The Herald

50 years ago

GATOOMA, 19 May 1967. — The Government’s decision to select Gatooma as the site for the Cold Storage Commission’s new 1,25m abattoir is strongly defended in an editorial in today’s Rhodesian Farmer, official organ of the Rhodesia National Farmers’ Union.

“The CSC is not the only body capable of deciding what is in the cattle’s industry’s best interests,” the paper says.

“Without wishing to cast any aspersions on the CSC’s views, it must be pointed out that what is good for its operating costs is not necessarily best for the cattle industry as a whole.

“Incentives may have led to an improvement in possible operation costs while not necessarily an improvement in the over-all cattle profitability picture.

“Gwelo’s fighting Mayor is fighting a losing battle. Whatever facts may come to light about the actual recommendations, it is surely inconceivable that the decision to build at Gatooma could now be reversed.”