Council Requests Delay in Provision Of Abattoirs For Marton

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 November 1948, Page 3

Council Requests Delay in Provision Of Abattoirs For Marton

While the council appreciated the fact tnat sooner or later it would have to provide for the establishment ol an abattoir in ivlarton, in view 01 the more urgent works required to be undertaken, the Department ol Agriculture be asked i.ot to press lor the provision or an abattoir it present, was the opinion expressed by the Marton Borougn Council on Wednesday night when it discussed certain matters with Mr. D. Marshall, a departmental olficer.

“Our department is concerned about the position in Marton as under the Meat Act, a town with a population of 2500, lias an ooligation to provide abattoir facilities.’’ said Mr. Marshall. He said the council could build its own abattoir or delegate its powei to an abattoir in another district, where the killing could be done or to ireezing works. He had discussed the matter with the Marton butchers and although they agreed that the abattoir service should be available, they were opposed to going to Fending or other works, said Mr. Marshall. However, it was desirable, from a public health point of view that the meat in Marton be graded and inspected, which was not possible at rural slaughter houses. While no complaints hat! been received Irom Marton about the quality of meat sold, the position of providing an abattoir would have to ne laced sooner or later said Mr. Marshall. An inspector of stock visited slaughter houses veriodically to ensure that they were hygienic. To a question asaeq by Cr. K. H. Fowler, Mr. Marshall said that if an abattoir was established in Marten, an inspector would be appointed to inspect meat daily. With the shortage of materials, the present time was nbt opportune to build, said Cr. Fowler. He asked whether a compromise would be agreed to by the department and he suggested an inspector be appointea to inspect meat in the local slaughter houses.

Something of this kind had b<. tried in the past, but had proved unsatisfactory. said Mr. Marshall. It was not thought that sullicient control could be obtained. He pointea out that some of the present siaugu ter buildings were “ageing.” “We have had a very high standarc of meat trom our Dutchers,” said the mayor, Mr. T. E. Barton. He could not see how Marton's entry into the Feilding abattoir district would prove satisfactory and the council could not ask them to become distributors for Ireezing works. Butchers were willing to improve their killing facilities at the slaughter yards but had delayed action pending the present negotiations.

The council was disturbed about the position as it had been the experience of other small local bodies that abattoirs were not an economic proposition. "I would like the matter held over for the present,” saiq Mr. Barton, addressing Mr. Marshall, “but if the department pushes us, i would suggest that thev get the evil day postponed as long as possible.” In reply to Cr. A. S. Blackledge, Mr. Marshall said he could not give the cost of an abattoir, but at Blenheim the establishment there had cost £ll,OOO. Cr. A. Gracie: Almost the cost oi a hospital! In requesting the department not to press the issue, the mayor pointed out that an abattoir would be a costly undertaking for the ratepayers. The borough was faced with costly water and sewerage projects, and if on top of these major problems, an abattoir was required, it would be too bad, he said. Cr. Gracie: Could a permit be obtained for building an abattoir? Mr. Marshall: That would rest with the Minister. After reviewing the council’s attitude, Mr. Marshall indicated that the decision on whether Marton woulc, have to build an abattoir would rest with the Minister of Agriculture. ST. ANDREW’S DAY. St. Andrew's Dav will be observed at the evening service at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on Sunday. A suitable service lias been arrangea with officers of tne Marton Scottish Society taking part. The Marton Pipe Band yvill also parade. PERSONAL. Mr. R. Auld, Auckland, has arrived in Marton and commencing from tomorrow will deliver a series of addresses in the Gospel Hall. During his stay in this town, Mr. Auld will be the guest of Mr. C. Johnson, Tutaenui Road.