FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE FREEZING WORKS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9570, 17 August 1909, Page 6

FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE FREEZING WORKS.

(To the Editor) Sir,—l read "Old Chums'" letter' of the 13th inst. with interest, ape! he has shown clearly by the plain man ner he has brought his views forward that he has a thorough knowledge of the sheep industry, and has clearly observed the different position the South Island farmers enjoy to what they do in the Wellington Province, where the freezina companies hold the monopoly. There is one remark in "Old Chum's" letter which I can-, not agree with, and that is as to the site. Formally it was considered necessary to have the works at a seaport, hut now with the improved methods of freezing there is no advantage, provided the company build their own trucks, as the Government cannot be expected to supply a number of trucks on the day they would bo required to load a large vessel, as the companies closer to port would be requiring the trucks at the same time. Ah a set-off against the expense of building the trucks, the advantages of having the works in the Wairarapa are many. There re several - suitable sites offered, but which one is uhosen, is a matter of convenience f.o the shareholdr ers. I will mint ion the Waingawa site for example, and endeavour to point out some of the principle advantages. First, the great convenience uf being able t'j buy a large area of cheap suitable land for "holding" paddocks and for carrying on the works to the best advantage, in comparison to being cramped on a small area of expensive land near We - lington. Secondly, it would not be necessary to truck the bulk of the stock, as they would we driven straight to the works, and have good paddocks until they were killed, which would save a great deal of bruising and deterioration to the meat. The mortality and rejects would be very much less. Then, again, when sheep are in trucks and yards, without food for two 01? three days before killing, they loose considerably in weight, and a hundred sheep loosing three punds each in weight would mean a loss to the consignee of three hundred pounds of mutton, which would considerab'y reduce the farmers" profits. Thirdly, the manure would lie manufactured in the centre of a large agricultural district. The farmer could get what he required himself from the works, and save the expense of freight, and profits to, 'the middleman, which would be a great saving to the turnip and rape-grower. Fourthly, the works could be built very, much cheaper, aa stone and sand of the best quality for concrete is available Without cost, whereas at Wellington it would have to be bought at so much per yard, which would run into a heavy item. Fifthly, the farmer could see his sheep killed and treated witnr.r'- tha expense and inconvenience or going to Welling-

ton, which also would be a great object lesson to him in breeding, and fattening sheep of the best quality. Sixthly, the workmen would be able to obtain cheap land for building on, which would be a great saving to them in rent. They would be able to live more cheaply and with greater comfort, their families would be much healthier then if cramped in the town. Seventhly, such a large industry in the centre of this district would greatly enhance the value of property and promote industry. Eighthly, the fat sheep would go straight from the proposed saleyards at Solway to the company's holding paddocks, without any additional expense or deterioration, as the company's yardman could attend the sale, and take deiivey ot slock bought by clients, which would relieve them of any further trouble. Ninthly, the works being built outside a borough, will save a large yearly amount is taxes and water rates. Thanking you, Sir, for the space (for this letter, I am, etc.,

OBSERVER. Masterton, August IGl.h, 1909.