"DEPRESSION" AND PRODUCTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 263, 29 August 1888, Page 4

"DEPRESSION" AND PRODUCTION.

During the present season there has been more grain and general produce brought down the Waikato line than during any previous season. It is estimated that the total quantity carried by rail will be about double the record for the previous season, and this must be regarded as a moat hopeful sign. It also appears that the Auckland railways carried £2,300 more', and scent £2,500 less than during the previous year. The increase in the produce of the country districts is attributed indirectly to' the depressed times, and this is borne out by,..the; fact that, while the Quantity, of "produce carried has increased so much, the passenger traffic ha? actually decreased during the same period. It ispresumed that the settlers are now boldly facing the altered condition of affairs, and that unnecessary expenditure in building, travelling, etc., has been cut down, and tfieir whole energies put into the soil. The result is an abundant harvest, and this would be assured every year if the same amount of attention were bestowed uponthe soil; for farmers have not here to contend with the inclement weather which so frequently ruins the European and American crops, nor have they to fear the blighting droughts which ,at times make vain the labours of the Australian agriculturist. No doubt the increased activity of the frfrmors; is due in some measure to the growing demand for their wheat among local millers; but, generally speaking, the facts to which we have drawn attention ; exemplify the old truths that " Sweet are •■ the uses of adversity," and that it is possible to extract comfort an d profit from even the most untoward events or conditions.