THE- AUCKLAND MEAT FREEZING COMPANY.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1605, 17 October 1882, Page 2

THE- AUCKLAND MEAT FREEZING COMPANY.

Wk have been requested to publish the following letter, a copy of which has been sent to the Auckland Herald:— Sir, — In last week's edition of the Weekly JSncs, I observe a letter from Mr Joseph Banks on the Auckland Freezing Company, and, as it is entirely misleading and calculated to throw dust in the eyes of intending shareholders, I crave space to reply. To begin, he says it is not apparent how the Freezing Company will benefit consumera generally by raising the wholsesale price of meat. It is known that Napier and Wanganui have been supplying a large portion of the beef consumed in Auckland. When these places cease shipping to Auckland, beef might at any time go up to £2 or over per lOOlbs. The Freezing Company, by killing during the latter part of the summer and storing the meat in the freezing chamber, could meet such emergencies and sell in Auckland ; and I may here state that it is not the intention of the directors to raise prices to a starvation point, but sell whenever the price reaches about 30s per lOOlbs. In the next place he misrepresents the prospectus by stating the company propose to erect a freezing chamber capable of holding 1000 to 2000 bullocks, besides sheep, pigs, butter, etc. If he will again refer to the prospectus he will find, " second, in like manner to acquire in the City of Auckland a site, whereon to erect a freezing chamber, capable, &c," the object is to acquire a site large enough to erect buildings of the capacity required by the company as the business increases. Rome was not built in a day. The company wish to be in a position to enlarge their premises when sufficient inducement would warrant such a step — in the meantime the directors are in communication witli practical men, and expect to be able to lay before the public at their next meeting on the I 24th inst., the fullest informationas to cost of buildings, machinery and working expenses, and should shareholdersapplying before that date be dissatisfied with the estimates, they can then, as was stated at a public meeting at Ohaupo, withdraw their application. Another misrepresentation : They do not speak of constructing cooling trucks to transport a huge quantity of meat — but simply " cooling trucks for the transmission of meat" — nor is anything mentioned of refrigerating cais. For the information of Mr Banks and the public generally, I would state that the company does not propose to construct more than two or three cooling trucks, and these making three trips each per week would be able to convey the carcases of one hundred bullocks in that time. Not only is the railway manager prepared to accept the guarantee of the company for this small outlay, but he will also be prepared to furnish plans for trucks with all the latest improvements. It is the intention of the directois to have the freezing chamber in close proximity to the shipping, andby slaughtering in the Waikato to land the meat in Auckland in a much better state than that which is slaughtered in Auckland, after having been bruised and knocked about in railway trucks and on board ship. Although Mr Banks says there is no chance of exporting meat from Auckland for some year to come. the tone of his whole letter belies that statement. Mr Banks' assertion that farmers in Hawke's Bay, Wauganui and Poverty Bay could better afford to sell beef at 20s than our farmers could at 30s, shows that we requii c protection, and is only another argument in our favour, why we should take means to enable us to export. Mr Banks next takes exception to the statement that the average pi ice of beef has not exceeded 18s per lOOlbs. This quotation was obtained fiom one of our most extensive graziers, and would be the voice of the whole community. If Fisher and Co. paid 22s 6d per lOOlbs for their beef, I am satisfied to take Mr Ranks' statement, but it is the general opinion of Waikato farmers that J such is not the case. Mr Banks seems much amused that the company should buy butter from shareholders only, atone shilling per pound. I may say that the company will only pay this price to those wiio arc. prepared to put their shoulder to the wheel, namely, producers, and take a certain amount of risk, but will buy good butter from others at market rates if offered. He says it is not encouiaging to any one wanting an investment, while immediately after he advises us to assist Napier and Wellington in their enterprise, e\enif we get no dividend. How does he reconcile these two statements ? Why should we send our money to Napioi, a small town without a ha) bour, when Auckland with a population of 30,000 inhabitants, and one of the finest harbours south of the line, and every facility for exporting to all parts of the globe is in want of our enterprise, which Mr Banks would thrust from our shores ? I maintain, a freezing chamber would be of immense \alue for the storing of dairy produce and other perishable articles. If Mr Banks was sincere iv his desire to see the countiy districts prosper, why did he not when the matter was first in print, point out what he considered errors, and not wait until people were ready to take up shares and then come forward merely for the purpose of pre« venting the floating of the company. The fact is, Mr Banks sees that the days when the farmers did all the hard work, in many cases wrought like slaves, while the butchers reaped the profits, are soon to end, and .that we are determined to combine for our own protection, and now that the matter is before the public it becomes the duty of all who can to assist the promoters to bring the matter to a successful issue. I might further add that slaughter-yards might be erected near Auckland for the convenience of the adjoining districts. Mr Banks' offer to a gentleman made in April last of 22s 6d per lOOlbs for beef is no argument against the proposed company. Is there anyone in the province who could have supplied 50 bullocks per week for six months? and being made in the beginning of winter, when all owners of fat stock expected a rise in the markets, Mr Banks offer was nothing to boast of, and with regard to his offer now to give to any one, or any company 22a 6d per lOOlbs for beef it is made partly through fear of our company succeeding and raising the price of all stock, and partly with the view to present support coming to the company. What guarantee is there that Mr Banks would faith* fully carry out his offer? Will he be prepared to meet Waikato settlers* and talk business, which would ensure them satisfactory returns. Would he buy in the Waikato and save freight and commission to the grazier, and shall it be the actual weight — not guess work ? These are all questions which farmers must consider in choosing their course. As the benefits which the proposed company would bring should be widespread, the directors have made shares small and calls light, and yet we see men of means selfishly standing aloof ready to share in the prosperity which their fellow men are endeavouring to secure.— l am, &c. F. C. Gekjianjt, Paterangi, Oct, 14, 1881.

The Italian nation has asked Garibaldi's family for his sword, that it may be preserved in the Capitol. , The sword really worn by him. during the campaign of 1866 is in the possession of Colonel Chambers, an English gentleman.