NEW MARKETS,

Temuka Leader, Issue 807, 29 December 1881, Page 2

NEW MARKETS,

Wheat is an article of export which Victoria is immensely interested in stu dying. In the European markets we meet competitors who despatch it from India, Russia, and America, ns well as from the other colonies. We have therefore to put our best foot forth to get a place in the race, and in the face of such rivalry need not bo surprised to learn that 50s per quarter is the average price to be obtained there during the season of greatest demand. To prevent overstocking the European salerooms it is necessary for us to cast about for other markets to which at all events a portion of our cop might be despatched to realise better prices or to keep down our supply in England. South Africa affords such a market, one that has hitherto been {overlooked by our

shippers, though taken advai* B g e 0 { our South Australian neighbors, v^ o ] iave this season sent something like QOO tons of wheat and flour to the Cape. ’Wayshould Victoria not have a finger in this* pie 1 Once our wheat was soft, and inferior to the Adelaide article, but now that we have improved our product so as to run it hard in New South Wales and Queensland, why should we not succeed in competition in South Africa as well ? The only reason that can be assigned for the omission of this market is that our shippers lack enterprise, and that our wheat is consequently not known in Cape Colony. Let it be known, and both parlies will reap a benefit. Another market is opening to us. A provincial exhibition held at Ontario has been the means of introducing our products to the Canadian public. In that part of the Dominion alone they consume 10,000,0001 b of wool per annum, while throughout its length and breadth there is an eager demand for our furs and hides, Australian wines are only just becoming known, hut promise to he well appreciated, while other products only require to he introduced to create a demand. There is no reason whatever why we should not do business direct with Canada without the intervention of Liverpool brokers or agents. The Canadians will purchase from us our wool, wine* furs, and similar goods in large quantities, and this i& all we need ask. At the same time there is a sentimental satisfaction in dealing with our own kfa, and announcing the possibility of a new development of intercolonial trade—Melbourne Leader.