THE FROZEN-MEAT TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1351, 31 January 1912, Page 8

THE FROZEN-MEAT TRADE.

PRODUCERS' St'CCESSITI, NEGOTIATIONS. PORT OF LONDON PROPOSALS. The representative in London of tli'o Now- Zealand Producers' Association. Mr. F. .1. Shellnn, who is :it present on ii visit to Now Zoalaml for the i>jivjui.-.d oi putting the result of his negotiations with tli'o Port of Lomkm Aiitlmrit.v for tho provision of Letter facilities lor tlio handling, reception, iintl distribution of Neir Zeiiland frozen meat before Ilio coininittoo of Hie association, outlines in his written report the proposals made Ijy tlio Port Authority for meeting the desires of the producers at. this end. After prolonged negotiations Mr. r>helto:i succeeded in Retting tlio Port Authority tj agre-o to a scheme, by which the South-Wot India Dock would be mado suitable for the New Zealand trade. This necessitates the erection of n sorting shed into which the ships can discharge their cargoes direct; the (troponin;; of the dock, mid the opening of a barge exit at the upper end, and also the building of a graving dock. Owing to the magnitude of the scheme, it will not bo possible to have that dock ready for nearly five years. The Port Authority, however, have shown a desire to meet the views of the Producers' Association, supported as they are by men of large experience and influence connected with the trade, and have offered to provide temporary accommodation at the Victoria Docks. The proposals include the conversion of existing warehouses into cold stores and the lengthening of one tee, so that it will bo possible for three lines of New Zealand steamers to discharge at one time. The great advantage of this proposal is that the alterations can be effected within eight mouth?, in time for next season's trade, and will concentrate New Zealand produce at one point at which the sorting can take plate. The Port Authority also promise that the South-West India Bock scheme will be gone on with immediately and the temporary accommodation will, on the transference of the Now Zealand trade to the South Dock, bo utilised for Australian and Argentine trade. All that the Port Authority now require is an assurance that the accommodation will be used l.iy tho shipping companies.

An Alternative Scheme. The association is satisfied with the response to their representations by , ' the Port Authority and hopes that the freezing companies" and shipping companies will unite to give the necessary assurances. Confirmation of the above proposal was received by Mr. Sbelton yesterday morning, and yesterday afternoon a cable niPssaKP was received offering a further alternative for consideration. This alternative is to convert'two sheds at the West Knd, on the north side of the Albert Pock, into refrigprnting and sorting sheds with a lar"r> new warehouse behind. The special advantage of this latest- offer is the better Toad and rail facilities to the market. The association considers that these proposals are excellent proof that the Port 'Authority lias recognised the importance of tho Now Zealand trade and as the acceptance of the proposals rests with those-who actually cuntrol tho disposal of the produce it is to be hoped tnat 'nil necessary arrangements will bo completed at the earliest possible date and so take full advantage of the improved facilities offered.