King Country Chronicle Saturday, March 28th, 1914 FREEZING WORKS PROJECT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 655, 28 March 1914, Page 4

King Country Chronicle Saturday, March 28th, 1914 FREEZING WORKS PROJECT.

The promotion of the Freezing Company with the object o? establishing works at a suitable centre to serve the Waikato and King Country districts, is now being actively undertaken, and there appears to be every prospect of the project meeting with sufficient support to assure the successful launching of the enterprise. As far as the King Country is concerned in the project there can be little doubt that considerable benefit will ensue to oar Bettlers from the establishing of a freezing works within a reasonable distance of the district, and the assistance already promised to the enterprise is an indication that solid support may be looked for. In forming an estimate of any business concern which is likely to exert widespread influence in the district Beveral factors have to be taken into serious consideration. Moreover, a freezing works is not the establishment of a season or two. It is a highly important factor in the welfare and progress of any district The fate of a district largely depends upon its efficiency and the manner in which it serves the settler generally. As a farmers' concern it is to be presumed that the farmers will require to find the capital neceasaryto finance the undertaking, and upon the judicious ÜBe of that capital by the farmers' representatives will depend the success of the eompany. On the face of things the work* must look to an enormous increase in supplies from this district. Millions of acreß of good land which as yet have only been scratched by settlement must contribute an annually increasing amount of stock for many yea;a to come, It ha* also to be remembered that the conditions of the district are not permanently fixed. Roading is in its infancy, and branch railways are being sought for in various localities. The Ohura branch is at present under construction, while the Kawhia connection must be effected within the next few years. A line from Te Kuiti towards Awakino ia in the air, while the putting°through of the railway from the Main Trunk line at Eakabi to Taupo must eventually exert a tremendous influence on the settlement and production of the district. These factors at present can only be used as an indication of the volume of traffic and production which may be expected as development takes place, but they also constitute the strongest possible arguments in favour of the adequate and efficient representation of the district on any company upon which the progress of the district may largely deped. It may be argued that such a district, when properly developed, will naturally promote a freezing works of its own at some suitable centre. It has to be borne in mind, however, that greatly improved facilities in the shape of freezing works and mar- . kets for fat stock are urgently required at present, and. upon the efficiency of the new works to provide for the demands . of the district the progress and prosperity of the growing district will largely depend. The Auckland Farmers' Freezing Company 'has circularised the district / suggesting that if a branch works is necessary south of Auckland that company is prepared to 'Work with the farmers interested, and provide the works in the Waikato. No fault will be found with the Auckland company for endeavouring to conserve its own interest, but there is every indication that those who are interested in the new venture will make every effort to carry through the projeet now under way. The establishing of a. freezing works in or near the King: Counry is inevitable. The handling of King Country stock on the railway has been a distinct drawback, and onft which apparently ean only be overcome by the establishing of works at a point much nearer the district than Auckland . The question of site iff one of the vital issues connected; with the new company as far as the King Country c is [[concerned. That < this feature is recognised by all is evi» denced by the fact that the matter of site has been left over for decision. While admitting that the promoters ' were well advised in adopting this* course from a business point of view, wewould point out that this feature is probably of greater importance to the King Country of the other districts interested. As the district, which, in consequence of its size and natural advantages, is destined to contribute ultimately by far the greatest quantity of Btock to the works, the King Country has every right to be heard, and its particular interests in this respect given every consideration.