The Colonial Meat Trade.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 8, 8 December 1884, Page 2

The Colonial Meat Trade.

[Post London Correspondent. J London, Oct. 11. Contrary to expectations the dock companies have 'met the proposals of the frozen meat importers re the reduction of storage dues m a very mean manner. They scout the idea of 15 per cent. off. At present the charge of storing is three half -pence per week per cvrt. Well, they simply propose that after the moat has been stored seven days the charge shall be reduced to five farthings per week. Mr"- ; Lark worthy informs me that ' the compressed tinned beef scut Home from Auckland by the Doriehas sold without any difficulty whatever at 6 per lb. The only defect experts find with it is that the meat is scarcely compressed and solid enough. In the East End of London and m the poorer parts of many provincial towns butchers sell this tinned beef by the' slice, and unless it is hard and firm they cannot cut it, as the stuff crumbles, and gets wasted. When this defect gets remedied, there will be practically an unlimited market for New Zealand compressed beef, as Libby's the great Chicago firm, cannot supply the present demand. To show what a quantity of this stuff is used, I may 1 mention" that the Nile Expedition force, to rescue Gordon, are taking with them 60,000 cases of Libby's tins. The success which has so far atteuded the Auck-land-venture will, it is hoped, encourage enterprising persons m other New Zealand towns to start the same industry. There can be no reason why some colonial firm should not presently be able to compete with Libby's.