AUSTRALIAN BEEF.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1926, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN BEEF.

•CHILLED SHIPMENT. [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.T LONDON, July 22. Numerous experts visited Smith field to inspect the Port Auckland’s chilled beef cargo of 720 hindquarters from Brisbane and forty-one from Wyndhani. The latter was in excellent condition, aiiel though it was second 'quality beef, it realised within three-farth-ings per pound of the Argentine price. The s.s. Brisbane’s quarters showed considerable patches ojf mould round

the buttocks and legs, but these were confined to the surface. The beef was searohiugly inspected by sanitary authorities, both at the docks and at Smithfield. who permitted its exposure for sale on condition that the mouldy parts were cut off. All the experts considered the quality and dressing of the meat excellent. When cut into •joints, it looked quite as attractive as Argentine drilled meat. There is not the slightest doubt about it being chilled, no trace of frost being discoverable.

The general impression of the experts was that the mould was due chiefly to over close packing, which prevented free air/ circulation. This was indicated by the fact that the ribs and loins, which, as they were hung, received a free current of cool air entering from below, were quite clean. It was pointed out that the space allowed for the Brisbane beef was one hundred and two cubic feet nor ton, whereas the Argentine allows one hundred and eight to one hundred and fourteen feet. This theory is borne out by the fact

that the Wyndham carcases, which weighed nineteen pounds each less than the Brisbane’s, carried perfectly. Other experts expressed the opinion that there was too great humidity in the chamber. This was shown by a very slight loss of weight during the voyage. Ten quarters weighed had lost only eight pounds between them. On the whole the experts consider the shipment has proved the possibility of successfully carrying chilled beef from Australia.

Even .the Argentine representative admits that this parcel did not show any more mould than was usual in the Argentine shipments twenty years ago. Opinions differ regarding the commercial possibilities of the Australian chilled beef. Some were doubtful whether the price obtained therefor would effectively meet the increased cost of transport and handling. Mr Hassan. in an interview with the Australian Press Association, said lie considered this shipment a more convincing proof of the possibilities of chilled meat from Australia as a commercial proposition than the last.

“While a large percentage was badly moulded.” lie said. “ a cursory examination suggests- the causes may he definitely established, and found to he not beyond remedy, and to be probably preventible by better air circulation. through increasing the cubic space to 120 ft to the ton, which is still within commercial limits of stowage. An excess of humidity is also possibly a contributory, while the Wyndham shipments quality was not equal to the Brisbane’s, the condition of the Wynbam lot on arrival showed a notable advance, meriting encouragement and continuity of effort with the project, and auguring complete, success. 1 am sanguine Mr Rayson will proceed until he overcomes this distance disability,”