expressing their sympathy with the movement in England to counteract the 
effect of the sugar bounties. He really thought they should not let the present 
opportunity escape without expressing their appreciation of the efforts that 
were being made in their behalf. 
Mr. W. Sourrer (Queensland Acclimatisation Society) said that he fy 
was suffering from an unfair competition - 
admitted the cane-sugar industry 
from the bounty-assisted beet sugar, but, considering there was a commission 
going thoroughly into the matter, it would hardly be wise for them to endorse 
any particular line of action. Moreover, Mr. Lely could hardly claim to 
represent the whole sugar industry of Queensland, and the planters could 
doubtless be trusted to look after their own interests in this connection. 
Another gentleman then expressed the opinion that the Conference was 
Tepresentative enough to be just 
Mr, Noakes. 
The next resolution was :—* That this Conference recommends that all the 
associations here represented direct their attention to th 
better distribution of produce, especially grain, and report 
Department the result of their deliberations. 
recommends to all local associations, and combi 
increasing need of co-operation, especially as to the direct importation of 
improved agricultural machinery, and the importance of using well-bred sires 
in stock-breeding, particularly in dairy herds.’’ 
Mr. James Witson supported the resolution, and in connection with 
it, read a paper which he had prepared on the subject of railway freights on 
wheat. 
to the Agricultural 
Also, that this Conference 
nations of associations, the 
On the motion of Mr. T. Wutrenry, seconded by Mr. T. W. CASWELL, 
the resolution was carried. 
On the motion of Mr. Wurrenny, seconded by Mr. Lery, the following 
was also adopted: —“* That this Conference recommend the passing of a Drainage 
Act'for allowing reasonable rights to owners and occupiers of land for taking’ 
away their surplus water through adjoining 
various associations here represented, to consider the question of extensive 
drainage on similar lines to those of the Scottish Drainage Act, with the 
e purpose of obtaining ~ 
view of approaching the Agricultural Department for th 
State assistance for the execution of such work.” 
In connection with this resolution, Mr. E. Swayne read the followin 
_ letters which he, as secretary of the Pioneer River Farmers’ Association, ha 
received from Messrs. Gibson and Howes, of Bundaberg, 
Bundaberg, 27th J anuary, 1897. 
Dear Srr,—I have your letter inquiring as to the advantages of drainage on the 
Bingera lands, and what is the difference between the drained and undrained as to 
quantity of cane from each. 
also note your reason for inquiry, in which I quite agree. The undertaking 
would be rather heavy for men with limited means. 
digging drains, pipe-laying, &e. You may do it for a little less in Mackay, as your 
subsoil is not quite so hard as our volcanic soil at 2 feet 6 inches depth. ; 
I may state that on Bingera we have now about 1,000 acres drained, and we were 
encouraged to enter into such expenditure by the results obtained during the 1894 
season. In that year there was a fair rainfall, and so satisfied were we with the 
returns from the drained land over the undrained in the extra quantity of cane and 
the extra purity of juice in the cane, giving such excellent results in the mill 
when compared with undrained land, that we determined to drain the wliole estate, 
a with that object in view have held on to our drainage scheme until November of 
st year. 
Then we had to stop and ask ourselves the question, How much further should 
we go with this heavy expenditure 2 
ified in passing a resolution in connection with — 
the sugar industry, but still for all that it would be as well to send back the 
resolution to the committee. This course was then adopted on the motion of 
e question of the 
properties, and also invite the 
some months ago :— 
The cost to us per acre was £5— _ 
_ Mr. Lety then suggested that it would perhaps be best to pass aresolution _ 
