Frozen mutton at the Freezing Works, Hawke's Bay Farmers Meat Co., Hastings, January 1947.

New Zealand's first frozen meat export was sent to England on 15 February 1882. This was a turning point in New Zealand's economic and farming history, providing a profitable outlet for the country's surplus sheep by the mid-1890s, lifting the country out of economic depression. The industry grew quickly: in 1895 New Zealand exported 2.3 million sheep carcasses; in 1900, 3.3 million; and in 1910, 5.8 million. Frozen exports of lamb, butter and cheese would flourish as New Zealand established itself as 'Britain's farmyard'.

The 1882 voyage was made on the Dunedin, but it was not all plain sailing. Sparks from the engine that drove the refrigerator caught the sails alight twice. Captain Whitson had to clear out the ducts for the cold air that kept the cargo frozen as they became blocked by ice. Crew members had to pull Whitson out of the hold by a rope tied around his ankles, and resuscitate him on deck. In 1890, while en route to the United Kingdom, the Dunedin disappeared, along with the 35 on board. It's likely that the ship hit an iceberg off Cape Horn.

The photograph above demonstrates the legacy of that first sailing in 1882. Frozen shipping has been, and remains an important part of New Zealand's economy, and way of life. The photograph shows frozen mutton at the Freezing Works, Hawke's Bay Farmers Meat Co., Hastings, January 1947.

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Archives Reference: AAQT 6539 34/A1812 (R21010589)