CORN EXCHANGE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1950, 25 May 1880, Page 3

CORN EXCHANGE.

The ordinary meeting of the committee of the Corn Exohange and Farmers' Club was held at the Exchange, Cashel street, on Saturday afternoon ; there were present, Mr Thos. Bruce (chairman), Captain Willis, Messrs Poryman, Woodman, Bailey, Henderson and Gammaok.

The Chairman stated that before proceeding with the business to be considered by the committee, he would like to mention for the information of those members who were not in attendance at the last meeting that n most exhaustive and studiously written paper, treating on the important subjeot of " Farmers' Corn Exchanges, and their utilisation by farmers," had been read by Mr William Bateman. Those who were then present, had not only complimented the author, but had also unanimously expressed a wish to have the paper printed.

Mr Peryman trusted the committoo woulsl express its opinion in regard to tho valuable nature of Mr Bateman's paper, and hoped that the suggestions advanced by that gentleman would be entered in the minute book, as a record of the way in which the Exchange had estimated the efforts of Mr Bateman, and that he be elected an honorary member of their Corn Exchange and Farmers' Club. The suggestion and resolution, after being seconded by Mr G. B. Woodman, wero carried neni. con. The Chairman then called attention to a letter, written by Mr E. B. Bishop, undor the heading " Encouragement to tho Farmers," and which had appeared in Friday's issue of the "Lyttelton Times." Mr Bishop, he might say, was well and favorably known both as a gentleman of long standing in Canterbury and as one who had on many occasions interested himself in the promotion of objects dealing with tho welfaro of this community. In the present instance ho had at his own expenso circulated copies of tho letter referred to. He (Mr Bruoe) could thoroughly endorse the views put forth by Mr Bishop, and would like to see them carried into effect. One result would be that the people would have "good beer," and in order to accomplish this desideratum there must be unity of action, as one individual could not act single'handed in such a laudable cause, which was a philanthropic one, and tended to advance the interests of both agriculturists and consumers. Mr Bishop's sole object was, evidently, the universal production of a wholesome and palatable beverage, free from sugar. The chairman then expatiated upon the properties of good beer, and supported his arguments by a reference to the certificates of eminent state analytic chemists and medical authorities. He thought that the members present should resolve to interest themselves in the movement emanating from Mr Bishop, and communicate with other kindred societies, farmers' clubs, and agricultural associations, asking their cooperation.

Mr Peryman, with the chairman's permission, would like to make a few remarks before any motion was submitted to tho members of the committee with respect to the matter before them. While concurring to a certain extent with the remarks of the chairman with reference to the manufacturing of a good alcoholic commodity, it struck him that there might be a principle involved, upon which he wished to invite discussion, as to how it would affect the brewers. Might it not be said that they (the members) were involving themselves in this matter of principle as it affected others ? For instance, might not the brewers justly consider that they had a right to interfere with the interests of the farmers with regard to the kind of implements used, or to the seed they might sow ? It was a question dealing with a complication of interests, which had in part to be considered, and was one which affected not only the brewers, but the farmers too, as growers of barley. The more barley used by the brewers, the better for the farmers. Captain Willis had listened to Mr Peryman with considerable attention, but could come to no other conclusion than that his premises were bad. Perhaps that gentleman had overlooked the fact of the existence of an Act dealing with the adultoration of food ; and, therefore, the matter of principle did not arise. He, for one, liked a drop of good beer, and they no doubt all remembered the good old saying, " There is nothing like malt and hops for good beer." He then referred to the effects produced by colonial beer, in regard to the sugar it contained, and said that, instead of its being a thirst-quencher, it was generally believed to be an inveterate thirst-maker and stomaoh-deranger. He asserted that it possessed all tbe essential ingredients for the making of bad vinegar, and they were all aware of the injurious effects of such. Colonial beer was equally injurious when sugar had been largely introduced into it. He was of opinion that the Adulteration of Food Act was a sufficient reply to this matter of principle ; and, to his mind, there was no principle involved at all. Under the circumstances of the cae«, he considered they would be doing their duty if they applied to the Government to pass an Act to prevent public brewers using sugar as a substitute for good malt. If good beer could be had the working class would not be the victims of that vile compound designated " Scotch whisky," the inferior kinds of which were so highly impregnated with that deleterious Bubstance fusil oil. There was a fire liquid known as " negative spirit," and from which was manufactured all kinds of spurious liquors. Captain Willis everred himself a protectionist, and considered it was the duty of the committee to give every possible encouragement to those who did produce good food and beverages. Mr Bailey saw no objection to supporting the views of tho chairman, provided they did not injuriously affect tho brewers' interests by bringing into the market cheaper and inferior beer.

Mr Wm. Henderson stated that although he was a thorough freetrader, yet he believod in good food and beverages. After a little further desultory conversation, it was resolved—" That the committee of the Corn Exchange, Christchurch, approve of the suggestion of urging the passing of an Act for prohibiting the use of sugar in the manufacture of beer by the public brewers of this colony, and compelling the use of malted barley in lien thereof, and that the President of the Exchange be requested to communicate with kindred Associations with a view of further co-operation in the above matter."

Mr Peryman suggested that lists be printed with the name and address of each subscriber of tho Corn Exchange, together with the rules, and that the same be circulated for the information of those directly interested.

The suggestion was favorably received, and the subject postponed for further consideration.

After the usual vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting terminated.