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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7 August 1913
Gulgong and a freezing Works.
Company Formed.
At a big meeting at Gulgong on Tuesday night it was decided to form a rabbit freezing company of 2000 shares at £1 each - 2/6 on application, 2/6 on allotment, and three 5/ monthly payments. Provisional directors, secretary, solicitors, and bankers were appointed2
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14 August 1913
New Gulgong Enterprise.
Freezing Works Co. Formed
Quite a large crowd attended the public meeting at Gulgong last week to consider the advisableness of forming a rabbit freezing company.
Mr. Wilson, a representative of Messrs. Wilson and Flood, was present, and said his firm had agreed to take up 300 shares if the residents would subscribe to the remaining 1700. The firm also guaranteed shareholders 10 per cent. return on their money for 10 years, or, as an alternative, 7 per cent. on the money and one-third of the profits for 10 years, the firm to do all the financing and conduct the business.
The offer was considered a good one by those present, and it was unanimously decided to form a company of 2000 shares, payable 2/6 on application, 2/6 on allotment, and three monthly payments of 5. Fifteen hundred shares were offered to the public, and nearly 500 were taken up by those present.
Provisional directors were elected as follows:- Messrs. Jas. Loneragan, J. J. Dowd, Jas Clark, J. F. Foster, C. Russell and J. Tuxford. sen.: bank, Bank of New South Wales: solicitors, Messrs. Monro King and Dowd; secretary, Mr. Wade Gudgeon.
A good deal of enthusiasm was evinced at the meeting, and the establishment of the company will prove of immense value to the Gulgong district, and be the means of finding employment for a goodly number of hands3
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19 August 1913
FREEZING WORKS AT GULGONG.
At a largely attended public meeting it was decided to form a freezing company in Gulgong for the treatment of rabbits, poultry, etc. A Sydney firm has undertaken to invest capital in it, and manage the whole affair for ten years, with a guaranteed dividend. Already more than half the shares required have been applied for, and there is every probability of the company being a success4
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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 required5
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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 year6
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1915
22 April 1915
Freezing Works for Gulgong.
A Start Made.
Says the 'Gulgong Champion' - After many years' patient waiting the Gulgong people at last are to have a new industry in their midst, and one that will benefit the town to an incalculable extent. So, as the industry is about to start tradespeople and others may throw up their hats and shout 'hooray.'
It will be remembered that about six weeks ago the rabbit trappers hereabouts became very active in the question of a chilling or freezing works for Gulgong, and they made representations to the Government to consider the advisability of erecting works here to be under State control. Other proposals were put forward, but owing to the beggarly condition of the finances the Government could not give the proposals serious consideration, although it is part of the party's programme to nationalise the rabbit industry. It will also be remembered that had it not been for some hitch Gulgong would have had freezing works three years ago. How many thousands of pounds have been lost to Gulgong through that hitch is only too well known. The works, as was the case at Dunedoo, tend in many directions to assist in the progress of a town. At one time as much as £500, was paid away weekly to trappers at Dunedoo, and the storekeepers butchers, etc., always came in for a fair share of that amount. And so it will be at Gulgong, since the Messrs. O'Brien Bros., of Mudgee and Sydney, have decided to commence operations in Gulgong on a comparatively large scale. That this news will be hailed with delight there is not the slightest doubt. The trappers are almost inclined to celebrate the day. The men are to be commended for the success of their very recent efforts. They went into the matter when other townspeople were not inclined to give support, fearing that, like former efforts, no success would result. The trappers have every reason to congratulate themselves on the success of their efforts. Land was purchased a considerable time ago for the purpose of erecting chilling works, but for some reason the industry was not commenced here. The land is fronting Medley-street, about 500 yards from the intersection of Herbert and Medley-Streets, and also facing the railway line. The site is an ideal one, having easy access to the railway, thus facilitating the work of packing in the refrigerating cars. Most of the machinery is at present on the ground, and Mr. Johnson, of Mudgee, is at present superintending the work of having it placed in position. The boiler and engine to be used in the works have been procured from Jas. Loneragan's, Ltd., old mill in White Street' Gulgong. A condensor and refrigerating engine will also be installed. The work of erecting the freezing works will occupy about two months, and by that time the Gulgong people will be fully acquainted with the science of refrigeration. The works will consist of freezing and chilling chambers, a store room and a compartment for machinery. At first it is not expected that many hands will be employed, but later on, as the work increases, a larger staff will undoubtedly be required there. People must not confuse the chilling works with the freezing works. In every freezing works bunny is first placed in what is known as the chilling chamber for a number of hours, and then he is taken into the freezing chamber. The rabbits are to be frozen and packed in Gulgong for export.
