THE MEAT WORKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1923, Page 4

THE MEAT WORKS.

DIRECTORS VISIT OHURA. PROMISE OF SUPPORT. SETTLERS’ DIFFICULTIES. Everything in connection with the reopening of the meat works at Smart Road is proceeding satisfactorily, and it is hoped to start operations immediately after the Christmas and New Year holidays. Negotiations have already been started to arrange for stock, and farmers throughout the district have been appealed to to support the works. This week Mr. J. S. Connett, (chairman of directors), accompanied by Messrs. Newton King, C. E. Bellringer and J. McLeod (directors), visited the Obura and discussed with settlers the re-opening of the works. Mr. S. Meredith, a member of the directorate, representing Ohura shareholders, was also present. Speaking to a Daily News reporter last night, Mr. Connett said the visit had proved of great value to the company. There existed a doubt in the district regarding the reopening of the works, and the directors were able to remove all misunderstandings and impress upon the settlers their determination to have the works in full swing early in the New Year. A buyer for the company was appointed, and promises of support were received from the settlers. In the past the Ohura was a strong supporter of the works, some 20,000 sheep having been secured from that district in one season. Speaking of conditions in the Ohura, Mr. Connett said the stock was greatly depleted, particularly the sheep. This was due to two reasons. In some cases settlers had disposed of their sheep and gone in for cows, but now that there had been such a marked improvement in the wool market they intended to revert to sheep. Another reason was the financial difficulties facing many of the farmers, forcing them to carry less stock. Hundreds of miles of really good country was passed which appeared to be entirely bare of stock. “There is room for some big financial scheme to help these chaps,” added Mr. Connett. "The matter has got beyond the ability of stock agents to do the financing, and the Government should inquire into the position.” Mr. Connett said the directors were satisfied the company could rely on receiving all possible support from the district. Owing to the hard times, however, there would not be the abundance of stock that was offering in the past, but for a Etart some five or six hundred sheep , would be available,-and as conditions improved this would be increased.