WAIKATO FARMERS' CLUB.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2868, 29 November 1890, Page 2

WAIKATO FARMERS' CLUB.

CAMBRIDGE BRANCH.

The above body mot at Cambridge on Monday evening at 7.30 p.m. Present: Messrs G. E. Clark (chairman), J. Fisher senr. and junr., J. Forrest, lvj. Allen, T. W. Hicks. C. Hunter, J. S. Bond, .Tas. Taylor, Clark (Taotnoroa), Calcy (2), C. Roberts and H. 11. Hyatt. New Member.—Mr Chas. Lako was electod a now member.

ConKIMI'ONIIKN'CK. — Tho secretary had written to tho Ministerof Lands, statingthat the Cambridge Branch of the Club heartily supported the application of the Hamilton Branch in asking that a portion of the limestone land in the King Country should be secured by the Government, in order that the lime may be obtained at a cheap rate fur agricultural purposes. A reply from tho Department stated that no such application as that referred to had been received from tho Hamilton Ciub.—The members present thought there must be some mistake, they being under the impression that the Government had replied to the Hamilton lira null re tho matter, and that the reply had been published in Tim Waikato Timks.

Mkat Fuku/.ino.-—The whole of the remain# business was adjourned so that Mr Caverhill, tho Manager of the Auckland Freezing Company might bo heard, after which the members cnuM adjourn to the Public Hall and hear Mr Vesey Stewart, a candidate for the 'i'e Aroha electorate.— Mr Caverhill said he had come up to give any information ro the freezing of meat. He thought, as tho time was limited, tho better way would be for him to answer questions instead of making a speech. It meat freezing in Auckland was to be a success, the farmers and the Company must work together. He saw by the returns there were plenty ot sheep in the district to make it a success, if tho farmers would enter heartily into the business.—Mr Caverhill was asked numerous questions which elicited the following information The Waitara Freezing Works would not stop the West Coast sending sheep and cattle to Auckland. He had heard complaints against the Company, but hoped nil that would now be altered; he was sure the farmers would find the Company anxious to serve them well. The months during which the best price was obtained for mutton in the English market were from May to September ; after that time the price usually fell. Lambs should roach the Old Country about April, and should be about 35 lbs weight, but not over 40 lbs. The Company would commence loading a steamer on January loth, and they would like those forwarding to deliver the lambs about Christinas. The Company would receive as low a quantity as a truck load, but would.like to know who intended supplying aB soon as possible, so that proper arrangements could be made. If lambs were delivered on the date appointed they would be killed next day, and would not have time to waste. Killing would commence on December sth. In the So«th the members of the Farmers' Clubs arranged amongst themselves how many they would send, and thus kept the local market open. On the West Coast the average price paid by the Freezing Companies for lainbs was about 10s ; he thought that was as good as the local butchers would give. If the Auckland Company were kept supplied all the year round, thny could froesa as cheaply as othor Companies, but when they were stopped for about seven months out of the twelve, expenses went on, and of course they had to charge a little extra. A new machine would shortly be erected and they would then be able to freeze 7,500 a month. He would take a run up to Waikato and inspect the sheep or lambs, if say 1,000 were about to be forwarded.—Mr Jno. Fisher thought it would be well to open a register at the Club office iu which fanners could onter the number they intend forwarding.—Mr Caverhill said that wou dbe a great assistance to the fjrmors and the Freezing Company. —The Chairman hoped in time they would be able to relievo tho public market by handing their sheop over to tho Freezing Company, if a sufficient price were'not offered by the locil buyers.— Mr Caverhill was thanked for so kindly giving information, and tho meeting then closed.