The Delta independent., 1922-03-17

;ltlzens Tor it refers to the operation
II the Grand Junction sugar factory ii
preference to the operation of tn
Delta factory, in case but one mill i
% be operated:
Following the explanation of
the seriousness of the beet acre.
age shortage by Mr.. Holmes, the
association appointed a commit
tee to confer with the local COM
mercial organizations and Lions
and Rotary clubs and endeavor to
arouse interest to the extent of
bringing the farmers to a meeting
At Grand Junction or Fruita and
presenting the beet acreage prob
lem to them with the importance
OF keeping the local factory run
ming. The manufacturers believe
that if the importance of the sit
uation with relation to bringing
Improvements to the valley as
well as assuring them a fixed cash
price for their beet crop, it will
be possible to keep the local fac
tory in operation.
This talk was the cause of a
serious look upon the face of ev-
cry manufacturer present and
Fred Holmes of the Holly com
pany explained several of the
queries of the association presi-
dent
Mr.. Holmes stated that at the
present rate of signing up for
beet acreage, last years amount
would be surpassed but that
would not be enough to assure
the local factory of running.
local factory of running.
The joint meeting held on Wednes
lay OF various organizations the fol
owing is reproduced:
The matter of the sugar fac
tory of vital interest to the COM
munity during the remaining
weeks that lapse between now and
the time for the planting of beets
was given wide discussion. Presi-
dent Walker of the Rotary club,
referred to the action taken last
night at meeting of Manufac-
turers' association and response
by President S. L. Smith of the
Lions club, as well as by a num-
ber of other members of both or
ganizations, was along the same
line. urging all cooperation with
the chamber of commerce, not as
means of benefit to the Holly
Sugar corporation, which will ship
local beets to Delta if the factory
here is closed. but for the sake of
the community. Boost the Sugar
Factory" was suggested as a slo-
gan for the community during the
next few weeks, and not only the
two clubs represented, but the
Chamber of Commerce and all
other civic organizations will
make the matter one Of leading
Importance.
From newspaper quotations 1t is
learned just what the peo
lie of Grand Junction intend to dc
bout their sugar factory's operating
his season.
The Mesa county farmers and bust
ess men want their factory to op
rate in preference to the Delta mill
Do We want them to operate at
rand Junction or Delta?
1t is a foregone conclusion if the
lctory people can not secure beets
l this section sufficient to operate
lie Delta factory. there is possibili
' of the mill being junked. Do we
ant to witness the dismantling OF
lie Delta factory and return to the
Id method of shipping beets to Grand
anction each year?
Our Delta factories are virtually at
standstill. Some of them were idle
4st year. Which way shall we go
ackward or forward?
The capital represented in our in
nstries is quite an immense sum
The tunnel project representing
illions OF dollars is going to be op
ned this year. Will land and prop
rty in this section go up or down in
alue when industries fail?
their acreage to beets: all to toma'
'es: all TO peas; or any one particu'
r crop. It only requires about four
or cent of the irrisable land in the
vo counties planted to beets to make
good campaign for the Delta sugar
ill, It would return to the grower
sugar beets alone, in the two coun'
es over $1,000 It would bring EN-
loyment to many men this summer
nd winter. The sugar factory alone
mploys from 175 to 200 per day
hich means payroll Of around
$50 to $3.50 every day. Besides this
I'm Of money the by-products which
ould be available to the growers is
A item worth considering,
The Independent feels just as the
rand Junction people-we want the
lctory to run: or else tell them we
,nnot support the factory and lei
le company move the factory into