WAIKATO FARMERS' CLUB.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 111, 25 March 1897, Page 3

WAIKATO FARMERS' CLUB.

THE monthly meeting of the above club was held ut Cambridge on Monday evenin". There were piesent : Messrs Jno. Fisher (voted to the chair in the absence of the President), J. Gane, Win. Tucker, R. Fisher, (J. Empson, J C. Potts, E. Allen, J. Forrest, and T. Hartley. New Members. —The Rev. T. Scott and Mr S. Baldwin were elected members of the club. The Radiator Butter-maker.—Mr J. VV. Ellis, of OtorohaDga, forwarded a number of circulars, pamphlets, etc., re this new style of butter-maker, and also about " pasteurized butter." This is mude direct fi om the milk, and consequently the trouble of separating it is dispensed with. In an accompanying letter Mr Ellis pointed out that this new method would, if adopted, make the farmers much more independent of the butter factory proprietors than they arc at the present time. —It was unanimously resolved to write to Mr Ellis, thanking him for the information, aud the pamphlets were laid on the table. Those present took a lively interest in perusing the papers, and at a later period of the meeting, when the root and produce show was being discussed, it was suggested that it would be a good idea to endeavour to exhibit a " Radiator Buttermaker " at work duriDg the time the show is being held in June next. Leaflets.—Copies of the following leaflets were received from the Department of Agriculture : " Shepherd's Putseor Pickpocket," " Knot Grass or Wire-weed," and " Self-heal." The first-mentioned appears to be a very undesirable weed, fur it is relished by cattle and taints both milk and butter. It also acts as a nurse for two very destructive pests, viz., the mildew of turnips and cabbages. Sugar-beet Circular The consideration of Mr W. A, Graham's circular re sugar-beet, which had been adjourned from two previous meetings, was then taken ; but the fact that most of the local bodies had decided not to have anything to do with such a scheme caused the discussion to be a very brief one. It was finally resolved ou the motion of Mr Gane: "That this Club considers the matter to be of conBiderab'e importance, but in view of the fact that the local bodies are averse to a tax for the purpose, it can only thank Mr Graham for his efforts in keeping the industry steadily before the public." More Bekt.—A draft of the circular letter that had been drawn up by Messrs Wells, GaDe and Runciman to be forwarded to the members of the House of Representatives, urging upon them the necessity of passing a Bonus Bill, on similar lines to that introduced last session by the Hon. J. G. Ward, was read and heartily approved of.—The Chairman said ho had perused Mr Ward's Bill since last meeting and he was very favourably impressed with it; it was not nearly as drastic as he had been led to believe. The Root and Produce Show.—The question of making arrangements for this show, which is to be held in June, then came up for discussion.—Mr Forrest suggested the produce part of the show should not be taken up this year, and that next year, when it would be the turn of Cambridge to have the Horticultural Show in that town, the horticulturists should be asked to abandon their show and combine with the Farmers'Club in having a really good show, including produce, in June. He said there were too many 3hows and they were becoming a tax. —It was pointed out that the Club had already undertaken to include produce in this year's root show, and further that June would not allow of either fruit or floral exhibits being staged in sufficient quantity to please anyone.—The matter of drawing up a schedule of prizes, etc., for the 3how was then relegated to the executive committee. —It was stated that Messrs Souter and Co. intended running a root show at Ohaupo this season, but it was thought it would be more likely to damage that firm to a greater extent than it would the established show at Cambridge. Notices of Motion.-—The following notices of motion were Riven for the next meeting:—By Mr Tucker: That the Club discuss the small bird and the weasel nuisance, and that it consider the advisability of holding ploughing matches.—By Mr Forrest: That this Club takes notice of the manner in which the Fruit Evaporating Company has treated the settlers of Waikato. Auctioneer's Fees.—Mr Tucker said that since last meeting he had received a list of the fees charged by the Canterbury auctioneers at the Addingron saleyards. They were : 6d per head for cattle, 2d for pigs, and lid for sheep as yard fees, aud 2J per cent, commission on all sales.—The difference between that and the charges made by the local auctioneers was estimated by some present to be about 1£ per cent. That concluded the business.