The Lyttelton Times.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 358, 9 April 1856, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times.

Wednesday, April D. The present year we regard as one of the most critical this Province has yet seen ; and which, we think, will not close before a question involving a very important answer has been pointedly propounded. It is probable that this year we shall learn to what extent we may calculate or lean upon demands from Australia for our agricultural products. There is no disguising the fact that a great iuteiest in this and other Provinces is dependent upon the success or failure of the agricultural enterprise of our Australian neighbours. We certainly incline to the opinion that competition with Australia in her own markets will not in future be : attended with that amount of success the j mere sanguine portion of our readers are j looking for. Stiil. after making a very I material reduction, iv the prices lately real" j iztd, there remains a fair margin for profit. | provided always, (hat the grower is a real _ farmer, aud exercises that economy iv the management of his estate which competition in other countries renders indispensable. Possibly we may find corn and potatoes at one half their present price, beef and

mutton proportionally cheap next season Should such be the case, it would require no wizard to discover that a very consider, rable modification of our present method of doing business would be .indispensable. One of the inevitable consequences of such a tall in prices must be a cessation of agriculture ; unless, the farmer can content himself with a smaller profit, and t.lm labourer be satisfied with reduced wa^es. A certain result of a fall in price is a decrease of .income ;■ unless, the increase of production bears an equal ratio to t!m decrease of price. These are very simple facts but not sufficiently kept in view. The position of this province calls imperatively for the continuance of nn agricultural income, at least equal to the value of our export of '.he current season.

The Government, of this Province cannot be conducted without monoy. The most moderate Provincial requirements, as we have fcuml in experience, cannot be answered without money, in no inconsiderable sums. The land sales on which Government are leaning cannot be effected in the absence of money. The many part purchases yet to be completed, call for money. How many of the contracts made in this Province, are entered into.in the anticipation of a continuance of bye-gone profits? Why it is a serious fact, that almost every third man may see his neighbour engaged in making

arraiiijeaients for spending money, the expected profits of crops not yet sonm. A continuance of this feeling and method in business must soon be followed by very remarkable effect?. We perceive a something1 in the future, much to be avoided. It is scarcely necessary to place that something in tangible form before our readers. A calm survey of what is passing around us, a careful searching into realities, will soon discover the quality of the danger, and its causes, and common sense and economy will supply the cure, ,