HAMILTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2311, 3 May 1887, Page 2

HAMILTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

♦ : : The usual monthly meeting of the council was held last night. Present: His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Bell, Tippen, Scott, Dey, Edgecumbe, and Knox. Subsidy.—The Property Tax Department wrote, intimating that £20(> 0s 2d, being one-half of the £ for £ subsidy, had been paid in to the credit of the council. The Gravel Contract.—Mr T. Jones wrote, pointing out that his tender for Is per yard was for the whole of the borough, and declining to carry it out on one side of the river only. It was decided to obtain Mr Coombes' signature to his contract for the East side, failing which, that Mr Jones' tender be accepted for both sides the river, or failing this that Mr Waite's tender be accepted. Railway Reform.—A letter was received from the Reform League covering copy of petition to Parliament asking for a trial of Mr Vaile's scheme. After some discussion it was resolved that the Mayor be authorised to sign the petition on behalf of the council and burgesses of the borough. Sugar-beet Culture.—The committee appointed for the purpose reported as follows :— Hamilton, April 30th, 1887. To his Worship the Mayor and Borough Councillors of Hamilton. Gentlemen,—Re beet-sugar, your committee have to report:—l. That after examining considerable data bearing upon the cost of growing a crop of beets suitable for the production of sugar, and from enquiries from those who have made practical tests in the culture of beets, your committee have come to the conclusion that a crop of beets can be grown and delivered at the mill at the rate of seventeen shillings (17s) per ton. 2. That much interest has been awakened amongst burgesses occupying sections of land within the borough, and in the event of a guarantee of 17s per ton for beets being forthcoming a considerable area of land within the borough would be devoted to this industry. 3. That with the guarantee referred to above, your committee are of opinion that there would be no difficulty in inducing settled in and around Hamilton to undertake the growth of beets, and your committee have every confidence in reporting that a sufficient area ; would be devoted to the culture of beets as would ensure a supply of the raw material equal to the capacity of the mill which it is proposed to erect. Geo. Edgecumbe, Chairman. The report having been adopted, the Mayor said that while in Auckland he tried to meet the gentlemen* interested in the subject. Grave doubts were entertained as to whether the sugar works at the North Shore would be capable of dealing with their sugar. He had visited the works and satisfied himself upon this point, but there was still some doubt as to the profitableness of the undertaking. He, however, was almost certain that success Would attend their efforts, provided the local residents would take up the cultivation of the beet. He did not think the price of sugar could sink below what it was at present, and he was satisfied that that afforded a margin of profit. Any difference in price would mean an increase, so that if they were satisfied seventeen shillings a ton would pay, all would be well. It would be necessary to have a guarantee that 200 acres would be grown for five years. In America, he was told, they were growing roots at 8s per ton, and he believed they could be raised here for 10s. The root was especially adapted to Waikato. He believed that it be produced more cheaply here than in Germany, an opinion in which he was supported by Germans themselves. He spoke at length on the importance of the subject, pointing out that the hope of the colony lay in this industry. So far as his proposals went he did not think it necessary to go outside the borough. All they wanted was 200 acres, even.if they had 100 acres they would make a start.—Some discussion followed, but no definite action was taken. Impounding Fees.— Cr. _ Tippen gave notice to move at next meeting that the fee for giving notice of impounding be reduced from 2s Gd to Is. He explained that he did so at the instance of a large number of residents, who considered the present fee much too high. Works Report.—The usual report was read and adopted. The committee were empowered to call for tenders or employ day labour for clearing the water-tables and drains in the borough, and it was decided to lay a few loads of gravel on Galloway-street, near Mr Ryan's.

This was all the business of importance,