WAIKATO FARMERS' CLUB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12003, 27 June 1902, Page 7

WAIKATO FARMERS' CLUB.

The ordinary monthly meeting „ «, parent, branch of the wsfcJt?sK£ r, e was hebl «+ n.i , w<llka to Farmers' Club IW a * Camb '»lgd on Monday evening Day, W. Tucker, W. W. Sturges, J. D. P, Morgan, A P. Stone, R. J. Gwynne> Jag> Anderron, 0. C. BUckland, Jos'. Gane, J. C. Potts, Q. E. Clark, R. Fisher, Brown and one or two others.

Dirty Sheep Trucks: Mr. H. Buxton, district traffic manager, wrote acknowledging receipt of the club's letter, forwarding a complaint from Mr. Annandale, of Glen 'It reg " rd to the alle S ed dir *y conSi * °/i Sheep trucks supplied. The writer stated that the matter would be inquired into and a further reply sent as early as possible. A later letter from the traffic manager on the same subject was also read m which h e stated that on inquiry he found that tho trucks supplied were not clean. He mentioned tho circumstances which were responsible for the trucks not being clean on the occasion, and stated that there was an ample supply of trucks, but occasionally it was difficult to regulate them so that clean trucks could be placed at short notice. The matter would receive careful attention in future.

Cattle for South Africa: Mr. J. D Ritchie, secretary for the Department of Agriculture, wrote in reply to the club's letter of the w ot - l,lt - in regard to live stock for South African colonies, stating that tho Government had already communicated with the Imperial authorities on the subject of importing cattle to South Africa from the colony, and that everything would be done, to secure a share of any order that might bo given.

Artesian Bore : Mr. Ritchie wrote in reply to another letter from the club that the Minister for Agriculture had approved of the suggestion in regard to putting down an artesian bore at tho Ruakura experimental farm.

Paterangi Branch Club: Mr. Harry Rhodes,"of Paterangi, wrote that at a meeting of farmers held at that place on the 6th mst., he had been elected secretary and instructed to write re obtaining the sanction of the parent club to form a branch at Paterhngi. In the event of Such being granted they would be glad if Mr. Barugh could see his way to. be present and address the first meeting. Tho application was granted. New Members: The following gentlemen were elected new members of the parent branch:— W. H. Clark (Newstead), Geo. Wishart (Kirikiriroa), H. Gardiner (Rukuhia), W F. Busch, and A. BurnMurdoch (Cambridge)." The Metric . System: Mr. E. Johnston, secretary of the Decimal Association, England, wrote in acknowledgment of the club's letter, and in reply offered a number of suggestions. He also offered the opinion that the introduction of the system was not far distant; that for reasons of policy the question of coinage was being deferred. After brief discussion a resolution was carried, "That in view of the advices from the London Chamber of Commerce and tile Decimal Association of Great Britain, and in conformity with their wishes, the club shall not, proceed further at present re the introduction of the 1001b principle in the selling of. produce, but stay proceedings pending further developments in England, as there is every prospect of a speedy introduction of the metric system." Single Tax: A circular was read from Mr. E. Hall (acting under instructions from the New Zealand Farmers' Union) on the above subject. The following resolution was carried:—"That the club thanks Mr. Hall for his circular that the farmers are quite alive to the importance of the matter therein contained, and intend keeping a vigilant eye on developments." Tribasic Phosphate: Mr. J. A. Pond, analyst, Auckland, wrote in reply to communications from the club as to the solubility of .tribasic phosphate and its application to Maiden Island guano. Tho writer stated the matter was of. immense importance to farmers, but could, not be fully elucidated in a letter. Shortly, insoluble phosphate of lime was insoluble in water, and some varieties only were soluble in weak acids. Taking a fully-ground bone as a basis, the whole of tho tribasic phosphate (or 100 per cent.) was soluble in a, 1 per cent. Solution of citric acid in three days. From experiments made for Messrs. Souter and Co. he found that 54 per cent, of the tribasic phosphate in the guano was soluble in 1 per cent, citric acid solution in three days. It had been accepted as a standard that the rootlets of plants had, about that average of acidity, hence the whole of a very finely ground bonedust, or 54 per cent, of the phosphate in Maiden Island guano, Was immediately available as plant food. The letter was received with milch appreciation and a vote of thanks accorded to Mr. Pond.

Linseed: Messrs. Kempthorne. Prossor and Co. wrote in reply to the club's letter re the culture of linseed, giving a lot of useful information. The president said .he would lie pleased if any members of the club sufficiently, interested put in a crop and related their experience at a future meeting of the club. Goods and Flag Stations: The following resolution was carried:—"That the club ask the district traffic manager if he could not give caretakers at flag stations, consignment notes of goods for each." Sterilising and Bone-crushing Works: The president of the Waikato Fertiliser Buyers' Association wrote that at the annual meeting the, following resolution had been passedj — "That this meeting of fertiliser users urges on the Government the necessity of placing a sum on the Estimates for the erection of sterilising and bone-crushing works at Westfield." After some discussion it was decided, by seven to five, not to support the proposal. Mortality. Among Sheep: Leaflets for farmers dealing with the above subject were handed round to members. Tho president expressed a hope that all who could would answer the question contained in the leaflet and post it to the chief veterinarian. Land Laws and Forfeiture: The secretary of the Wnihou branch forwarded the following motions, notice of which had been given for the next meeting- of that branch:l. "That this club is in favour of the land laws of the colohy being sO amended that the power of forfeiting a settler's holding, at present held by the Land Boards, be withdrawn." 2. "that tho power .of forfeiting anv settler's holding be vested in a judge of "the Supreme Court, the Land Board to show cause why the holding should be forfeited, the settler to have the same opportunity of stating bis case; in the event of forfeiture the judge shall decide the amount, if any, payable to the party whoso section has been forfeited." It was decided to forward the resolutions for consideration at the conference of the Farmers' Lnioti.