THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 13, 24 June 1893, Page 7

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

TO THE EDITOJr. SIK,—I have read the comment of 4 Grazier ’ in your issue of the 17th with much interest. Your correspondent evidently considers that the Southland Frozen Meat Company are entitled to a considerable amount-of the credit for the improved prices now ruling lor stock as compared with say, eleven years ago. He says it would be very interesting to hear from Avhat other cause it could spring. \\ ell, 1 will venture to specify a few other reasons The development of agricultural implements, lias so reduced the cost of producing grain that it can now be sold with a profit at prices for which, a few years ago, it c-. uld not be produced ; the double-furrow plough ami the Linder have been the principal factors in this development so far, and at present, improved roads and the traction engine are keeping the ball rolling. Again, the drain pi ugh has had a special mission of its own, and lias reclaimed such n breadth of land from usefulness to productiveness, that the climate seems permanently modified for the better, live real use of this valuable implement is now well understood, and in combination with pipe drains, is rapidly improving the country. These are some of the causes which enable this country to expand its food-producing capabilities, which 1 hold is at present those to which it is most adapted. The other extreme - a food-consuming community exists in the Home country. The freezing machine, or to speak more correctly its practical development, associated with cheap and rapid ocean transit, may be considered as tbe main connecting links between two mutually attractive conditions, which, however, were bound sooner or later to meet. The Southland Frozen Meat Co., Nelson Bros, etc., instead of being originators, are simply accidents. “ Grfizier” says that “the finance companies who have been benefited should assist the Freezing Company in the expansion of their business,” No doubt they will, if they sec it to their advantage to do so, but really the trade will develop itself irrespective of any sympathy. There is no doubt that the Mataura works are a step in the right direction. To the freezing business they will act like the double-furrow plough to agriculture—cheapen the product—and this, in the nature of things, is the infallible way to secure trade ; but the company must be up and doing, for the trade mnst expand! If the company takes advantage of its exceptional facilities it must, largely profit. If it does not, the trade will develop all the same —past it, over it, or through it, as the case may be.—Yours, &c., Scot.