CAMBRIDGE FARMERS' CLUB.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 786, 30 June 1877, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE FARMERS' CLUB.

Tuesday, June 26. Present : The President, Messrs Geo Clark. John Martin, Richard ReynoLls, H. A. C. Fergnsson, John Ruuciinau, John Hunt, Job u Fisher, Heury Reynolds, F. Hicks, W. L. Martin, James Runciman, Allwill, Strange, Storey, F. J. Brooks, Henry Buttle. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Mr James Runciman proposed Mr J. P. Camplell as a member of the Club. Mr John Fisher seconded. On the ballot being taken, Mr J. P. Campbell was declared elected. Mr Richard Reynolds proposed Mr A. A. Fantham as a member. Mr Clark seconded. Electol item. con. Mr Hicks proposed Mr J. J. Smith as a member of the Club. Mr Clark objected to any member violating the rules of the Club. Notice had been given at the last meeting. Mr Hicks said he had given notice at the one before that. The Chairman ruled that fresh tiotice would have to be given. He then informed the meetiug that he had received a telegram from the Vice-President, who was m Auckland, stating that he was unable to attend. He had also received a memorandum from Major Wilson, who was to give the essay on the i new " Native Lands Act," to say that he would not be able to attend till 8 o'clock. Some accounts were then passed, and two letters read from Mr R. R. Hunt, of the W.S.N. Co., who informed the Club that the Co. would undertake to carry butter through to Auckland m. a day, at reduced rates, to enable the Waikato farmers

to supply Auckland with fresh butter. Mr James Runciman moved — " That the Secretary write to Mr Hunt, and thank the Co. for afford, ing facilities to the settlers for sending fresh butter to Auckland." Mr Hicks seconded. sheep boas. The Chairman then stated that it had been suggested that a prize bo awarded for sheep dogs at the coming ploughing match. If the members would subscribe 5s each, they would have a trial of sheep dogs on the day of the match. Mr John Fisher said several farmers had spoken to him about it, and that during , the ploughing match it would fill up spare time. On the day of the show, there would be neither time nor convenience for a trial of sheep dogs. Mr W. L. Martin suggested that each dog be tried with a different flock of sheep. If it were done with only one flock, after the first time the sheep would know their way into the pen, and thore would be no fail trial. Mr John Runciman said, that he thought they had enough to do to pay for the ploughing match, without paying for anything else. It was subsequently agreed that any members who wished to subscribe for this purpose, pay their subscriptions to Mr John Fisher, and the Committee would endeavour to arrange for a trial of sheep dogs. THE PLOUGHING MATCH. Mr Buttle then informed the meeting, of the progress of arrangements for the ploughing match. Subsc»iptions|to the amount of .£42 had been promised. Indeed, the greatest part had been p »id. Extra prizes to the amount of £30 had been offered, making a total of i>7o. A number of visitors were expected on the ground. The right to erect a refreshment booth also would bring m something. Mr Buttle further stated that the Managing Committee had dene all m their power to make the match a success, and all they could do now was, to appeal to the settlers. They hoped that every settler m the Waikato district would be represented. As the Farmers' Club now numbered among its members, gentlemen from all parts of the Waikato, and even from Auckland, they hoped that settlers from the remotest parts of the district would send their teams. Mr Buttle said, he thought there would be rather a scarcity of double-furrow-ploughs. He wanted to see a large number of double-furrow-ploughs competing. The Chairman remarked, that he thought there were none to be had m Auckland. Mr Clark said, he had one of Hornsby's, which he would gladly lend to anyone who could send a team with it. Mr Reynolds and Mr W Martyn said, they would each place one at the disposal of anyone wishing to compete m the double-furrow class. CLUB ROOM. Mr Henry Reynolds then brought forward the plan of a building for a Club Room, &c., from Messrs Keals and Sou. The estimated cost was £300. Subscriptions to the amount of £ 150 had been promised. It was referred to the building committee. Major Wilson now came m, and after apologising for keeping the Club waiting, proceeded to read his essay on " The New Native Lands Act," which was listened to with attention