The Southland Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1867.

Southland Times, Issue 745, 4 November 1867, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1867.

The importance of the subject is our excuse, if excuse is needed, for again referring to a question on which we have more than once discussed — the exportation of agricultural produce While little or no observable interest appears to be taken by either the commercial men or the agriculturists in this matter, which is unquestionably of the most vital moment to the advancement of the Province, our neighbors have been proving the value of the policy we have persistently advo&ted. That England is a profitable marfet for New Zealand grain has at length teen demonstrated to an extent that even in our most sanguine moments, we could scarcely ha\e anticipated, lbs Canterbury Province has been the first to test the scheme of exporting {rain to England, and the test has been more than satisfactory — the returns f>v the first shipment are remarkably good. About eight months ago the farmers of that Province were reduced to a state of depression, bordering upon universal bankrup;cy. They had abundance of produce but no market for it ; and the 1 low price ranging threatened to create a feeling bhat agricultural operations would not pay, and many farmers in consequence circumscribed their cultivation. The export question, however, vas taken up and energetically advocated ; and what is the result ? A few of the merchants, in advance of the projected Export Company, sent to London in March last, by the ship itLatoaka, a considerable quantity of wheat. The returns were received by the last mail, accompanied with no less than four reports of cornfactors, all of a most encouraging description. The Canterbury Times, of the 26th October, says: — "By far the most important news brought \>j the mail — at least to farmers — relates to the shipments of wheat made from this Province to England in the JbLatoaka. From four separa* ; sources reports have been received, and all are highly encouraging. The \v aeat arrived in excellent condition, and was sold at an average of 67s per quarter, or 8s 4fd per bushel. A correspondent writing to Mr Gould, as will be seen from a detailed report in our commercial columns, says that any quantity of wheat may safely be shipped up to March next, with the certainty that it will sell for 60s per quarter at least. It is hardly necessary to say that this very encouraging news has been the subject of very general comment. Judged by even the most moderate expectations, it must be looked on as in every way satisfactory" Here is the solution of the problem, will it pay to grow wheat for exportation ? The answer is simply that it will, and that handsomely. If we allow for freight, charges, commission, &c. — say two shillings per bushel — it gives the producer, allowing for fluctuation, an average of six shillings a bushel, or nearly twice the amount offered in the colonial market. It has frequently been advanced that the wheat grown in the southern portion of the Middle Island is inferior to that grown in the North and Australia. This is erroneous. It is true that there is \ more moisture in the grain, and that when i used immediately after growth it is not so well adapted for baking purposes, but it improves with age. This has been fully proved in Ofcago. It is found that wheat kept unground for a year, or kiln dried, makes as good flour as the finest South Australian. This has been so clearly demonstrated that provincial flour is now almost universally used by the bakers in that province. In fact every year is bringing forth fresh evidence of the adaptability of this climate for growing every description of grain — barley grown in this Province is especially commended. This is great encouragement for the farmer to extend his cultivation. There is a profitable market for any quantity of barley in Victoria, and it is now shown that there is an equally profitable one for wheat in England. The grain imported from Canterbury was of the season of 1336 ; it went through no <

preparatory process of kiln drying ; was shipped in bags, and arrived in first-rate condition. Is it not desirable that a Southland Export . Company, even though it might have a amall beginning, should be established ? To our minds such a company is most urgently required. It would , afford the financial accommodation to the farmer that he now desires, without necessitating his disposing of his produce at anremunerative prices. If a company could advance, say two shillings and sixpence on grain for exportation, the grower would only have to wait a few months for the balance, and thereby secure to himself the full value of his produce. It is stated with authority, that had the Canterbury Produce Company been in operation last season, by advancing two-thirds of the value of the grain brought into the market, the produce would have netted six shillings and six pence per bushel for all grown. "With such facts before us, is it not folly to remain inactive? A Southland Export Company with a capital of £4000 in £5 shares could be formed if the mercantile men would take the initiative steps to its establishment. We believe the formation of such a company would give encouragement to the farmer for increased activity, an impetus to trade, and do much to ensure the settlement and prosperity of the Province. It would induce a spirit of emulation that could not fail to create a high class of agricultural cultivation.