THE BEETROOT SUGAR Industry.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2289, 12 March 1887, Page 2

THE BEETROOT SUGAR Industry.

♦ On Thursday a deputation from the New Zealand Industrial Association waited on the Hon. J. Ballance, Native and Defence Minister, in reference to the matter of encouraging the production of beetroot sugar in the colony. The deputation consisted of Mr George Fraser (chairman of the Association), Messrs J. A. Pond, W. Lodder, A. Bell, J. Brame, and W. A. Graham (Mayor of Hamilton.) Mr Pond introduced the subject, and pointed out what work had already been done in the matter, and the great success which had attended the growth of beet in the SVaikato, and the desire that was felt to introduce this great industry of the manufacture of sugar. Mr Ballance said he approved of the proposal, but suggested that, in the existing low rates of sugar, the beet may not be able to compete with cane sugar. Mr Pond pointed out that their object was not to prepare refined sugar, but a concrete, or ore sugar, to be refined by already existing works, and that the cost of such a factory as would be required for this purpose would be very much less than that of a refinery. A good many people were willing to aid in the scheme, and there was a large area of land open for the tillage and cultivation of beetroot. A general conversation then took place as to the suitability of the soil, etc., and the Act of ISS4 was referred to, which grants a bonus of id per lb on the first thousand tons of sugar produced, as well as a id per lb duty. Mr Pond then put before" the Minister the following suggestions:—(l) That the Government be asked to aid as far as possible in the establishment of the beetroot sugar industry in the colony; (2) That in the event of a company being formed for the purpose of erecting the necessary plant to make raw or refined sugar from beetroot, that the Governmont be asked to contribute £ for £ subscribed by such company on condition that such contribution does not exceed £2000, and that the sum so contributed should be a charge against the bonus offered by tho Act of ISS4 for the manufacture of the fivst thousand tons of beet sugar, providing the company succeeds in manufacturing this amount. Mr Ballance said he was very much pleased at the moderate demand made, and personally they might be assured of his co-operation and assistance. He would lay the matter before his colleagues, and would advise the deputation as to the decision of the Ministry. He was very much pleased to see that they were prepared to launch out money on an industry of this description, and considered it was'just such a case as would justify the Government in helping in the way stated.—Herald.

Mr N. R. Cox, London House, Hamilton, is now opening up a splendid lot of new goods suitable for the coming season. We beg to draw attention to Mr J Aeals new advertisement re Webb and bon a celebrated seeds.