on dubnilnrrs. Thr-'y had to fight .muiiiht (wo largo irccziii'<> works at Wellington. Toliomaru "m\° in a similar position.

Mr. W. G. Malone considered the point was not whether proprietary works' would not be sufficiently supported, the present trouble being that the farmers could not get their stock taken when ready for killing. Was it not worth while to put up freezing works and get the best prices as well as prevent the farmers' stock from being shut out? What they 'had to consider was the cost, the number of sheep and cattle available, and the prospects for the future." It was a certainty that if the farmers were loyal to their own works, such works could be run successfully. The chairman considered it would have been worse for the farmers if the Patea. works had not been erected. Replying to Mr. Young, the chairman said the works would ihave to be run as a proprietary concern. It would not be necessary to raise £IOO,OOO, as debentures could be issued.

Mr. Kmg reminded the meeting that the vast increase in fat stock from the Ohura must come towards New Plymouth.

, Mr. McCutchan referred to the meat j famine in other parts of the world, and to the operations of the meat trust. He instanced the formation of freezing works at Taihape with a nominal capital of £50,000, and when £7OOO wa ß subscribed they decided to go ahead, Marton taking a large number of shares on the understanding that subsidiary ! works would be established there. The difficulty in the case of Patea was t3ie Iport At New Plymouth there was a safe harbor in a most convenient position for the whole of the province. Jt seemed to him that there was a great what support they would give to the ahead. The country settlers would be greatly disappointed if no move were .made, and he saw nothing to prevent going ahead.

Mr. Barnitt said the Patea. works hnt put up the price of stock. He pointed out that there was no competition Sor cows, and that meant the farmers losing fj or more a head. He believed that h the farmers would stand t.6«etliec. and patronise the works they would greatly benefit. No doubt opjjosition would be pressed, but tlijy could stand that. There were thousands of.acres of bush being felled in the Mokau district, and he mentioned thai, one of the farmer,' there had this year sent in 550 fat bullocks

Mr. King mentioned that it had been suggested to him that a canvass should be made of the fanners to ascertain what support they would give to the project.

The chairman said that taking everything into consideration there appeared to be a very good chance of success and he strongly urged going ahead. There was, he said, enough stock on thf. East road, Awakino. and Mokau districts to justify the erection of the freezing works.

Mr. McCulc.'ian, after alluding to the success of the Waingawa. works, moved: "That it be a recommendation to the general meeting of settlers that a Farmers' Meat Freezing Co., Ltd.. be formed with a nominal capital of £IOO 000 in £5 shares, hut that no allotment be made until £13.500 shares have been subscribed for "

_ The motion was seconded by Mr. Newton King, and carnal unanimously. It was decided to convene the general meeting for Tuesday next, !Uli inst at the Borough Council Chambers, .Stratford, at 3 p.m. After considerable discussion relative lo the proposed site, Mr. Meredith moved that the works be located between Inglewood, Leppcrton and -Waitara. The motion was dulv «eeOi,dfi

Mr. Kirkwood moved as an amendment that the site be noil), of Stafford He explained that his reason for so doing was to give a wider scope for choice, and the selection of high ground if thought advisable. '

Mr W. 11. H. Young seconded the amendment, which was lost, the motion being carried.

A vote of thanks to the chair concluded a lengthy and most satisfactory meeting.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION As anticipated, there was only a small amount of interest displayed in the election to the seat on the BoronHi Council vacated by Mr. Dingle. The polling was very small, as tlm followin" figures will show:— " 'Reader Hancock 133 Moo » '.'.'.'.'.'. lIS ENTERTAINMENTS. SCOTTISH SOCIETY'S SOCIAL I TO-NJCHT. The Scottish community in New Zealand are noted for their thoroughness I m all they undertake, and this commendable virtue is always seen to advantage in connection with any project that concerns their nationality. That is why, in the past, the local gatherings of. the Taranaki Provincial Scottish .Society have always proved so successful, j This year's social, which takes place in the Town Hall to-night, bids fair to eclipse all previous efforts. The concert programme, which appears in another column, spcaijs for itself. It is pleasantly varied, and contains a list of performers that is bound (0 attract al argo audience, Mr. McGregor ahuie being a great draw.

A supper and dance follow--, the cnuccrt. The former is in (1,,, very ,apable hands of a. ladies' < omniitoe.'wliJiM, has spared no pains to make this part of the gathering in every way worthy of the occasion, and visitor-; ma. cxnnc't a veritable feast of good thirds The music for the ,].„,,-.,, ;„ „;,.(.,;„ (() please, and the floor should prove thoroughly satisfactory.

j _ There is every prospect of a most enjoyable evening being spent, «„<[ a |i wlm icail possibly be present should not miss the opportunity. Judging by the sale of tickets, there should lie a lor-e ;-L- ---, tendance at this popular gathering

PERSONAL Much re-ret m f,.| t . „t (be ilealh of Mr. ( cdne Crawshaw. sewixl sO ,, „,- M| . \V. .1. ('raws)iaw, manager of (lie Sh'tfor.l brnnrh of flic ]] Ml \, ~f y,,,,. yj'„ x . l-.jn<l. I'>-ht days njP lie rrlmmvl [i»m,. Wellington, after .sitting for his dual law examination. Although unwell ■on his return it was only on Friday that his condition hecame sci'imis, anil a medical man, on being called in, pronounced that Mr. Crawshaw was suircrinj* from infections spina..] paralvhis.-to which he

succumbed early on Tuesday morniiig. Deceased was greatly esteemed, and much sympathy is felt for his relatives.

GENERAL NEWS We arc indebted to Mr. S. 11. James, the Stratford Registrar, for the following vital statistics for the month of May:—Births 19, marriages 4, death 1. Up to yesterday there had already been three marriages this month. Mr. Allan J. Hill, the newly-a,ppointcd secretary of the. .'Stratford .A, and P. Association-, commenced 'his duties on Monday. Stratford is particularly favored with regard to members of the legal profession, and amongst the leading firms is that of Messrs Halliwell and Thomson, who have an announcement of interest in this issue. |. The new winter clothing for men is attractive in many ways. Wise men will buy now while the variety is big, and they will find "The Kash" prices made to suit them. For high quality and low price Mullen and Marshall easily lead in Stratford. You hardly feel the. razor pasß over yonr face when Stan. Sharp handles the shaving operation. Added to this delightful sense of comfort is the knowledge that every utensil is sterilised, and everything is absolutely elean. Next Bellringer's, Stratford. Your photograph will please tkem all —some of your friends have been expecting one for a long time—don't be satisfied with one taken years ago. Send them a fresh portrait, jost as you are to-day, in your everyday attire. Having your portrait taken is as pleasant as an informal call on good friends. Make an appointment to-day with Mr McAllister, Stratforl