History: Gulgong Freezing Works
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1913
25 September 1913
GULGONG FREEZING WORKS.
At a meeting of the provincial directors of the proposed Gulgong Freezing Works it was unanimously decided to employ a canvasser to canvass the district for shares. Mr. Wilson, of the firm of Flood and Wilson, was present. The Chairman, (Mr. D. H. Spring) said that already 1000 shares had been applied for locally. Over 500 shares were still available. The agreement had been signed by. Messrs. Flood and Wilson whereby the shareholders were assured of 7½ per cent. on the money invested, and a third of the profits. The capital of the concern was £3000, but the company only proposes to make an offer of £2000, and hold the remaining, 1000 shares for issue at any time if required. The firm of Messrs. Flood and Wilson, have stated that they will take one quarter of the extra shares over and above the £2000 should such be required1
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1915
6 May 1915
GULGONG FREEZING WORKS.
Says the Gulgong 'Champion': - It is pleasing to note that under the supervision of Mr. Johnson; chief engineer for Messrs., O'Brien Bros., proprietors of the Gulgong Freezing Works, the engine boiler etc., are now on the site for erection. The foundation has been completed, and next week the power plant will be placed in position. Condensors and an electric plant will also be installed. Judging by the headway which is being made, it will not take the energetic engineering staff long before an up-to-date plant will be in working order, which will give an impetus to the town's progress and prove a great boon to the rabbiting fraternity2
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1916
13 March 1916
GULGONG FREEZING WORKS.
Works at the Gulgong Freezing Works was returned on Wednesday last. A few weeks ago the company decided to reduce the price of rabbits. The rates were 7d and 2d. These rates the men refused to accept, with the result that the works closed down for a few days. The men were eventually offered 6½d and 3d, but refused. When the works opened on Wednesday last the old rate was re-established. Supplies came in pretty freely on Thursday last. The freezing industry has been greatly handicapped owing to the scarcity of water, for which the company is paying £14 per week. This serious handicap will be obviated as soon as tanks are sunk. Nine hands are employed. Between 3000 and 4000 pairs of rabbits are received daily3
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15 May 1916
Gulgong Freezing Works.
To be Enlarged
The Gulgong Freezing Works have closed operations, and will not resume until September. The manager stated that the present building had been found to be too small to pack the large quantity of rabbits that were being received. The works had only been used for chilling purposes, and the rabbits were eventually sent away to Mudgce. The Advent of winter has obviated the necessity for chilling. The company intends purchasing rabbits at the railway station until about September next, when the works will be enlarged to double their present size. It is intended to instal new machinery and make the works capable of handling large quantities. The company, in making these alterations, has decided that they shall be of such a nature as to make the works capable of freezing the rabbits for export purposes, hence there will be no more necessity to rely on Mudgee to finally treat bunny for England's festive board4
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1918
13 May 1918
Gulgong Freezing Works
OPERATIONS RESUMED.
The Gulgong Freezing Works assumed operations last week, and rabbits are now being received at the old prices 6d for large, and 3d for small. The rabbits will be skinned at the works and will be packed minus the head and feet, which has been found necessary in order to save shipping space5
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1932
3 June 1932
GULGONG FREEZING WORKS.
FREEZING works have been opened at Gulgong, and as the Mudgee works, recently destroyed by fire, are not to be rebuilt, Gulgong is expected to become a centre for the rabbit industry6
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30 June 1932
FREEZING WORKS
Mr. L. Norris, of Gulgong, purchased part of the plant of the Mudgee Freezing Works which were partly destroyed by fire. He also bought some of the building which was left. Mr. Norris hopes to start making additions to his present building next week. He will then have less difficulty in coping with supplies of 'Bunny' than what he has at present7
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8 December 1932
GULGONG FREEZING WORKS
An average of 1100 pairs of rabbits per day, is being received at the Gulgong Freezing Works. One day last week 1500 pairs were received8
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10 December 1932
GULGONG FREEZING WORKS
GULGONG, Friday
The Gulgong freezing works is daily receiving as many rabbits as it can handle. About 1500 pairs a day are being received from parts of the district9
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1933