THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1871.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 21, 31 October 1871, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. TUESDAY , OCTOBER 31, 1871.

f A very interesting return showing the movements of domestic produce in New Zealand was moved for by Mr. Creighton, in anticipation of the proposed duty on cereals. From this return we are privileged to make a some abstract. It appears from another return that for the first six months of 1871 the total value of imported (foreign) wheat, oats, and flour, was L 58,237; the export value of the same kinds of New Zealand produce was L 87,896 ; showing a balance m favour of exports of New Zealand produce amounting to L 29,659, or £59,318 annually. So far, therefore, the balance is in favour of the home producer over the whole Colony.

But when we come to consider Mr. Creighton’s return, other facts, equally important, appear. It will be -seen that Auckland is the great market ;for the Southern provinces, and that Canterbury especially is indebted to Auckland more than to any other place for consuming its surplus produce. The figures which we shall quote establish this fact beyond question. Thus the total value of flour, wheat, and oats, the produce of New Zealand, shipped from one province to another, for home consumption, for 18 months ending June 30, 1871, was L319,284‘ Of this total the North Island received L 216,193 ; the Middle Island (principally Westland and Nelson,) L 103,091. The province of Auckland received from Canterbury during the 18 months under review, produce, as above' named, amounting in value to Ll 12,300 ; and from Otago to the value of L 25,841. Wellington consumed Canterbury produce valued at L 45,711 for the same period, and LlO,Bll from Otago. The other North Island provinces consume Middle Island produce in proportion to their population. Thus Hawke's Bay was a much larger market for Canterbury and Otago than Taranaki; and on the whole a smaller producer than the latter.

In the Middle Island, during the period named, Nelson consumed L 25,438 worth of Middle Island produce; and Westland L 43,24 from Canterbury. Southland and Otago appear also to be largely dependent on Canterbury for their home supplies. Now, these figures prove that it is the interest of Auckland at all events not to be shut up to a single source of supply. Suppose an unfavourable season in Canterbury and Otago : suppose a blight in wheat and oats, or the mildew, or a visitation of caterpillars, or any of the other probable contingencies which must be taken into account in estimating the average yield of farm produce for a number of years. What would be the effect on the goldfields and towns population of Auckland, where the caterpillar is a “ regular institution,” and which depends, and must depend, upon outside supplies for food for its people.

They must look abroad for food. But then, should Mr. Vogel succeed, foreign supplies must be taxed. For the protection of Southern growers you must impose a duty on breadstuff's, whether they are able to supply it or not. The argument hi,fayour ,of a tax on the food of the people cShnothold water. It is clearly an .appeal to the worst principles of men’s nature in this country. There is no need for it. Already we are exporting a large surplus in excess of the home consumption; but we require seed for a renewal, and wheat to mix with our local produce, which, owmg to the influence of climate, is not so good for milling or baking purposes as wheat grown in a dry climate. Every baker knows that a ton of. Adelaide or California flour goes farther, and is worth more money than a ton of Canterbury flour. Why, then, should the Legislature be asked to pass a law which will compel the bakers to buy an inferior article above its market value ? for that is what Mr. Vogel’s proposal amounts to. • Wc have adverted to this subject because we conceive it to be a vital one on this goldfield: Our population depends upon imports, and they should be allowed to buy the best article in the cheapest market! There is, however, a disposition on the, part of the,. Government to do otherwise. Let the attempt be resisted. It only - remains-for the •goldfield i; population to make- their voice heard to render--the imposition of a tax on breadstuff's impossible, i Let them speak out, as-they would do in -the South, and the point is gained. One word in conclusion, the 1 increased value, of flour, wheat,; oats, maize, and oatmeal imported foreign into Auckland, ahd the Middle Island -produce bought for local consumption is £30,000 odd, by the simple Addition of duty in the province of Auckland.. And if we add the dealers, and bakers’ profits, the proposal of the Government to impose a duty of 15s. a ton on cereals and 20s. a ton on flour, will increase" the cost to the consumers of Auckland in one, year to £35,000.