GRASS SEED.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume XX, Issue 1522, 13 February 1891, Page 2

GRASS SEED.

To the Editor. Sib,—l have read Mr Moritzson's letter in your issue of lOthinst., in which that gentleman gives -a, ; description of his travels in the North'lsland, and his idea of what cooksfoot will be required for those districts and also for the London and Continental markets. In fact Mr Moritzson wishes to lead the Peninsula farmers to a perfect Eldorado, and if they would be gnided by bim they (the farmers) would not sell a pound of" seed under 6d, or even a shilling. Now, lam in a position to tell the Peninsula farmers there is enough cocksfoot grown in the'Taranaki district to fully supply most of what is required.for the North island, and at from threepence to three-pence half-penny per pound. I think, Mr Editor, yon will remember last year the farmers on the Plains, although offered from 3s 6d to 4s per bushel for their wheat, would not sell unless they got 4s 6d, and the Lyttelton Times backed them up, and what was. the result ? America sent large oargoes into Sydney and other plaoes, and the Canterbury farmers, after holding, /•ff r « tt *| being too greedy, and had to Bell at 2s 6d per bushel, and this, as We as I write, will be the case with the Peninsula farmers with their cocksfoot. America is producing firsNclass cocksfoot, and will Bbip to London much cheaper than we can from New Zealand. I am informed most ot the Peninsula farmers, from 50 sacks np to 500, are going to ship to London. I fancy I see such a boil over with everyone "shipping to London " that many a one will regret it. I say let the farmers get all they can, but there is suoh a thing as overdoing it, and if growers are determined to have and demand such fabulous prices then I say serve them right if they suffer and have to ■ell like the farmers on the plains with their wheat, at half price. 1 would advise the farmers to be satisfied with a fair price and not be gulled by such letters as Mr Moritzson's, and further, not to be so sure of the London market when that market can bo supplied from America. If farmers get a fail price I should advise them to sell in the Colony and there is an old Baying ■» a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush " let others take the risk. I know several farmers who have shipped to London and regretted it, and to my personal knowledge ope farmer told me «' no more London for me, n I would say in conclusion, and advise the Peninsula farmers take warning from the Plaips farmers with their wheat last year and , take a reasonable price for iheir cocksfoot,. and they will be in pocket and wise nien, never mind such v bunkum " as Mr Moritzson writes, or be lead away by putting their seed through certain machines in Lyttelton and getting 65s to 70s (?) ip London, which was an exception and not the role. Apologising for encroaching on your valuable space.—Yours, etc.-, ':-' * COMMON SENSE. Christchurch, 11th Feb. 1891.