BEET SUGAR.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 570, 28 September 1920, Page 2

BEET SUGAR.

A CHRISTCHURCH SCHEME, REPORT BY AN 7 EXPERT. Mr ,! B. Merrett returned by the Paloona from a visit to Maflra, Victoria, where he vent to investigate the sugar beet industry, with a view to establishing a refinery in Canterbury. Last year Maffra made a profit uf i.lu,ooo"ifom 15i)l tons of sugai refined. It takes about eight tons oJ beet to produce one ton ot sugai, and Canterbury soil should produce 12 to 18 tons per acre. A refinery will require 2000 to 3000 acres of land, and a modern retinerv would cost in the region of £200,000. By growing beets, Mr. M|rreti says, New Zealand can become independent of outside supplies, and'coordinate industries could be established in the way of a condensed milk factory or fruit preserving works, and by-products invaluable for stock. Mr. Merrett states that the industry can be made a success in the Dominion.