SUGAR BEET CULTURE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1439, 22 September 1881, Page 2

SUGAR BEET CULTURE.

We havo received the following letter fiom Mr William A. .Gr.xham, dated Taniiiliero Estate, September 21st :—: — Sir : I am glad to find the discussion of beet-root sugar industry by the Waikato farming circle is commanding the favorable opinion of the Press. It is to bo regretted that, owing to the want of faith on the part of the farmers and public in the industry. I was compelled to send a cablegram to Hamlnug to counteiinand the outers given by my fi lends there for requisite plant, and seed, which otherwise would have been now in i raw>tt n,to anive in time tor tins season. Tarn forwarding copy of report of committee (appointed at public meetiusj.held at the Tamaheie Hotel) to my Hambiug friends, and Urging upon one of theai to come out | and visit this district. It will, however, be impossible to obtain the proper quality of seod in time foi this .spring sowing; but nevertheless it would bevvell foi out farmers to obtain samples of white Silesian sugar beet seed, which can be had from Mr Livers, in Auckland (it I was fiom seed purchased at Mi I/iveis' store that Mr Lewis O'Xeill's samples of beet weie pioduccd). and enlarge upon the tnals'made last 'season, but this time let marked attention be shown the gi owing plants. I trust, Sir, you w ill continue to urge upon the farmers the benefit to themselves which \v,oiild accrue should the first sugar mill prove a success, as then at Cambridge, Hamilton, Xgaruawahia, Taupin, Whatawhata, ami Alexandia, the Hambuig people would be found ready to ciect othei mills ami thereby ensure a settled population, affording labour for the harvest field and wealth to the farming community ot Waikato. If the farmers will only, one and all, this coming season, plant an .tcreof .sugar beet, and Satisfy themselves and the public that tiie root will thrive with proper attention in Waikato, I am assured that capital will be forthcoming, to Mipport the enterprise ; b,ut if A the farmers are only half-hearted hf the matter, how can they expect the geneiai public to take shares in a concern which has to rely ro largely upon the energy and industry of the fanner to produce the raw material ? Letters from the South inform me that reports of His Honor Judge Gilles' paper on sorghum, stiitetli.it that gentleman proved sugar beet cannot succeed in INew Zealand. This interpretation must not be allowed to pass uncontradicted. For being contrary to fact, it may be damaging to our district, which I believe to be exceptionally adapted for sugar beet culture.