ALL READY!

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3126, 24 January 1911, Page 5

ALL READY!

TOKOMARU FREEZING WORKS.

OPERATIONS COMMENCE TO-DAY.

A RUN THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT.

(By Our Special Reporter.)

The vast potentialities of the East Coast of the North Island have now long been recognised, but it is only of comparatively recent years that the various districts have commenced to show very marked signs of progress. Prohablv no place has advanced so rapidly as Tokomaru, the quiet surr<undn)gs of which township have become completely transformed in the course of the last couple of years; since the commencement of the erection of the new freezing avorks. A Scene of Transformation. From v scene of quietness and ] nstoral peace the vicinity of the northern cn-i of the township has become one of industrial activity, and, where a year or two ago sheep and cattle were »vom> to graze undisturbed, there now stands an imposing array of buildings, and a small army of workmen are busily engaged in connection with one of the Dominion’s leading industries. The establishment of such an industry at Tokomaru is one of the most progressive, and at the same time, vitally necessary, undertakings for the welfare of that particular district and also for that of a large portion of the Coast. Hov/ the Sheepfarmer Benefits. The importance to the sheepfarmer of the saving of distance in sending his stock, to the works cannot be over-, estimated, and instead of the many weary miles of travel on a rather barren and difficult road to either of the works in Gisborne, the settler will now be in a position to save considerable expense, and also—an important item--, to ensure the arrival of his stock in a better condition for killng. While the works have been in course of erection, the township itself has been thriving,, hut to-day iyill mark sT new era in the history of Tokomaru. At 8 o'clock this morning, everything having been put in readiness last night, the whistle will sound for work for the first time, and immediately afterwards eighteen butchers will be in full swing and an actual commencement will have been made with an industry which must inevitable grow to huge proportions in the district. The new woiks start under mostfavorable conditions. Labor is available in abundance, and ail excellent team of men has been engaged, while enough stock is offering to keep the industry at high pressure for over a month.

The First Consignments. Mr. W. Busby’s first mob of sheep were yarded yesterday: a consignment from the Hon. A. T. Ngata’s property is expected early, and other mobs are due when required. The grazing accommodation in connection with the works is a feature, and one that will doubtless prove of great benefit. A full description of the buildings and site has already appeared in the “Times,” but the works really require to be seen to have their magnitude appreciated. The contractors have had an exceedingly busy time, as also has Mr. Dawson, the manager of the works, and his staff The result of their efforts. however, is now t-o be seen in ascries of imposing buildings, and some of the latest and most improved machinery.

While the main buildings are not quite completed, wanting some attention to details, such as plastering, etc., thev are sufficiently far advanced to enable a start to be made with oomfort. A few of the outbuildings also require some finishing touches. All the machinery has been installed, and has undergone satisfactory trial runs, and several modern labor-saving devices have also been introduced.

Through the Works. A run through the works serves to show even the most uninitiated observer the thorough completeness of the establishment and its fittings, and one could not fail to bo impressed with the roominess of the several apartments, combining to make the works one of the largest in the Dominion. The slaughterhouse is a spacious building measuring 130 ft x 90ft, including the beef house. Although a commencement is being made with eighteen butchers, there is ample accommodation for twenty-four. The felimongery and pelt department measures 120 ft x 60ft, and in it is installed a modern Petrie wool-drying machine, thus doing away with the old system of drying the wool by spreading it out in the open air. The freezing block is a substantial three-storey- structure, most. _ conveniently fitted, its dimensions being 100 ft x 80ft.

The engine-room, coal-house and stokfe-liold combined measure 80ft x 40ft.' The engines comprise a full set of the latest Haslam type, with generator, and lighting-set, and a most up-to-date switchboard. All the power is electrical, there not being a steam engine in the works. The boiler-house contains th:ec Bab-cac-h boilers of the latest pattern. In addition, there are six digesters, and a. system of conveyers between the freezing chambers, offal house, and tallow room will save an immense amount of labor. A Magnificent Site.

Once outside the buildings, ilio visitor must at once realize the most advantageous situation of the works. Under the 100 of the high hill at the north-eastern end of the bay, and with sloping green paddocks from the low range behind, the buildings are well sheltered. Right in front is the open bar. and a natural cove running in alongside the works affords a deepwateg berth for the lighters which will lie at the wharf, just -approaching completion. From the freezing chamber to the lighter, and from the lighter to the Home-going vessel in the roadstead, the transition period will be a short one, and the handling of the produce will thus be of an economical nature, in distinct contrast to many of the freezing works in other parts of the Dominion. A miniature fleet of lighters will be engaged in the work, and the completeness of the arrangements generally point-s to a most successful first season. Work will be commenced without any official opening ceremony, but, in all probability a function of the kind will take place a little later on.