FREEZING WORKS PROPOSAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1235, 21 April 1914, Page 4

FREEZING WORKS PROPOSAL.

WORKS TO BE KSTABUSED NEAR FEILDING.

The efforts of tbe past several moms on the part of farmers in the cu-trict to form a freezing works company came into a definite shape last week, when a meeting convened by Mr Hugh Roberts decided to form a company to establish works near Feilding. The meeting was held in the drill hall at Feilding, and was largely and enthusiastically attended.

Mr Roberts, addressing the farmers, stated that it was proposed to form a company with a nominal capital of ,£150,000 divided into 150,000 shares of £1 each, of which it was proposed to issue for subscription 100,000 shares. Of tbe subscribed capital issued it was proposed to call up not more than 12s 6d per share, payable 2s 6d on application, 2s 6d on allotment, and 7s 6d in calls of not less than 2s 6d per share, at intervals of not less than three mouths. The objects of the pro posed company were to purchase a suitable site and erect necessary machinery, buildings, etc. It was estimated that the laud, buildings, and preliminary expenses would amount to ,£68,000, made up as follows; Land ,£qooo, buildings ,£34,000, plant and machinery ,£22,000, architects’ services, siding and incidentals ,£BOOO. The accommodation would be capable of handling 2000 sheep of 6olbs weight, or its equivalent per day. The proposed site was at Aorangi, comprising 50 acres, and was well watered and adjacent to the railway. Mr Roberts said that Feilding was one of the finest fattening districts in the Dominion. In the North Island they were very short of freezing accommodation, and there was no district in New Zealand more suitable than Feilding for the establishment of works, and a vast number of sheep were trucked away from Feilding every year. He also referred to the number of cattle available for killing, and that every year there was an increase in the breeding of sheep and cattle. He referred to the shrinkage of weight through trucking to Wellington, and said they would always have the same trouble if they did not establish works in their district.

The general opinion of the meeting was in favour ot the proposal, and after Messrs Burrell (Kiwitea), E. Short (Parorangi), J. HPerrett (Sandon), Mackie (Apiti), F. Piraui (Feilding) and J. McFarland (Aorangi) had spoken in favour of it, Mr Burrell moved, Mr Short seconding : “That in the interests of the farming community of the extensive producing district of which Feilding is the natural centre, it is desirable that farmers’ freezing works be established in or near Feilding, and that a farmers’ company to carry on this industry be formed in this district, such company to be known as the Oroua Freezing Works, Ltd.”

The motion was carried unanimously. Mr Perrett then proposed : “That Messrs Hugh Burrell, J. J. Bryce, M. A. Conway, R, A. McKenzie, J. H. Perrett, W. J. Poison and E. Short be the provisional directors of the company, to act until the election of directors at the shareholders’ statutory meeting.” Mr Conway seconded the motion, which was also carried unanimously, Mr Conway moved, Mr Poison seconding : “That the provisional directors be authorised to appoint a broker for the company, and that they also support the broker; and that they also appoint the interim secretary to act until the statutory meeting.” The motion was carried unanimously. Thk Sitk, The site selected for the works is on Mr Tange’s property near the bridge at Aorangi. The property is part of an estate acquired about fourteen years ago by the Government. The site is an ideal one, being near the x\orangi station, and on tne bank of the Orona river, offering every facility for a water supply and drainage. It is within a miie ot Ecilding.