FROZEN MEAT.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 635, 15 August 1882, Page 3

FROZEN MEAT.

To ihe Editor. Sir, —I read with great interest in your issue of yesterday's mail a letter signed " B," and also your leading article advocating a Frozen Meat Company for the Peninsula. This question I have had in my mind for some time past, and if it could only be successfully carried out, it would be the greatest boon that could befall the Peninsula. And why should it not be carried out'? The Peninsula is more adapted for grazing than anything else. We have every facility for the purpose—a -splendid harbor with deep water and perfect safety for vessels to load, abundance -of fresh water, and the stock and dairy produce close at hand. We have the men, and lam sure the capital, to woik. Tho Company could very easily bo raised. Wi_at we want, then, is energy, and that we have, only we want stirring up. Although I dare say some will shake their heads and way that the question is being •advocated too soon, I say it is not, because it will benefit the whole of the Peninsula •in a great many ways, First. If a Company was started the producers would derive a direct profit from their stock or produce, 'Secondly.. Vessels loading here direct for England, would do more to •open up our harbor (which is now comparatively useless) than any thing else, and. utilising* tho harbor is, I maintain, tho great secret of getting the railway through ■the hill. Until the residents of tho Peninsula stir themselves, and show the Government that piercing the tunnel through the hill will be a source of profit, the Peninsula will be in the same position in 20 years ■hence as it is now, and how are we to get the railway continued ? Simply by using •the harbor. Once we can get the shipping here the railway will soon follow. The Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, which is being started, have decided that Belfast, situated nine miles north of Christchurcb, iis to be tbe sole site of their operations at present. Some may say that two freezing companies ho close together will •never do, as they might clash with each other, but I do not think so, for the county is so isolated from tbe plains tbat I cannot see how the Peninsula will be benefited by the Canterbury Freezing Company's works at Belfast. It may bave tbe effect of keeping stock to a more even price, but this is •the only way I can see it will benefit the Peninsula. If, however, a company was started here on a small scalo now, when ■once the railway was open stock could be sent from the whole of South Canterbury, and the Company's operations enlarged if •necessary. But putting tin* question of the railway aside, a more convenient place than any who c in Akaroa harbour could not I c found for a site for the Company's works. It has been proved that the New !Zealand moat is the finest ever itupo ted into the Home markets and tbere could not be a better time than at present for starting a company. An old rcoident of the Peninsula, Mr J. Hay is now on a visit *t > England and I am sure ho would if asked, collect all tho necessary information as to price of machinery, etc., which would be of very valuable assistance. That a company once started with an influential directory would prove an ultimate success, I have no doubt. I do not say that a company should be started right off, but let a committee of influential residents be appointed to collect nil the infoimition possible as to the cost of machinery, build ings, &c, required, and the latest improvements in the general working of tho process ; for if they find that it cannot be successfully carried out at present, tbe information collected would always be available for any futuie time, so nothing can be lost by it. In conclusion, I hope the public meeting to be cnlled will be largely attended, for it affects not one, but every resident in tho county, for a Freezing ■Company once in full swing, it would increase the value of property, give employment to many, and would be a step in the right direction for the advancement of the Peninsula Hoping you will be able to find space for this in your columns— Yours, etc., EDWARD S. LATTER.