History: Gulgong Freezing Works
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1913
4 August 1913
Gulgong Wants a Freezing Works.
The following requisition has been sent to the Mayor of Gulgong: -
'We, the undersigned ratepayers, respectfully request that you will call a public meeting in Gulgong, to discuss the advisability or otherwise for starting a Freezing Works in the town: -
D. H. Spring. F. L. Egan, Jas. Loneragan. C. A. Russell, J. D. Parker and Sons (per J. Parker), L. C. Naughton. B. J. Naughton, Jas. Judge, W. A. Saunders. A. C. Fyfe and Sons, R. Thame, John Tuxford, Jas. T. Foster. Jas. Clark, T. J. Wade, Martin O'Connor, Jas Wildman, and J. Lynch.'
In compliance with the requisition Mayor A. Brigden has convened a public meeting in the Town Hall on Tuesday, 5th August, at 8 p.m. One of the proposals, which seems to have wide support, is to secure Messrs. Loneragan. Ltd.'s old flour mill and convert it into a freezing works1
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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 required2
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1 December 1913
Gulgong Freezing Works to go Ahead.
It has been definitely decided to go ahead with the establishment of freezing works at Gulgong. The local and district people of that neighborhood were asked to take up 1200 shares. This was readily, even eagerly, taken up. The first call of 2/6 per share has been made. As soon as the money is in a start will be made to erect a suitable, commodious building. Work is expected to start on the structure very shortly, and it is anticipated that the new works will be in full swing by March or April of next year3
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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 fraternity4
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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 daily5
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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 Mudgee. 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 board6
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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 space7
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1919
24 January 1919
Freezing Works Resume.
The Gulgong Freezing Works has resumed operations, and rabbits are being received in large quantities8
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17 March 1919
Gulgong Freezing Works
PROBABLE EXTENSI0N.
MEAT TO BE FROZEN.
We hear from a reliable source it is more than probable that in a short while the Gulgong freezing works will be merged into a big industry, and one which must bring incalcuable good to our district.
At the present time the works are too small to accommodate the large supply of rabbits received. Thousands of pairs of rabbits are treated weekly and more, we understand, might be received if the works were large enough.
This difficulty, however, promises to be shortly fixed up. The present owners, Messrs. Borthwick and Sons (Australasia) Ltd., are contemplating making big extensions to the works. The extensions will not only permit of thousands of rabbits being treated, but will make room for the treating of bigger stuff. Large stock will be purchased locally and from outside centres. The stock will be killed outside the three-mile radius and brought to the works and frozen.
In order to carry on such big operations big extensions of the works will be needed.
It is satisfying to see that Messrs. Borthwick and Sons Ltd., are showing such commendable enterprise in deciding to utilise the local works for an extension of their frozen meat trade. The opportunities for the interest to conduct of the in last month in the district appears to be many.
The opening of the Dubbo-Werris Creek line as far as Merrygoen and the extensions to Coonabarabran should extend towards Gulgong. The opening of the Coolah line will provide another field for operations.
Messrs. Thomas Borthwick and Sons, Ltd., has their registered office in London. The best office for Australia is in Melbourne. In New South Wales the firm's freezing works are at Mudgee, Gulgong and Capertee. Two works are in Victoria, one in Queensland, one in South Australia, and two in New Zealand9
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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 industry10
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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 present11
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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 received12
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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 district13
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1933