NEWS BY THE ENGLISH MAIL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2190, 25 March 1880, Page 2

NEWS BY THE ENGLISH MAIL.

(Per s.s. llotorua.) The following items of Suez Mail nows have been brought by the s.s. llotorua THE FROZEN MEAT EXPERIMENT. The Strathlcvcn arrived at London on February Ist. The charterers boarded her and found the meat excellent. During the next few days the meat was inspected by hundreds, and all were surprised and gratified at the condition of the meat after such _ a long voyage. On Feb G 150 colonists and others lunched on board the Strathlcvcn after first inspecting the refrigerating apparatus. Mutton, lamb, and beef were served, cooked in various forms, and were warmly approved. The speakers congratulated the Australians on this new and important trade, as one likely to bo productive of immense results both to the colonics and to England. The Press subsequently, with scarcely an exception, warmly commended the meat. It is generally regarded as superior to American, especially the mutton. The meat was sold at Smithfield. The market was the lowest for some time ; nevertheless, the prices were in good comparison with other meat, and better than American. The principal complaint is that the meat is not covered, but the duality and llavor is everything to be desired. Hopes arc expressed by the salesmen, and the public that this successful experiment is the beginning of a large trade, and that other perishable articles may be imported by the same process. There was a great demand from all parts of the country for joints of Australian meat, and there was a difficulty in supplying all that was required, but the meat was despatched in every direction over England, Scotland and Ireland, where it met with universal approval. A lamb was sent to the Queen, and a sheep to the Prince of Wales. The West-End butchers particularly approved of the meat, and they find it commands a ready sale. It is hoped that it will be unnecessary in future to freeze it to the same extent. There is a difficulty in cutting it up, owing to the meat thawing slowly on account of the cold weather. Mutton is not open to the same objection as beef in this respect. The butchers desire that the mutton should be dressed as plainly as possible and beef is preferred in quarters, not cut smaller. During the voyage the temperature in the chamber sometimes exceeded 26:| degrees, but ruled generally about LI to 20 degrees below freezing point during a large portion of the voyage. The engines worked eight hours daily ; in the Mediterranean live hours. Much disappointment is felt,

that the promoters are unable to charter the Strathleven to return immediately to Australia for a large cargo. The beef was sold iu carcase at Smithfield at from Jkl to sid, and retail in Smithfield for joints at 7d and 8d per lb. Mutton, Avholesale, brought 5M to 6d and Avas retailed at Smithfield at 7d to 9d. West End and other butchers who bought the meat, retailed primed joints of beef at lo|d, and mutton at 9d to lOd. The butter is favorably spoken of, and large dealers would willingly purchase at the same prices as are given for Home produce of similiar quality.