NEW ZEALAND FARMERS’ UNION.

Waikato Argus, Volume XVIII, Issue 2908, 21 June 1905, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS’ UNION.

NGAI.T WVAIII \ A RANCH

A mkbtinu of the Ngaruawahia branch of the Farmers’ Union was held on Fri day, Juno Kith, Mr R, I). Duxlickl (chairman) presided.

Mr W. A. Graham delivered an address on (he sugar-beetroot industry. Ho opened his remarks by stating that he and others had been advocating the cultivation of sugar - beetroot in the Waikato for the past 25 years. His present address was on the lines of an address he had delivered in Ohaupo in 1887. Mr Graham endeavoured to impress upon those present the difference between sugar - heetroot cult,ure and beel-sugar manufacture. Those efforts which bad lapsed had been efforts to start beet-sugar manufacture, whereas his olvp-ct had been, and still was, to establish sugar-beet.root in the Waikato. Sugar - beetroot manufacture would follow as a natural sequence, A "Waikato Sugar-Beetroot Growers’ Association” must lead the way, and always lead the way towards bootsugar manufacture. Mr Graham pointed out the peculiar advantages Waikato possesses for the successful establishment of the beetroot sugar industry in the suitability of her climate and soils, her waterways, cheap coal, limestone and timber. Ho read extracts from publications and private letters to show what, is being clone in America and Canada with the beetroot, and its value as a food for cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. Whereas turnips contain 8 to 9 per coni, of nutriment, and swedes 10 to J2 cent., sugar beetroot contains 1G to 18 per cent., and the thorough cultivation of the land improves the yield of following crops. T Lie sugar-beetroot industry is in the interests of closer settlement. At the conclusion of the address Mr Graham answered several questions, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.—A. committee was appointed to consider the advisability of forming a Waikato Sugar - Beetroot Growers’ Association, as suggested by Mr W. A. Graham.

Mr Duxfield reported the results of the meeting of the Executive of the Waikato Farmers’ Club, at which ho represented this branch of the Union. A letter from the secretary of the club at Cambridge suggesting rules for the future working of the club and asking for suggestions, was read. After some discussion the matter dropped, those present apparently being satisfied with the present constitution of the branch and content to wait till after the conference of the club, to be hold on the 20th inst,, before any definite action is taken, A now member was elected. WHATAWHATA BRANCH. The monthly meeting of the above was. held on Saturday evening, MrT. C. Blackett presiding. The secretary reported that a copy of the ratepayers’ roll and defaulters’ list for the Newcastle Riding had been obtained from the Waipa County Council and was open for inspection for a short time at the Whatawhata post-office.

A circular letter was received from the provincial secretary of the Farmers’ Union, containing suggestions for the better working of the Union, including the employment of an organiser. The secretary was instructed to procure copies of the Union rules. The general secretary of the Waikato Farmers’ Club forwarded a resume of the resolutions adopted at the recent meeting of the executive; also suggestions relative to the reorganisation of the club. —A lengthy discussion ensued, during which those present expressed the opinion that the proposed reorganisation of the club, with conference expenses and the appointment of a general secretary, would place it in much the same position as before.— During the discussion the chairman pointed out that the Crown tenants of tho colony had very little reason to thank the Waikato Farmers’ Club, for all it could do tor them at the Land Commission was to advocate the granting of the freehold with the revaluation of their lands. This was not what the tenants wanted or what the Whatawhata branch of tho club was in favour of. — It was decided to adhere to the resolution passed at the previous meeting in respect to Joining the Farmers’ Union.

The secretary reported having forwarded the Whatawhata share of the expense incurred over tho recent farmers’ picnic at Ruakura.