FROZEN MEAT TRADE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 224, 16 January 1911, Page 5

FROZEN MEAT TRADE

GOOD MARKET PROSPECTS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, January 13. Weddel's Review says that the frozen meat trade has improved. The consumption and demand for all foodstuffs seems assured for at least some months ahead, and frozen meat may expect to participate in the demand to the full. The Colonial Consignment Company's report says that the volume of probable supplies precludes the anticipation of high prices, but it is not unreasonable to hope for steady markets and a level of values approximating to those of 1910. UNSOUND MEAT FROM AUSTRALIA. Received 15, 5.5 p.m. London, January 14. Reporting to the Local Government Board, Dr. Robert Leiper declared that the parasitic nodules were without exception due to worms of the genus onchocerca. The diseased condition was not peculiar to Australia, but was found in other animals in various parts of the workl, including the United States. The parasite belongs to a group of worms that require to be taken up by a biting insect and undergo a certain degree of development therein before they can be transmitted to another warm-blooded animal. They appear incapable of surviving more than a few hours the deatli of cattle. There is no evidence of the vitality of the worm or the embryo found in Australian beef here; therefore tire direct development of the parasite in man as the result of eating affected meat is impossible. The nodules are the product of changes taking place in the tissue, and the result some acrid toxin excreted by the worm. Their presence in meat intended for human consumption is therefore undesirable, and the meat must be classed as unsound.

THE MATTER DISCUSSED. The Morning Post publishes interviews with Sir T. B. Robinson, Agent-General for Queensland, and Captain Collins, secretary to the High Commissioner,'pointing out that effective steps were taken in Australia to remove briskets and flanks before shipment.