THE PLEASURES OF BREWING.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1357, 12 March 1881, Page 3

THE PLEASURES OF BREWING.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, — In addition to furnishing returns every month of all brewing materials received, used, and quantity on hand at the end of the month, tho quantity of beer on hand at the end of the month, made during the month, quantities disposed of day by day, number and value of stamps purchased during the month, number of each description used, and number of each on hand at the end of tho month — these particulars have all to be entered in two books provided for the purpose, a transcript of which has to be. furnished in duplicate within ten days of the end of each month, under certain pains and penalties. Books and returns mint be witnessed by nothing less than a J.F. The latter not being plentiful, there is often trouble in getting one when wanted. The above ought to give sufficient trouble, at the same time being quite inquisitorial enough to satisfy the most fastidious ; but it seems more information still is wanted. Another form for registration came to hand gome two days ago, with a request to fill up particulars, and return at earliest convenience. Being already registered, and licensed to brew and sell till the 31st December, 1881, I am not able to see either Bense or reason in this new infliction. The Commissioners must have very little to do, and be labouring under the impression that the unfortunate brewer has still less. What the questions required to be answered have to do with brewing business I fail to see. Not satisfied with imposing an unfair and exceptional tax, valuable timo must be wasted in filling up silly and useless returns for registration. It is a wonder that the question, " What h the average quantity consumed on the premises ?" has been overlooked. If not trespassing, I will give you a sample of the different items of information required, and a few of the answers I have given in filling-in, which I trust will convey satisfactorily the required information. Tho first item is simply a notice that one intends carrying on the business of brewer in certain premises in a certain county or Borough, then follows : — Name of every person interested or to be interested in the business and nature of interest, with place of rcsidenco. Particular description of the section or lot on which the brewery is situated : — Fronting Wailcato River and Cookstreet, rather steep banks adjoining river ; soil chiefly light, pumicB sand, willows planted along foreshore to protect banks, excepting a portion about centre of allotment, on which a wharf is erected, small strip running east and west close to brewery rather swampy, upper portion fronting Cook-street, undulating, onethird rich dark loan, remainder light pumice sand, towards the south the ground U rather steep with a piece of table land at top, soil rather gravelly: from this point there is a very pretty and uninterupted view of a long stretch of river, and Victoria Bridge, also residences and public buildings on both sides the river, there is also a small piece of table land at a lower level on a small promontory at south corner of allotment with some English oaks planted around it. Between this point and the brewery the land is rather steep to within about 30 feet of the river, heavier Boil and more moisture than the greater portion of the other, covered principally with native shrubs, intersper; sed with blue, red, and pepperment, gums. There are several springs near the river. There is a tramway worked by steam winch from wharf to top of the bank. A row of macrocapas forming a hedge of break-wind divides off about one-third of the south-west portion of allotment. Twa terraces are formed near top of rise, on south-east side of brewery, some tiees and shrubs planted promiscuously along the slope, which in itself presents something of tho appearance of portion of an amphitheatre. Ground contains by admeasurement, about one aero one rood, for the same more or less, taken as a whole, it is a very suitable site, and presents rather a picturesque appearance. Description of all buildings on the brewery premises, material of which constructed and description of wall, fence, ov either outside boundary of premises — portion on which mash tub rests, and in which coppers are built, solid brickwork, building three stories high independent of cellar, which is something like a lean to on the shady side of gully running towards the river, all except just mentioned constructed of wood, roofed with iron, there is a small building about forty feet from cellar, half of which is used for cask washing withasteampipefrom engine room, the other half is being fitted up for bottle washing machine ; a short distance from this there is a shed sometimes used as a cooperage, at other times for storing casks, staves, heads, old hoops, &c; there ia no wall or fence round, the premises bounded on one side by the Waikato river. Statement of tlte title under which fche premises on which the brewery is situated is held,* and the name or names of the owner or owners thereof ; number of wort-boilers and other permanent vessels and capacity of each ; manner of boiling worts, whether by direct action of fire or by steam ; average number of brewings per month ; statement of total quantity of beer made, sold, or removed from the brewery during the year immediately preceding the date of this notice. The whole to be declared before a Justice of "the Peace. I pass over the latter items required. The absurdities contained in some of them scarcely require pointing out, and I trust for the credit of the country that there is no law to compel one to conform with many mild requests of this stamp.— l am, &c, W. CUMMINO, Waikato Brewery,