PRICE OF WHEAT IN BOMBAY.

Southland Times, Issue 1540, 20 February 1872, Page 3

PRICE OF WHEAT IN BOMBAY.

Sm, — Having noticed in your paper of yesterdayljthat the average price of wheat in Bombay has been as low for four v ears as 4a 4£d per bushel, I am somewhat fearful that your agricultural readers, who are fond of looking at the gloomy side of their prospects, may jump to the conclusion that there is little hope of their finding a profitable outlet for their New Zealand grown wheat there. To such lugubriously disposed agriculturists, let me give the consolation that it is quite probable the superior quality of New Zealand grown wheat would secure its commanding an exceptionally high price in the Bombay market, for the purpose of enabling the millers of Bombay to bring up their grists to a high standard for flour-making. This I believe to be the case, as from my remembrance of the general quality of Kitrrachee shipped wheat (and it is from Kurracb.ee as the shipping port of the valley of the Indus that the bulk of the wheat consumed in Bombay is drawn), it could no more be compared with the plump produce of the New Zealand wheat field, than could the wizened Punjaubee ryot, dragging his attenuated frame after the wretched thing they misname a plough there, be compared with the " brawny bainy ploughman chiel " who " hauds the pleugb. " o'er the " lea rigs " of this fine country. It would be well that Bombay and New Zealand changed samples of the various qualities of wheat, ere any conclusion unfavorable to New Zealand grown wheat be come to. — I am, &c. , Bombay Duck. Invercargill, 17th Feb. , 1872.