The establishment of the freezing works in Gulgong does away with the necessity for the trapper to go into Mudgee. During the hot summer months a large number of rabbits went bad whilst in transit from here, and thus the trapper was invariably a great loser. Now his list of defects will be smaller, as he will only have to travel a few miles with his catch, whereas before, it has been from 15 to 23 miles.
According to statements the payment for rabbits per week will be over £300. Speaking to the manager of the Mudgee works we learned that operations here will almost be on a par with Mudgee7
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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 fraternity8
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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 daily9
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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 board10
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1918
1 February 1918
FREEZING WORKS CLOSING DOWN.
The Mudgee Freezing Works Co., which controls the Mudgee Freezing Works, Capertree Freezing Works, and Gulgong Freezing Works closed down on Saturday last. Both Molong and Yeoval works have also closed down, and the employees at the local factory have been "given notice." It is said that the Government refused to enter into a contract to purchase rabbits on behalf of the Imperial Government, as all rabbits purchased last year have not yet been shipped to England, owing to the scarcity of shipping11
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10 May 1918
FREEZING WORKS RESUME.
GULGONG, Friday.
The Gulgong freezing resumed operations, 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 heads, and feet, which has been found necessary in order to save shipping space.
The opening of the works is following on the announcement that the British Government had decided to purchase 500,000 crates of rabbits from New South Wales. In order to save shipping space the rabbits are being skinned and the heads and feet cut off. This means the employment of a large number of men, as 15,000,000 carcases will be dealt with12
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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 space13
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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 quantities14
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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 Zealand15
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21 March 1919
GULGONG FREEZING WORKS MAY BE MUCH ENLARGED.
Besides Rabbits, Meat Will Probably be Treated, thus Creating Employment. Extensive supplies of rabbits are being treated weekly at the Gulgong freezing works, and it is reported that the works are too small to fill all demands in this direction, writes our Gulgong correspondent.
It is probable that considerable extensions will be carried out at the works in the near future, so as to enable the carrying out of larger operations.
It is very likely that at the works provision will be made for the freezing of meat. Stock will be killed outside the three-mile radius and brought in to the works to be frozen. If these operations are carried out - as present intentions indicate - it will mean the finding of employment for a larger number of men in the district.
The works are at present owned by Messrs. Thomas Borthwick and Sons, Ltd., who have their registered office in London, and their head office for Australia in Melbourne16
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23 October 1919
Freezing Works to Re-open.
The Gulgong freezing works will resume operations at the beginning of November17
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1932
11 February 1932
FREEZING WORKS
Since the Freezing Works at Mudgee were burnt rumours have been afloat in Gulgong that a freezing works might be erected in Gulgong. It is claimed that Gulgong is in a central position to receive rabbits from areas where the rabbits are being caught in the greatest numbers. However, nothing definite can be learnt of any proposal to build18
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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 industry19
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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 present20
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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 received21
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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 district22
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1933
5 January 1933
FREEZING WORKS
December was a fairly busy month for the Gulgong Freezing Works, as an average of about 1000 pairs of rabbits daily were received23
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9 November 1933
FREEZING WORKS
THREE thousand five hundred pairs of rabbits were received at the Gulgong Freezing Works last week. Eightpence per pair is being paid for first quality carcases, and some trappers are earning good money24
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1937
21 October 1937
Freezing Works
RABBIT trappers who are desirous of getting busy should communicate with the Gulgong freezing works. According to the advertisement, there is plenty of good country available25
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