THE TIMBER EXPORT V TRADE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 18, 2 November 1880, Page 2

THE TIMBER EXPORT V TRADE.

In certain quarters it is the custom, either from the force of habit or from the influence of the environments, to decry the export timber trade from Foxton. It has been stated that the timber trade has completely fallen off, and that Foxton is now only a shadow of its former self. We think we could name the quarter whence this story has originated, but will not pile on the agony,' contenting ourselves with refuting the slander. The following figures will show the true state of affairs : — During the ha f year ending 31st December, 1879, * 425,638 feet of sawn timber were shipped at Foxton ; during the first' "half of the present year, ending 30th June, the shipments comprised 455,801 feet, showing a small increase ; and during the quarter ending 30th September, the quantity shipped was 588,605 feet. It will therefore be seen that during the last quarter the quantity shipped was more than double that placed on board outward bound vessels during the two previous half years respectively, or in other words there was during the months of July, August and September an increase of over 100 per cent in the shipments. In face of these facts the increase in the railway rates will appear still more inadvisecl than ever.

An* Australian Wool Market. — " Xo better cvidenca of Melbourne) being recognised as the wool market of Australasia cun bo given, than the fiicfc that the New Zenland Loan nnd Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, has purchased the wool business of Messrs J. H. Clough and 03, and is continuing and extending the some in that firm's old-estiiblishad and spacious premises, Collins street west. It is gratifying- to find that the colonial directors of this company (who are located at Auckland, New Zimlnnd) have by this step acknowledged the supremacy of Melbourne aa the market par excellence for the disposal ot the principal staplu of tho colonies. We understand that the company is also making spec<al arrangements with the agents in London for handling grain shipments which will no doubt be of such a character as will enable it to tako tho same position in London in relation to this product as it has hitherto held in regard to wool, viz., that of being the largest importer* — last year's shipments of wool amounting to 87,972 bales. The company continues under the energetic management of Mr David Eider, who will be assisted in the •vool sind produce portion of the bnsines* by Mr I. Yonnsjnusbind, a gcntlemtn whoae tminin.', both in England and tie colon y, fully qualifies him for the position." Exchange. E.vnvo the Leek. — Thus does the Wii->ganui Herald "oat the leek:"'— Our attention his been directed to a portion of tho letter signed " lago," which appeared in Lint Frilay's fcsue, and which lias been considered to reflect on the priv.ite character of Mr Kirkbride. The portion referred to consists of tho following:— " Suppose tlio proprietor wore to bo dissected, &c." I:j publishing the passage referred to we assumed it had a general application only, and was meant to imply, a3 the context shows, that as the Advocate had so assailed Mr Ward, Rev Mr Stewart, and Mr Lyon, so might the proprietor of that pnper be attacked. We never supposed that reference to Ml lurkbririe's private character w»s intended, and regret that anything contained in the letter should have been construed in thufc sense. Thk All Enoi.axd Match — No cricket match ever excited such general interest as that between the Australians and Eleven of England, which commenced at Kensington Oval on 6th September, and concluded on the Bth. Enormous crowds were present. Tho English team opposed to tho Australians were probably the strongest combination ever entered on a cricket field : at all events, the game was presented to perfection. Much sympathy was felt for the Australians by tho he.ivy loss sustained by Spofforth being disabled and un-iblo to play. The English team had the pood luck to win the toss, and commenced their innings with a splendid wicket. W. G. Grace played a memorable- innings, his batting equaling any previous performance. Lucas, Steele, and Lord Harris batted brilliantly, but, notwithstanding the formidable score made by tho tin glum, the Australians played plu.'skily. Baunennan batted in a clean style, Boyle hit in grand fo>'m, and in tho second inning 3 tho Australians pluyei with ability and courage, coiling forth hearty acknowledgments from the speccaiois. Murdoch's batting was aimp'y perfect, and ho retired, with a score of 153, one run beyond Grace's score. Tho t >tal made by the Australians in the second innings caused general surpriso, although, taken all round, the Australians, thou^ii beaten on every point, by their merit commanded universal admiration. A t-ibute to their ability was made by Lord Harri-i in front of the pavillion after the match, and his «ish that they should have a safe voyage home was heartily endorsed by the spteoators The Q-keat Loax Land. — The Evening Chronicle of Friday mentions a rumour to the effect teat the principal reason which influcnci'd G-overnmont in appointing Sir I' 1 D. 8.-ll Agent-G\!U-;ral is th:it they are desirous of his s?rv!-i!.J3 in London mi order to prepare the way fir raising anolher loan in 1882.