162 The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [May 
The Gear Meat-preserving Company- was formed in 1882, and erected 
works at Petone. At first the slaughtering-capacity was 500 sheep and 
40 cattle per day ; now it has increased to 10,000 sheep and 100 cattle. 
The first directors were P. A. Buckley, J. Duthie, B. Greenfield, W. H. 
Levin, J. R. Lysaght, J. McKelvie, N. Reid, J. Thompson, and James 
Gear. At the present time the Gear Company own one of the most 
complete freezing-works in the world. It is stated that an offer has 
lately been made by one of the largest American meat companies to 
purchase these works, but it is satisfactory to learn that the offer was 
rejected, and these fine works still remain under the control of a New 
Zealand company. 
Mention must be made of the name of Mr. W. Nelson, who was one of 
the foremost in promoting the freezing industry in this country. Messrs. 
Nelson Bros, have erected works at Tomoana, at Gisborne, and at Hornby. 
[D. J. Aldersley, 'photo. 
Pig. 2— Ngahauranga Freezing-works. 
The Wellington Meat Export Company was formed in 1881, the late 
Mr. William Dilnot Sladden being the first manager. The freezing-capacity 
of the works at Ngahauranga was at first only 300 sheep daily ; now it is 
8,000 sheep and 120 cattle (see fig. 2). The first directors of the company 
were W. C. Buchanan, W. Booth, George Beetham, J. T. Dalrymple, 
H. H. Lang, J. R. Lysaght, J. E. Nathan, C. Pharazyn, and D. Peat. 
The Longburn works were built in 1895. The first directors were 
C. Bull, J. McLennan, R. S. Abraham, J. O. Batchelor, D. Buick, and 
H. Howard. In 1896 the company was taken over by the National Mort¬ 
gage and Agency Company. The killing-capacity is now 1,500 sheep and 
60 cattle daily. 
The Wanganui works were established in 1891 at Castlecliff. The 
present killing-capacity is 2,200 sheep and 80 cattle per day. 
Many new companies have since been formed and freezing-works built, 
and the following is a list of the various works in New Zealand, with their 
killing and storage capacity:— 
