Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, DEC. 22, 1896. Freezing Companies.

Manawatu Herald, 22 December 1896, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, DEC. 22, 1896. Freezing Companies.

Tee largest of our exports comes from sheep, and in addition to their fleeces, which nsed to be the only portion exported, we have now their carcases. The frozen meat industry has been a fluctuating one, and much money has been sunk in establishing the trade. From tho returns published by the various companies in this colony it is surprising to find the differences that occur, some getting through with a profit, others yearly making losses. Upon looking into the matter it will be evident that everything depends upon the suitableness of the position of the works, for, the profit being small, every labour contrivance and haulage must be saved. It will be foupd that inland works are not, and will not be for years, a success. We have only to instance the failure of ihe Longburn Company and the closing of the works at Woodville as local examples. We know that the Longbuin works have been again re opened by the people who obtained the property at about half its original cost, but it remains to be seen for I how long they will be kept open. Such works in a district are very useful to the grazier, and it is to be regretted that they have to bs worked with such an eya to economy, but those wanting such works must not close their eyes to the fact that they would realise better prices were the works better placed for the export of their produce. Much surprise was expressed at the Wanganui people erecting works in that town and shipping direct from the woika into ocean going steamers. Experienced mariners laughed at the idea being practicable, but facts are stubborn things and prove otherwise. What we have urged time after time is the removal of the Longburn works to the mouth of the Manawatu River, when what is done at Wanganui can be done at Manawatu. The position for loading ocean steamers i* better off the beads than even at Wanganui. This will have to be if we are to have successful freezing works on this coast, and though a slight loss in one way might be felt byPalmerston.yet tho increased prosperity of the farmers owing to an increased price in their stock, from lessened cost in exporting it, would more than make up the difference. 'A good effort will no doubt be made to keep the works at Longburn and to make them pay, but everything points to its not being so. To make our contention clearer wo quote the following remarks made by the Chairman of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce at their last annual meeting : — Direct shipping at the roadstead has been carried on for the last six years with greater euocess than was anticipated by the moßt sanguine advocates. Yearby year the receiving steamers aodlb lighters gained experience as shown by the fact that 1000 bales of wool were pat on the ocean steamer in 24 hours. This will compare most favourably with the despatch given to steamers loading at the wharves at Wellington and other ports. The loading of frozen meat has been carried oat with equal promptitude- In a few days the Bakia. one of the largest steamers trading to New Zealand, will arrive here to take away 6000 bales of wool and the Star of New Zealand will also call here to take away 12,000 carcases of mutton, besides other produce. The Rotoruna or the Star of England will also arrive a few days after. It is to be hoped that the development of direct shipping will soon result in merchants getting their goods direct to our own port.