1 Dec., 1902.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 417 
“THE SUGAR WORKS GUARANTEE ACTS, 1893 TO 1895.” 
REPORT BY THE INSPECTOR OF CENTRAL MILLS. 
Royal assent to the Amendment Act of 1900 having been withheld, no 
advances were made to central mill companies during the year under review, the 
total advances under the Act remaining as before—viz., £498,800 8s. 10d. 
No additional temporary advances to the central mills now under Government 
control were made, the figures standing as previously—viz., Proserpine, £8,500; and 
Moreton, £5,300. 
The season, particularly in the Southern districts, has been most unfavourable, 
two dry seasons in succession having reduced the cane crop considerably. The Gin 
Gin Mill in particular had a very trying time; the crop—only amounting to 5,900 
tons Re cane—was sold to the Bingera Mill, being too small a one to start the 
mill for. 
The following crop return for the past four years will show what a serious 
falling off there has been at this mill, and the unfortunate position the farmers there 
now find themselves in :— 
~ Tons. 
1898 on: ey; 3x er ... 40,507 
1899 wy: ne oe ao ... 933,293 
1900 oat ah ns a ce > TWEHYOD 
1901 a ot oA — 4 5,900 
and the season just concluded (1902) saw 2,200 tons of cane pass through the mill, 
while the outlook for 1903 is very poor indeed. 
Generally, the Southern mills have had short crops for the past two seasons, the 
falling off in comparison with the year 1899 being very noticeable :— 
Tons. 
1899 ce 58, Ge aes =. 1053778 
1900 xe ed *3 ot ... 45,503 
1901 “£45 ae, ca ote ... 60,530 
‘The improvement in the latter year is due to increased areas coming into bearing. 
On the other hand, it is gratifying to note the steady improvement at the Northern. 
mills, which is seen from the following :— 
Tons. 
1899 nee oe as ae ... 156,958 
L200 Sees ox ath an .. 174,371 
1901 bes me ag 2 ... 201,573 
The coming season, however, will probably show a considerable decrease in the 
figures for the Southern mills, while those for the Northern will be about the same as 
the previous season. Owing to the failure of the rains during the earlier part of the 
season, the ratoon crop made hardly any growth, and in some instances failed altogether. 
Excepting at the Johnstone River, where a rather heavy crop was anticipated, the other 
districts report short crops or crops similar to that of the previous season. The quality 
ot the cane, however, is much above the average, and will result in an increased output 
of sugar, so compensating in part for the diminished cane supply. 
From the statements of expenditure and mill work attached hereto, it will be seen 
that both in mill work and general expenditure the central mills show evidence of good. 
management and improvement on the previous season’s records. 
As usual the Isis Central Mill stands out prominently for economical work, and is 
an easy first in the comparison. 
The statement “Northern versus Southern Mills” will prove of interest in 
comparing results for the two great divisions of the State. 
