The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. TUESDAY, SEPT. 4, 1888.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2520, 4 September 1888, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 4, 1888.

Equal and exart justice to all men. Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political.

On the many occasions in which we have written on the development and future prospects of the dairy industry in this colony, we have steadily kept before our readers that it is at present on its trial, that it has to pass through many vicissitudes in its transitory stages before the goal of success is reached. In a recent article we demonstrated to what progress it has already obtained even in this district, and we placed confident anticipations | on the enterprise displayed by the colony in that direction ultimately gaining the firm ground that has now teen won by the frozen meat exports. This last industry, which often caused many heart-burnings and disappointments, lias passed through, all those trying experiences, but we can safely rely at the present moment on its permanency as a leading and profitable staple of New Zealand. The bulk of tlie colony's operations in frozen meat lies in the South; there has not been very much done in this district, comparatively. There are, however, far better inducements now offering to direct the attention of our farmers towards it. The prices realised in the English markets have much improved ; New Zealand mutton takes the premier place in the tastes of the consumers ; and the freights and charges are far more equitable. The following letter from the New Zealand Frozen Meat and Storage Company, which has been placed in our hands, should excite keen interest in the subject, as it defines very precisely the total cost to intending shippers of frozen meat, and enables them to gauge with accuracy the returns that would be likely to accrue from any shipments they may make : — Referring to our conversation this morning on the subject of beef shipment to London, and in reply to your enquiries in this connection, I am authorised to suggest the following terms and conditions as the basis of an arrangement which our company would be prepared to enter into under approved guarantee from beef-growers in Waikato. The shipping companies cannot be induced to send a vessel here for less than 350,0001b5. We may, therefore, fix that as the quantity we must undertake to prepare, and the growers to provide. The cattle must be delivered at our slaughteryards, Otahuhu, in such numbers, and on such dates, as may be required l>y us, and the delivery to commence at least, five weeks before date of shipment, which must not be sooner than two months from this (31st. August) date. The whole carcase iu quarters to be frozen and prepared for shipment; our company bearing the cost of slaughtering and railage to Auckland, and all other expenses after delivery of th# cattle at our yards, Otahuhu, including delivery of the frozen meat on board ship at the railway wharf. The whole of the hides and offal to belong to our Company, in addition to a charge of one farthing per lb on the dressed weight, nett cash, payable on delivery of bill of lading, meat covers to he provided by shippers, or paid for extras at cost to us. Our Company to be held free from any liability for loss or damage to stock or carcases from stoppage of machinery or other causes, unless it can be proved that such loss or damage was occassioned by actual negligence on the part of the Company or its servants. At your request and for your guidance, I will give you approximately the total of expenses which the growers would have to meet after delivery of the cattle at Otahuhu, and in addition to our charge of one farthing per pound. £> s. d Freight on 350,0001bs at l|d ... 1642 12 6 Primage, 5 per ccnt. 82 0 0 London charges, say, |d per lb ... 546 17 9 Insurance, on value say £3000, 8 per cent, ... ... ... ... ... 120 0 0 Calico bags, say 2000, at Is 6d ... 150 0 0 Equal to 112-16 th per lb ... £2539 10 0 Say 2d per lb, including our charge of |. From the foregoing it will be seen that in order to induce the Shipping Company to lay on a steamer for Auckland a guarantee of 350,0001bs of meat is required. We are of the opinion that this quantity ought to be forthcoming from the Waikato alone, without difficulty, or say about 2000 lambs, 2000 wethers, and 200 horned cattle. As the shipment could not be arranged earlier than at least two months from now, it would be as well, if the venture is considered desirable, that steps be taken at once to ascertain what support stock-owners in the Waikato are prepared to give towards carrying it into effect. There are obvious reasons for urging meat producers to take the matterseriously into their consideration. In the first place, the venture would result most satisfactorily to them, owing to the improved and favourable condition of the English market. The total cost o£ tho shipment aa the above letter

shows would be at most twopence per lb. The average quotations at Home are fourpence halfpenny per lb, thus leaving a clear margin of profit of twopenco halfpenny. Then again as the shipments relieve the local markets, better prices hero will be obtained for live stock, particularly if the export trade increases in volume, of which there is every probability. We put the matter in tbe meantime thus far before our readers to test the general feeling on the question, to which we hope to return again on a future occasion.