TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2431, 9 February 1888, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU.

The Piiice of Wheat.—When tempting promises were held out to farmers in the winter regarding the purchase of their wheat, they thought that, given a fair season, they would recoup some of their past losses. But apparently they are doomed to disappointment, for it is said on good authority that 2s lid is all the millers would offer. One settler, in expectation of a fair prico, put in a good area of that crop, and he intends to keep it over for a time rather than play into the millers hands. Some of our settlors last year ground their wheat and sold it to tho storekeepers and bakers. With two good mills here in Te Awamutu, they will be able to grist as much of it as they can get a demand for. Notwithstanding the low price of wheat which is the general rule just about harvest time Hour and bread maintain their absurdly high rates. Bread is 4d per two pound loaf, a price that is prohibitive. Farmers will bo offered about three shillings for their wheat, and when they want their flour they will be charged lis per IOOIbs for it, and if they want bread 2d per lb. Someone makes big protits, it certainly U not the grower. It would not be a bad idea if all the farmers combined and hnd their wheat ground, they could sell as cheap as the millers and it would be to their benefit to break down the wheat rings, the members of which are determined to pluck the luckless pigeon bare. Waikato flour, the bakers say, is superior to the Southern article, as it is stronger, and if somewhat darker turns out more and better bread. Tons of Golden Gem Hour have been sold in the Waikato. On account of its whiteness it took the fancy of housekeepers, who like to see their bread nice and white,.a great consideration doubtless to people of fastidious tastes, As a matter of fact the bread made of local flour is as good, if not better, for an analysis of the two would probably prove that some of the most wholesome constituents would be found in the latter and lacking in the former. But apart from sanitary reasons there is another, why residents here should patronise tho local article, that is because it would be a material help to the farmers and millers who have invested their labour and capital in the place. There is no question as to the quality of the flour grown here; it is good enough for any purpose, and in using it the residents help themselves as well as others, for all our interests are indissolubly bound together. Some of the farmers are making preparations to resist the schemes of the rings. Mr W. Taylor is having a granary built capable of holding at least six thousand bushels, whilst others arc determined not to thresh their crops till better prices IliCTiiiiNG niOJt Business. —Mr J. W. Bndgman who has been in business here as a storekeeper since 1880, is retiring at the end of this month. On Saturday, he holds an auction sale to clear the balance of unsold stock. Mr Bridgman has been identi. fied for a number of years with the town, both as town commissioner and chairman of the cheese factory board of directors, in which company he took a great interest. The New 'Mill. Messrs Walton and Co.'s new flour mill is rapidly approaching completion. Mr W. H. Johnson, of Auckland, being the contractor for the erection. Te Awamutu will be well off for flour mills, as there is also Mr Short's well-known mill in good going order, and as tho quality of the flour turned out by it has a high reputation it is only fair to assume it will be busy again this coining season. \Ve shall have more to say about the new mill and machinery when it is completed and the plant in position for work. Mil Taylors Ghanahy.—This is to be built close to Ngaroto station so that there will be but little carting to do after the grain is stored. Its capacity as already stated is IiOOO bushels, and as every cure will be taken to make it rat proof, the proprietor can hold on as long as be chooses and defy the wheat ring. Mr Doyle is the ( successful tenderer for the erection.

Ir.LXKSsi oi' lii:v. Mil Boucu. —Our readers will regret to learn that Mr Buler has been confined to his room with an attack of rheumatic gout. Under ]>r, Pairrnan's treatment he is progressing favourably, and hopes iu a week or two to resume his duties.