WAIKATO WHEAT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2657, 23 July 1889, Page 2

WAIKATO WHEAT.

TO THE EDITOR Sin,— I notice a lengthy epistle in your issue of Saturday, from the pen of Mr 11. K. Hunt ro his action and treatment of the wheat-growers of Waikat" and his efforts to disparage our wheat and exonerate himself. I wish to state a few facts that have come under my own notice, When the rise took place in wheat some few months before harvest, wheat was worth in the South something over four shillings per bushel, all the Auckland Roller Mills would give was three shillings and sixpence for weeks ; ultimately they saw the balance of \Vaikato wheat was likely to pass beyond their reach, aud they then came forward and bought at somewhat nearer Southern prices. This season from tho very first to tho present time the Roller Mills have pursued the same policy, viz., a waiting one ; the offers made have been an insult to the grower. Two samples of wheat in one week some two months since were shown Mr Hunt, as usual he was not a buyer, the wheat would not suit them, &c, &c, but as a special favour he would give 3s Od per bushel for it. These two samples were sold during the week at 3s M per bushel. Another sample, I saw the grower come from the mills, Mr Hunt offered 3s 3d, and this man was offered by a merchant the same day 3s Dd per bushel. It is a very singular fact that before the thrashing cuinneneed in Waikato, intimation was given me from those who know, that very little wheat would be required in Auckland this year; my reply was, will not the Auckland people eat Mr Hunt and his principals arc. turning the tables on the Waikato farmers at tho presßiit time, and their action is having a most, damaging elf'eet on the farming interest. They nevei have this yenr offered a fair price for wheat nor any encouritgemcnt to farmers to grow wheat, hut have been holding off all along wailing, tn use Mr Hunt's own words, until wheat shall have sunk to its lowest price, believing that tour wheat would await in store for him to pounce upon when the wher.t in the South had all gone into merchants' handc. Whilst hn quietly sends money South to enrich the Southern farmer and decrease circulation of monev ia this province, whilst by a liberal policy hi; might have pinch,'i.snd wheal;, and the price paid would have been circulating through this province and helping the farmer here and encouraging tho growth of wheat; whilst these things aro thus, is it to b» wondered that Auckland should be tlv la 4 province to rise from the depression that has overshadowed Kew Zealand?--! am, &c, Waikato Fak.mku. Cambridge.