KAITI FREEZING WORKS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4006, 12 August 1915, Page 6

KAITI FREEZING WORKS.

EXTENSA V E ADDITIONS STARTED UPON. EXTRA STORAGE FOR 50.000 CARCASES. REFRTG ERATIN G M A .CHI N ERY RISING DUPLICATED. The lesson taught by the shortage of cool storage steamers in which to ship frozen meat to the Home markets during tho past year has apparently keen to bring home to those engaged in the freezing industry the necessity to increase their storage It is not so long ago that the Hon. Mr Massey, Prime Minister of the Dominion, advised freezing companies that it> would he a wise precaution to increase their storage space. With their customary enterprise the directors of the Gisborne Sheepfarmers’ Frozen Moat Company, Ltd., have lost no time in making provision for the altered conditions caused by the shortage of steamers duo to the war. The Company lias embarked on a large scheme of alterations and additions at their Kaiti works, which will provide extra storage for 50,000 carcases, while it has also been decided to duplicate all tho. refrigerating machinery. Seen by a. “Times” reporter yesterday, Mr C. A. doLautour, chairman of directors of tho Company, said that the object was to guard against any breakdown which might happen during the season, the result ot which, if the store was congested by reason of inadequate shipping, would mean a total cessation of freezing operations. “This was a risk that had to he taken during tho past season,” said Mr deLautour, “hut which the Company feel should not be repeated. In addition to the guarantee thus provided against accident, the ohm t being installed will increase the killing capacity at the works to 6000 per day. It is not likely that this rate of killing will ho required, but it is deemed wise to have tho plant to deal with emergency rushes which may occur under abnormal circumstances.” “Tho better handling of by-products which might involve offensive conditions,” Mr doLautour proceeded, “is also being attended to, and the Company is confident that, with the more ample space and hotter machinery provided, every cause of complaint that might arise from the proximity of the works will be removed. The expenditure involved will run into between £13,000 and £l-1,000. “It will be of interest to the district,” ho added, “to note that tho latest advices received point to the fact that regular shipping will afford a reasonable prospect of starting the new season with empty stores. The new stores will he ready by Christmas time.” The now machinery which is being installed will include a Haslam machine of 136 tons, with double action compression, which will augment the present 130-ton, 70-ton and 35-ton machines. Tho engine power is being strengthened by tho addition of a National gas engine of 250 h.p., of similar make to the present 22(1 h.p. engine, thus giving total gas engine power of 470 h.p., apart from the existing plant of 120 li.p. Additions will also be made to the' gas-producing plant of two units of 200 b.h.p. each, bringing the maximum capacity of the plant at the works up to 900 b.h.p. Tho directors of tho Company are to be complimented on their forethought in providing for all likely contingencies which arise owing to war conditions, and in also making provision for the future of this rapidly-develop-ing district.