FROZEN MEAT STORAGE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIX, Issue 13, 26 March 1913, Page 6

FROZEN MEAT STORAGE.

A few days ago the High Commissioner (the Hon. Thomas 'Mackenzie) met by appointment Lord Devonport, the chairman, and some members of the Port

of Loudon Authority, togqfher with their leading officers, in Connection with the. provision of additional and improved storage for meat at thie' India Dock, and in order to ascertain the actual intentions of the Authority regarding the Royal Albert Dock proposed extension, and to discuss the question of concessions on rates. The discussion lasted two hours.

The Port of London Authority will not undertake 'the construction of (stores at the South-West India Dock on lines such as Mr. Alackenzie would approve. • They are, however, going to deepen .the entrance and improve the wharfing accommodation. In their opinion—an opinion in which they claim to be supported by the trade here —the Royal Albert Docks is best suited for the distribution of New Zealand meat as well as of meat from other parts. The High Commissioner stated that the work had been already promised, and he wished to know when it would actually be put in hand, so that the earliest possible attention could be given -to the? much-needed improvement in handling. At his request plans were sent for,

land th# drawing and situation were discussed with the engineers. The High -Commissioner offered suggestions regarding handling, discharging from the ship. > working the meat in cold stores, aaid redistribution by train and van. The plan showed -that very great care had been exercised in making provision for proper and careful handling of the meat. The 'Authority is doing away with the ‘’shoots” to which Mr Mackenzie offered ho much objection, and a continuous platform will take the meat from the holds of the ships to various parts of the stores, and lifts will be employed for elevating or lowering the meat afterwards. The Authority has in view the conveyance of meat by tram from the stores to Smithfield Market, and by rail to other parts of Britain.

Replying as to the date when the work will be commenced, they promised that the work would be put in hand at once, and finished by December, 1914. If the Authority carries out what they have promised regarding these stores, Mr. Mackenzie, whilst regretting that stores are not at present to be erected at the South-West India Dock, has no doubt that very great improvement will take place in the handling of meat from the point of ship’s discharge at the Royal ‘Albert Dock. In reference to the SouthWest India Dock, the Authority promised that should the work there be deemed necessary in future, they would go into the matter again. Regarding the concessions on rates, the advantages from which New Zealand (owing to the divided system of shipping from that country) does, unlike, the Argentine; not obtain, the Authority is going into this matter with a view to seeing what can be done, and will report to Mr. Mackenzie.