MEAT STEAMERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16750, 4 January 1915, Page 4

MEAT STEAMERS.

POSITION OF FREEZING COMPANIES. [From Our Correspondent.] MASTERTON, January 2

In connection with the possibility of freezing works having to close down through the lack of vessels to carry frozen meat to England, Mr J. 0. Cooper, managing, director of the Wellington Farmers' Meat Company, whose works aro situated nt Masterton, states:—"Unfortunately, I am not yet in *a position to state definitely just what the position will be until such time as we are informed by the shipping companies what space has been allotted to us. It is trno that we are fairly full at the present moment, but we shall be loading out a considerable quantity of meat in the first half of next week, and wo have our new storage ready for use. We have not so far refused to take stock from any sottlers on the grounds of no storage. I do not know what the position of other companies may be, but several have added to their storage, which will help matters a good bit. The remarks regarding a shortage of boats appear to apply uto the West of England trade and moro particularly to the FederalShiro Line of steamers. The position in regard to this trade is very bad, I know, as the steamers that should have como out hero to carry the produce to the West of England have been taken by the Admiralty at Home ports, and this fact will cause more congestion by a bigger dennud for space in the London and East Coast boats. So far as the_ Wellington Farmers' Meat Company is concerned we are alt right."_ _ Inquiries from other sources show that in this portion of the North_ Island no instructions have been given to cense buying. There is «& big rush of Hawke's Day stock to ; the freezing works, owing to the drought and th* 1 bush fires, and the congestion will probably be severe in that district. It is hoped, however, that with the additional storage at various works the loss from the shortage in transports will not bo as severe as some may anticipate.