CHILLED BEEF EXPERIMENT.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 293, 15 June 1895, Page 2

CHILLED BEEF EXPERIMENT.

The news cabled recently that tbe cargo of chilled beef sent to London by the Gothic had arrived in excellent condition is a source of congratulation. The experiment has been tried before, but tbis is the first attempt from New Zealand, and the outcome can only be looked on as very gratifying. We learn from tbe Wellington Times tbat the meat was purchased from the two local companies, and the shipment was made under the direct supervision of a gentleman who was sent from England to tbe colony for that purpose. It is not too much to say that this will give a new impetus to the cattle trade, and also encourage breeders to rear stock which, as regards class, size, and quality of meat, will equal, if not surpass, that of any other country exporting chilled beef for the Home market. What is required in this, as in tbe case of dairy produce, is uniformity, and tbat can easily be attained by the exercise of care and judgment in the selection of animals. We have learned a bitter lesson in tbe past from neglect of the most ordinary foresight in that respect in tbe export of low-class frozen mutton, and tbe experience — although dearly bought — should have its uses. If half-a-dozen cargoes of chilled beef, similar to that sent by the Gothic — and, if possible, better — are sent Home at regular intervals, a certain demand will be created, which will enlarge month by month to the advantage of all connected with the enterprise, and especially to the profit of the stockfarmers.