FROZEN BEEF AND MUTTON STORE.
LOADING A LIGHTER.
SHIPPING DEPARTMENT.
For many years The Dairy Farm, Ice and Cold Storage Co. Ltd.. Hong Kong, has been supplying fresh milk to the shipping visiting Hong Kong. In 1904 it was thought that every opportunity should be taken to extend this business. Therefore, on the frozen-food supply being taken over from Messrs. Butterfield & Swire, who had previously been importing frozen mutton for His Majesty's forces stationed here, the directors decided to engage a European expert to take charge of this branch. In spite of keen competition from the local Chinese dealers, careful attention to shipping needs and prompt service have enabled the Company to capture the greater part of the business of this nature which had previously fallen to others, and a rapidly growing trade soon made it possible to import many other commodities from Australia. besides beef, mutton, butter, etc. Frozen food on arrival in this port is thoroughly inspected before delivery is taken. Then the cargo is taken into clean lighters and handled with the greatest care and expedition. The loading of a lighter completed, it is towed from the ship, and in less than an hour its contents are safely deposited in the many chambers of the Com- pany's stores either at Lai-chi-kok or East Point. These stores are absolutely up-to-date, spacious and thoroughly clean and sanitary. It is the Company's pride to show them to those concerned at any time.
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In a few years the business with the shipping companies increased to such an extent that the steam launch "Daisy was found to be too small for the requirements of the trade. Accordingly a much larger and better fitted launch, named the Dairy Farm," was obtained.
Only the best qualities of meats, poultry, milk, etc., are supplied to shipping, and everything is examined under the personal supervision of the European in charge before leaving the stores. The satisfaction given by this policy is reflected in the unanimous tribute of the chief stewards of the mail and passenger liners calling at Hong Kong. Periodically, the Com- pany's stores have been visited by the Chief Catering Superintendents of various lines from London and Liverpool, with increasing orders the result- ing testimony.
During the Great War, Hong Kong was frequently visited by H.M. auxiliary cruisers and transports. Most of these stayed in port only a few hours, yet the Company was at all times able to furnish them with large quantities of food supplies at the shortest notice. Another notable fact is that several well-known steamship lines practically stocked their ships
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