The Maikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. THURSDAY, FEB. 14, 1889.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2589, 14 February 1889, Page 2

The Maikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

THURSDAY, FEB. 14, 1889.

Eijunl and exact justice to all men. Of »vhat.soc\xr state or persuasion, religious or political.

It is impossible t.o avoid contrasting the difference in the tone prevalent amongst the fanners of New Zealand at the present time with their feelings at the corresponding period last year. Then they laboured under a state, or severe depression, were irritated by the imposition of a tarill' of a high Protec'.ive character, and were at the mercy of the buyers without sufficient independence, or organisation to secure the most prolitablu markets for themselves. Speaking more particularly, for our own districts, the agricultural community were, not overjoyed at the results of their operations with the harvest of last year. Now, however, a very different feeling prevails; a change has come over the scene, and one that is decidedly for the better. From all parts of the colony come glowing reports of the splendid propects of the present harvest, promising a per centage in the grain yield above the average. There has been a considerable increase in the extent of land under crop this year, and we have the certainty of a heavy surplus for export to outside markets. This abundance in the fruits of the earth is in itself matter for thankfulness and self-congratulations; but, there are also other causes for our gladness and gratitude. By the fortuitous circumstance of the unexampled drought in Australia and the attendant failures of the crops in many of the agricultural districts of the neighbouring colonics, we are placed in a very exceptionally favourable position, both in respect to our produce and live stock. The great demand that has arisen in Australia for New Zealand produce, with the high prices obtainable in the various markets across the water, have quickened the energy and spirits of our own producers to a wonderful degree. There is, moreover, the fact that the British markets for our chief staples have been presenting a marked advance for some time back, thus adding to the buoyancy of the hopes of our wool-growers, dairy manufacturers, grain growers, &c. In this way, then, do wo note the difference in the position bei tween last year and this. An immense improvement has taken place throughout the country, and, though it is not to be expected that tho monetary beuelit will yet be felt, there can bo no doubt, of the offect thn change will have on the confidence of the people at large. Last year farmers to a large extent wore compelled by circumstances to accept such prices at; buyers choso to oifor, although the state of the markets oven then warranted better treatment being given them than they actually received. Warned by past experience, and possessing a little more self-reliance, they can this year avoid tho errors they were

lod into aml prepare themselves to take us full an advantage of the best markets as thoy feel inclined to. In other portions of tho colony settlers have been prompt to place themselves in direct touch with the markets of Australia. There should he no difficulty in the way of Waikato farmers doing precisely tho same, looking after their own interests to the fullest extent. They should take the wisest measures to enable them to place their grain, meat e.irl other produce on the Australian markets by the easiest, most direct and economical channels, thus securing for themselves as large a share of the profits to be gained by entering those markets as possible. Thev are fully cognisant of the state of both the Australian and English markets, and the demand for such products as they eansupply. They are aware of the means existing for reaching those markets, and they also know by experience what shoals and quicksands are to be avoided. Information on all these points have been afforded them, time after time, in the columns of the press. If, with sucli knowledge in their possession they cannot hit upon some common line of action, systematic and organised, the fault must lie at their own doors. There is the golden opportunity now before them, and it may continue for a year or two, of retrieving almost the whole of the past misfortunes, of fortifying their own positions and enabling them to clear themselves of incumbrances and the disastrous effects of extravagance and injudicious operations.