SUGAR-BEET.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2440, 1 March 1888, Page 2

SUGAR-BEET.

to the kpitou. Sik, —The unwearied efforts of Mr W. A. Graham in the cause of sugar-beet culture, backed up by his practical offer to take a large share of the risk in the undertaking, is certainly worthy of some response on the part of his fellow settlors. Mr Graham's advocacy is no new thing, but tho whole question wears a very different aspect to what it did some yours back ; then tho growing of beet-root for sugar seemed more theoretical than practical, now this is changed ; from all parts of the world comes the information, that wherever the soil and situation are suitable (and that's not everywhere), the land is being dovoted to the growth of the sugar-beet, as the most payable and sure crop to grow, and in Waikato we seem to be especially favoured by tho large percentage of sugar ji) tbp roots. The rich flats along the Waipa are eminently adapted to the growing of sugarbeet, as the roots could be convoyed at almost nominal cost, to a factory built on either the Waipa or Waikato rivers. The feeling of respect which is felt towards Mr Graham for his patriotic efforts, is only equalled by an opposite feeling towards the large land companies and monetary institutions, who are so deeply interested in the Waikato, for the apathy and indifference shown by them in allowing one man to bear the burden and heat of the struggle, to have practically tested the great question of sugar-beet culture, and which would, if successful, place agriculture in Waikato upon a higher plane, than in any other district in the colony, and would in particular prove a veritable gold mine to them. Afight [ suggest that Mr Graham call a njeeting'of the setp.Qrs Of all the districts surrounding Hamiltori and lay before tligin definitely ; Ist. The approximate cost per acre of cijltjyating the beet; 2nd. the ii)injipiji)i qnaptity that vvould require to be grown t;; have the question fairly tested ; and 3rd. the exact present, and futliffi responsibility that fanners would incur in joining the undertaking.—l am. &c. K C. SlIKlMlEUI). Whatawhata, 25th February, 1888.