A MARKET.

New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 125, 11 August 1847, Page 2

A MARKET.

The rapidly increasing town of Auckland has long suffered from a want which becomes daily more pressing — from the absence of a market It is highly to be desired that both a time and place should be appointed for the sale of country produce. Everything brought from the country now passes through the hands of an intermediate class, and after handsome profits are taken, or we should rather say, an additional charge imposed for time and trouble, the price of food is, of course, considerably enhancedt The producer would be satisfied with a much less sum for his articles, than townspeople are now obliged to pay j and could he be furnished with an opportunity of disposing of his produce directly to the consumer, prices would be very different from what they now are. A spot of ground has been reserved for a market-place, on the hill to the west of Queenstreet ; and we need scarcely say, that any one who wishes to see it, will find it in its " aboriginal' 1 state. Now, we would rather see this piece of ground used for the purpose for which it was designed, than producing a scanty crop of fern and tea-tree scrub. We should be delighted to see a goodly display, once at least every week, of certain things from the country, such as poultry, butter, fruit, and vegetables, Then, again, on les*> frequent occasions should be held markets for cattle, where settlers could meet face to face, and buy and sell in a good old-fashioned sort of way. A cattle market once a month, would be exceeding convenient, both for buyers as well as sellers. There are many indirect advantages which would also flow from the institution of periodical markets, besides an extensive choice of provisions, and a uniform and moderate price. Parties residing in the country w"ould make it a point to visit the town on market days ; an interchange of friendly feelings and information would then take place between the members of a class, amongst whom» we know from personal experience, that not the slightest bond of union at present exists. We grieve to say, that in all country matters we are very far behind the Southern Colonists At Wellington and Nelson they have their Agricultural Societies, which have been productive of considerable benefit. The Society at Nelson is conducted with great spirit; indeed, no less than seventy-three prizes were awarded at it last March exhibition. But we have here neither market nor agricultural society ; and we consider that the incessant annoyance which settlers liave in this district experienced from the Local Government, respecting the tenure of their lands, may be placed as an almost sufficient excuse, for a certain want of spirit. Thus it is evident that the institution of a market would be attended with advantages to both town and country. But, it may be asked, what shall we do with the produce brought in daily by the natives ? Are we not mostly depending on them for produce? We will very briefly dispose of this difficulty. Make it fineable for any one to buy produce from the natives excepting in the market-place. Merely introduce those laws respecting markets which are in force at home, to prevent forestalling and regrating. We shall then get rid of that most disreputable system which is now pursued in purchasing from the natives on the beach. How much the maoriea have improved under this system, we leave our readers to guess. The market-place, or a certain portion of it,

should bo set aside for the daily sale of native produce ; an opportunity would then be afforded the inhabitants of purchasing, and the natives of selling, in a fair and open manner. There would be then no occasion to wade into the water to get at a newly-arrived canoe, in competition with persons who are not overscrupulous in their conduct and dealings. The droves of pigs which are now made to traverse the streets, in search of thci best purchaser, to the very great annoyance of passengers, would then be driven at once to their place in the matket. And, lastly, though not least in our estimation, the natives would then have the advantage of fair dealing with the respectable classes of society ; from which they, by the present ill-conducted plan, are excluded. We trust sufficient has now been said to shew, that the institution of a well-regulated market is much wanted for both Europeans and Natives. What is required for its commencement, after certain regulations shall have been made by the authorities, and a few sheds erected for shelter, is for our country friends to persevere for a little time to send thither something for sale, let it be ever so* trifling, on every market day. This will draw pur-, chasers : and as soon as certain advantages are duly appreciated, no individual need trouble himself about its permanency.