CHILLED BEEF.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20257, 28 July 1937, Page 3

CHILLED BEEF.

REMARKABLE DEVELOPMENT. SUITABLE SHIPPING SPACE. (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The following figures of chilled beef exports from New Zealand states tlie annual report of the Meat Producers' Board, show the remarkable development whiph lias taken place since the inception of this trade: qrs. 1933- 19,576 1934- 64,514 1935- 144,169 For 1936-37 season the quantity shipped to .June 3 01 li has reached 142,745 qrs. as compared with 112,109 qrs. to the same date last season, an increase of 27 per cent., and it is estimated that the exports for this season should Anally approximate 200,000 qrs. “It is very satisfactory to note that our chilled beef trade continues to expand and is gaining popularity on account of Die eating qualities of Ilia meat. There is still, however, considerable variation in the quality of the beef and also in Die condition of shipments on arrival, indicating that there is room for further improvement. If Die percentage of our cattle suitable for breeding high quality chillers could l>e increased this would lie reflected in Ihe quality of our chilled beef. We must recognise that our competitors are ever striving for better quality and improvement in Iheir herds. “II is essential Dial farmers should realise that beef from unfinished flabby cal lie does not make the ideal chilled product. Furthermore, this class of beef does not stand up lo Die long transit as is shown by Die lack or colour and bloom when compared with well finished beef, which has a protective covering of fat. It is therefore imperative that all chiller cattle sent along to freezing works should be thoroughly finished off. Supplying the Market. Our handicap in respect lo Die distance' from Die British market makes it exceedingly diflleult lo spread our landings throughout each month, and litis is a matter which lias engaged Die alien lion of Die Board for some lime. In developing an export trade in chilled beef it is essential Dial the product should, if possible, lie continuously mi Die' market. Under our seasonal conditions most of our fat cattle are ready for slaughter in March, April and May. Iliese being Die peak months, sometimes extending into June and July. Tills results in a great deal of our chilled beef being landed in the United Kingdom during the holiest months, and it also comes info eninpeiiiion with Die main supplies from Australia. It may he possible to improve Ibis position In dislriels where eondilions are favourable, in Du* din-don of spreading our shipments more evenly throughout Die year. If Ibis could lie done il would mil only lie beneficial to our trade bill would also be very helpful lo tin* freezing works and shipping companies. when treating and handling Die meal. it has lo lie remembered that Die chilled beer trade involves ini h nulling at Die freezing works, speci-ally-equipped waggons for transport

I lo the ships, and specially-designed ; chambers on suitable vessels. These I facilities have not yet become so x tensive that they can instantly oi.qd themselves lo an unlimited quantity of chiller cattle requiring to be hand! sd m a short period, especially having I gard to Die fad that only suitable \<■» j sels sp#4hull} equipped with chilled

question .»f adequate facilities to meet fully toe requirements of this trwd*, having regard to future expansion, li.n for some time been, engaging the attention of the Board who arc in close . shipping •‘oinpunies and the liuihxaX Department* ’