Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Wednesday 25 April 1934, page 15


CHILLED BEEF

EXPORT

18,000 Quarters this

Year

ABATTOIR PLANS

Following the success of the Idomeneus shipment of chilled beef the Brisbane Abattoir plans to send an additional 18,000 quarters to the London market before the end of the present year.

This announcement was made by the chairman of the Meat Industry Board (Mr. E. F. Sunners) yesterday, when commenting on the Commonwealth veterinary officer's report on the Idomeneus shipment. The report, he had, confirmed that the technical processes employed at the Brisbane Abattoir In the preparation of the Idomeneus beef had been a complete success. Those processes aimed at having the beef landed in a firstclass chilled condition or, in other words, entirely free from visible microtail contamination and in a soft chilled condition.

The' report also confirmed that it was practicable to provide ships' chambers of gas-light construction, and his experience indicated that chilled beef could be stowed so as to give an economical rate of freight If the ship's chamber was reasonably suited for the carriage of chilled beef.

Further shipments from the Brisbane Abattoir had now been arranged as follows: Autolycus, May 16; Idomeneus June 14; Port Fremantle, June 16- Automedon, July 7 Jervis Bay, August 3 Meriones, August 27. It was expected that these shipments would comprise 9000 quarters of beef. Additional shipments from September to December were expected to permit of the shipment of a further 9000 quarters.

LAUNCHING THE TRADE.

This series of experimental shipments, ranging over the. year, should enable the completion of data recalled for launching the trade upon a commercial basis, but the research laboratories would, of course, be continued, as, no doubt, further scientific investigation would be of value to the industry. It was clear that to obtain the best price which the chilled beef market offered great care must be exercised in transporting catHe to the treatment works. If the animals were unduly excited, or in-efficiently rested before slaughter, some degree of alertness would be caused, and apparently accentuated by the protracted storage period of the beef in a chilled condition. It would be found also that poorly finished beef would be subject to discoloration, and consequently, quality would be of importance in securing the best market

price.

PRODUCERS' CO-OPERATION.

"I am hoping," said Mr. Sunners,

that for the series of experimental, shipments arranged we shall have the full co-operation of producers and ex-, porters In providing suitable beef for each loading, and that every care will be given to the handling and transport of the animals."

Mr. Sunners added that private ad-prices received from London yesterday indicated that the Idomeneus beef created a good impression on the Smithfield market and that it was readily sold. The abattoir was fairly well satisfied, therefore, with Its initial shipment, and with some further experience expected to make improvements.

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