Page:Municipal Handbook of Auckland 1922.djvu/231



Prior to the passing of "The Slaughtering and Inspection Act, 1908," it was customary for the butchers to do their own slaughtering, the slaughterhouse, Richmond, being largely used for this purpose, although some did their work under most insanitary conditions, in backyards, stables, etc. In 1907 the City Council decided that the premises at Richmond were totally unsuitable and inadequate, and that a new and up-to-date abattoir was essential.

A new site, of about 27 acres, was acquired at Westfield, near Otahuhu, on the Main Trunk Railway, about 8 miles from the centre of the city. This property is favourably situated for an abattoir, being a very narrow strip of land lying between the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. The situation, exposed as it is to the prevailing westerly wind, ensures a cool breeze on the warmest day in summer, which is very beneficial to the meat; fresh, cool air being a well known preservative.

A loan of £26,000 was raised for the purchase of the land and the erection of the necessary buildings. Building operations were commenced in 1907, and in 1908, the loan proving insufficient, a further £9,000 was obtained. The building was completed and opened to the master butchers for killing in the early part of 1909.