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Lyttelton Times, Volume VII, Issue 464, 15 April 1857, Page 8

The Expoktation of Wheat.—We call attention to a letter published in another part of our impression on the subject of the exportation of wheat to England.—Our correspondent, who is a grain-grower of long colonial experiance, thinks that, with present prices and freights, an ample margin remains for shippers. We shall be glad to see this question fully and impartially discussed, and shall therefore be happy to publish the opinions of practical men on the subject. Whether we can profitably export wheat to England or not is now a point of vital importance, not only to the agriculturist of this colony, but to every person in the land. Our imports can only be paid for by our exports, and it •is not safe to be dependent upon the Victoria markets for the disposal of our native produce. A great deal has been said about the impossibility of shipping wheat so as to arrive in a sound state in England, and doubtless much damage has oa several occasions been caused by rats, weevil, and salt water. ' But it remains to be seen whether, by a'careful selection of ships, • and by the use of sufficient precautions, this danger could not be reduced to manageable dimensions. In the account sales furnished by our correspondent, it will be observed that only five bushels of wheat were damaged out of the total shipment of 100 bags. The experience of other, shippers of grain as to damages at sea i would be very useful, as tending to conduct to a

reliable conclusion on the! whole question. We observe that some persons who consider present prices here and in England as being unfavourable to the colonial shipper reckon two shillings per bushel freight from Port Adelaide. But we know as a fact, that freights can now be had at Is. 6d. per bushel; and we are informed that even lower rates would probably be taken. We have certainly heard nothing yet to induce us to alter our former opinion, that a profit of 10s. per quarter would, after cII expenses were paid, remain to the credit of the exporter upon South Australian wheat shipped to the English markets — Adelaide Observer.