114 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL, {1 Ava., 1899) 
sugar, which so far has proved an impossibility, even in the laboratory. But the real 
facts are, that though there may be a residuum of 40 gallons, half of it is water used 
in machinery and which never at any time formed an element of the cane, and has no: 
right to be taken into the calculations. The legitimate use of molasses is Fee for 
rum. The manufacturers say rum is unsaleable. I know that limejuice is, but here 
is a blending of both which I think would find ready sale. Taste it and declare. 
[Samples produced.] The point I wish to anes here, is the immense annual loss 
to producers by reason of their inability to find a market for products which should be 
saleable. I would suggest that a large column be provided in our statistical returns 
for losses from all causes. These figures would soon claim the attention of those in 
power, and speedily lead to the appointment of a Minister for Trade and Commerce,. 
which is an absolute necessity in an essentially producing country like Queensland, 
and which has tended in a remarkable degree to the commercial Bey saa of Canada. 
This would mean a £1,000 billet for some, but if wisdom dominated the choice and the: 
individual was chosen for his ability and business acumen, and not for political 
services rendered or possible opposition to a political party, it would mean an annu 
saving of about £500,000 to the producers of Queensland. Reverting to molasses, I 
have had as much as 60 gallons of molasses to a ton of sugar, and I know that a 
chemist could not have reduced the quantity, but I also know that the farmer could have 
reduced it by half. The chemist can only say what sugar is in the cane; it is the 
farmer who puts it there. The quantity and quality of sugar and the quantity of 
molasses depends entirely upon the treatment of the cane in the field. ‘“ Sugar is: 
made in the field,’ is a household word in the old cane-growing countries, and I am 
pleased to see that the growers in Queensland are being seized of its importance. The: 
future of the industry in Queensland, as far as the growers can influence it, lies in the 
field, not in the building. It is to the field they must look for their profits, and they 
have big possibilities there, to which those of the building are nothing. Look at these 
two canes! This one is eight months’ old second ratoons, the first cane to arrow on 
my place this year. This one is plant cane twelve months old. Both are of the same 
variety. [Samples produced. ] 
The difference in them is not a few gallons of molasses per ton—it is tons of sugar 
er acre. But I must not stray with cane cultivation, neither do I wish to create the 
impression that the chemist is an unnecessary adjunct to either successful cultivation 
or manufacture. I think him indispensable, but I maintain that practical experience: 
is of equalimportance. It is the practical man who puts the teachings of science to 
the test and determines its value; and another thing, scientists often hold widely 
different views. Many years ago, Liebig cither said or was understood to say that 
the ashes of manure were equal in value to the bulk. _ Lanes and Gilbert promptly 
put this to the test. They burnt 14 tons of manure and applied the ashes to one plot 
and the manure (unburnt) to another, which quickly nal conclusively proved the 
fallacy of the theory. I was much surprised to read, quite recently, that the reason 
given for closing an agricultural college was owing to drought. It is really under such 
conditions that science should strive. I was, however, also much pleased to see that: 
the committee of an agricultural college called for applications from practical men to: 
take charge of it. I am pleased to see that our Department of Agriculture recognises 
the value of practical experience. Some connected with the sugar industry see 
prospective prosperity in federation; I see none. We are told that we shall be 
protected. Caricature often appeals much more eloquently and forcibly to the mind 
than words. Here is one from an old Queenslander, in which is depicted these middle-. 
men taking the products of an emaciated producer with one hand for a penny, and 
handing it over to a chance consumer with the other for twopence; such is protection.. 
As another delegate has a paper on this subject, I will only ask you all to remember 
that in the sugar industry alone there is nearly £5,000,000 sterling invested; that it 
supports 22,000 people; that last yearit disbursed £1,000,000 sterling to wage-earners ; 
aay that its extinction, which is threatened by federation, would sink its immense: 
capital, and force those at present supported by it into competition with miners and 
ahaa the inevitable consequences of which would bea very serious reduction in wages. 
The combining of dairying with canegrowing is just now attracting considerable: 
attention, and is favourably viewed by many canegrowers. That this is possible in 
exceptional cases I am well aware; I am even ready to admit that, on a small scale, 
I do it myself; but that it is possible of general application, under existing conditions, 
I very much doubt; it is not congenial work to the ordinary labourer. hey dislike 
the early rising, the monotonous milking morning and eve, wet or dry, Sunday and 
working day. Some say, “Oh, but the women and children can do the work connected 
with dairying.” If there is any individual in the whole community of Queensland who- 
requires to he relieved of a portion of their present burden, and who are utterl 
incapable of bearing any further impost, it is the cane farmer’s wife in North 
