BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 329, 18 August 1898, Page 4

BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY.

A pabagraph inimical to this industry was published by the Hobart Mercury some time back. The manager of the Maffra Company writes to Capt. Harvey in reference thereto as follows :—" It is not correct that our factory was expected to give 3500 tons of sugar, although it is so designed ti»at it can produce even more in one season. But the primary condition must always be : Ihe necessary beet supply, which was neither expected nor forthcoming in the first year. The shareholders do not' look blue,' neither are the farmers ' wishing themselves well out of it,' for without going to the outside public, the old shareholders have at once responded within a few days by coming forward with a few thousand pounds additional capital, while the area now under preparation for next year's beet growing will be about double to what it was last year. This surely does uot look like growing ' polar bears on the equator ?' The cause of our first year's mis - success is undoubtedly attributable to the abnormal season, which, statistically, was entirely at variance with the last 20 years' records. Not only did w e get no rain from seed time to harvest, but incessant wet weather has set in just at harvesting time of beets, and during the campaign, whereas during ordinary seasons we were justified in expecting just the reversed conditions. The consequence was that over 30 per cent, of areas planted did not come up at all, while those that did come up have yielded only about one-half of the reasonably expected tonnage, which thus has reduced our anticipated quantity by fully two-thirds ; while on the other hand, the untimely wet weather during beet harvesting has caused various unpleasant delays in the beet deliveries, and consequently also interruptions in the continuity of factory operations, which latter are very detrimental. At the- same time I hope, sir, that the above remarks will assist you in your endeavours to establish this grand industry in your colony. I have personal knowledge of New Zealand, having travelled there a few years ngo, and on several occasions I have been struck with ita eminent adaptability for the beet sugar-industry. I feel confident that the Waikato, and also Canterbury and Otago, if properly handled, must eventually prove magnificent beet sugar districts." Matters in counection with the beet industry (says the Melbourne Leader of August 6th) are assuming a more promising appearance. The area has been increased from 1300 to 2000 acres, and with higher prices for growers, The Maffra Beet Company is increasing the urea of its beet plantation, and is open to lease any suitable land adjacent to a railway station. Ploughing operations are being pushed on with, and sowing will commence this month.