throughout. The Chairman then asked if any member wished to say anything on Major Wilson's Essay. Mr Fisher said, Major Wilson appeared to approve of money advanced for surveying the land being considered part of the purchase money, but that he thoroughly condemned mortgages. This appeared to Mr Fisher to be paradoxical. Mortgage was the legitimate way of lending money on property. Mr Fautlmm (who had been brought m after his election) said he thought that it would bo far better if no person were allowed to buy land from the natives. If the natives wanted to sell their land, let them apply to the Government, and let the Government have the land surveyed and pat up to public auction. It would be better for the natives, and A B and C would all have the same chance, and the land would fall to the small settlers, which would be much better for the country. Major Wilson then rose to reply to Mr Fisher. He said that what he had expressed with regard to mortgages and advancing niouey on surveys might appear to be paradoxical, but it was not really so. The natives were generally poor, and could not provide enough money for surveying the land, and it was right that the original owners of the soil should pay for the survey, therefore it was necessary that money furnished by the buyers for this purpose should be allowed as part of the purchase money, But he thought mortgages gave an opportunity for land sharks to get land from natives. The Chairman suggested that some member should propose that Major Wilson's valuable paper be printed, m order that it might come before other bodies more competent to discuss the subject. Mr Hicks said, he had much pleasure m proposing that Major Wilson's Essay be printed. Native affairs had not been managed hitherto at all satisfactorily, {n

Napier, this mismanagement was doing a great deal of harm. Any Act that would provide for the better regulating of the purchase of JT, from the natives, would be haded with great satisfaction. Mr James Runcimaii seconded. Carried mm. con. " ' ' REAPING AND BINDWG MACHINE. that he would move at the next meeting "That this Club wfli undertake the liability o f sending America for a reaper and binder." ARTIFICIAL MANURES. « '??\ J u mG3 R " Hciman proposed lhat the members who wish to procure manure for spring sowing bring their orders m writing at the next meeting of the Club."- Mr' Runciman said that by the members joining together and sending for a large quantity, they could get it delivered at from 20s to 30s per ton cheaper than by sending for small quantities. Small farmers would not give the high price for the small quantity which they required, but if * number were to join togetl^sr and send a large order, the mr^ would be within reach of everybody The WSN Co. would deliver large quantities at lower rates than small ones. Mr Clark thought it would be a j very good argument to bring pressure on the Government to reduce freight for the benefit of the settlers. If th« WSNCo are willing to afford such facilities for ;he conveyance of settlers' produce and manges, should the Government not be induced to do the same 1 ■ The Chairman said he thoroughly endorsed what Mr Clark and Mr Runciman had said. Those who wanted bonedust should join together and send for a large quantity. The WS N Co. had agreed to deliver bonedust m large quantities at 22s per ton freight m any tart of the Waikato. It would be worth while to employ an agent m town to purchase their manures and have them analysed. M«; Clark seconded. Mr John Runciman wanted to know if the orders were to be accompanied by a cheque. The Chairman said the Club would not be responsible for the payment, but each member must be responsible for his owu order. Mr James Rtmciuaan's motion was put and carried. SALT AS A MANURE. Mr Clurk was then asked to state the result of a trial with salt as a manure. He said he had tried it with carrots and mangolds. Some he had put m with bonedust, some with Peruviau guano and some with salb. Those grown with salt as a manure were very fine, and the cattle seemed to relish them better and to do very well on them. The Chairman stated that he had hoard that some sheep were placed on a run m the middle V this island near Taupo, and for a few years they kept fat and did well ; after that time they began to die off. This was attributed to the want of salt. Several members spoke of the value of salt as a manure. Mr James Ruuoiiiiari moved "That Rule 6* be suspended to enable Mr Fantham to bring forward a motion. Mr John Runciman seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Fauthara said they all seemed to be aware of the value of salb for land, cattle and sh^ep. But now it is so expensive that it could not be used m sufficient quantities. In fact, ib was almost impossible to get i«u> It whs possible to manufactui ; e~Jtfl out of salt-water, aud if the Govern, moot would give £1,000 for the first 1,000 tons ot salt manufactured m the colony, the enterprise would be commenced. The reason he wanted to bring forward his moiiou at this meeting was, that it was near .bo time ofiiext session of the Assenib ly and it might be too late at their next meeting. He would propose " Tliut tho Ciuo ask its member to submit to the House of Assembly a motion proposing a bonus of £1,000 tor tho tirst 1,000 t6ns of salt manufactured m the colony at 5s per tou under the price ruling during the six months previous to manufacture. The said £1,000 to be laid out m improving the machinery for the manufacture of the same." Mr Strange informed the Club that salt was an excellent manure for wheat His father had tried it m Northamptonshire m England, on some laud which before had made the wheat run to straw, and the result was beautiful corn ; the straw was kept do\ya and the grain increased. He did not think that salt was good on limestone soil, but that it was much wanted m the Waikato, whieu being so far away from the sea, does not get the spray. Major Wilson asked koiv much to the acre should be used as manore, as he said it was used to destroy weeds. The Chairman said from two to five hundredweight. It was an excellent manure for celery, sea-kale and asparagus. Mr Strange said it should be used for top-dressing after the sowing. Salt is injurious to some plants and animals, and beneficial to others. It will poison fowls, but pigeons will thrive on it. Mr Fantharn said he was competent to state that it was not possible to keep long-wool sheep without salt. There was very little m the land, and if it was cheaper he would put 4cvyv to every acre, jie bafy

Mr Fantbam's resolution was put to the meeting and passed. RAILWAY FREIGHT. Mr Strange stated that m Canterbury tbe Govei nraent allowed settiers' produce go by rait much cheaper than other goods, and that perishable produoe was always sent first, even if additional trucks had to be put on the train. ARTESIAN WELLS* Mr Fantham said he would like ; to bring forward another resolution, ' with regard to artesian wells. He asked if they had been tried here, and if not, if the committee knew tha most practical way of trying them. He said Messrs Morrin had offered the piping necessary. If they were successful it was to be paid for, if pot Messrs Morrin would not expect to be paid. Mr Fantham did not like the idea of valuable cattle rushing half -a mile down a gully for water. The first cost would be the greatest. If some gentleman ■would subscribe, say £50, he might have it fairly tried. The Chairman concurred m the idea^nd said he would willingly Sttl)£cpbe. Mr Hicks thought that, from the formation of the' country it would be impracticable, as all the water here had a very low level. If they could get it at all, it would only be by going below the bed of the river. Mr John Runciman said that, without going into the scientific question, he thought it worth while to give it a trial. . * , Mr Strange said that at Canterthey had been very successful with artesian wells. That at first it was thought they would get the water near the hills, but they had been m some cases successful along the Beach. The cost of the first well was about £50, but others were done for «£7 or £S. Mr Fantham said that at Rangiriri he had seen on the top of a hill about 80ft high and 150 ft above the river no less than seven springs, and as there were no springs round the base, it must have been artesian water. However, he said he thought he would 'make a trial himself. NOTICES OP MOTION. Mr Johu Runciman gave notice that he would move at the next meeting " Thatthe Club take steps to try an artesian well m the Waikato." Mr W S Martin gave notice thtt he would move at the next meeting; " That the names of all members to be proposed for election must be previously submitted to the Committee. Mr Hicks gave notice that he would propose Mr J J Smith as a member of the Club." Mr Clark gave notice that at the next meeting lie would propose Mr J B White as a member. Mr Reynolds that he would propose Mr Tiiomas Morrin as a member. Mr John Runciman that he would propose Mr ELake, ofOhaupo as a member of the Club. This concluded the business.