THE FLOUR " MONOPOLY."

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 98, 20 January 1844, Page 389

THE FLOUR " MONOPOLY."

To thk Editor op the Nelson Examiner.

Sir — Having had some conversation with a gentleman lately arrived from Sydney, relative to the state of trade, certain facts have come to my knowledge, which 1 feel it my duty to lay before the public, through your convenient and facile journal, with the least possible delay. My cousin " Anti" has proved, in his own pleasant and candid way, that with regard to the supply of the staff of life this community is at the mercy of the most grinding and oppressive monopoly that the world has ever seen. But what will be the surprise and indignation of the public when I inform them that they are exposed on all sides to the same system of wholesale spoliation — that the entire mercantile and trading community are in league against them for the purpose of plunder — and that their cruel and obdurate hearts acknowledge the influence of no loftier motive than the sordid love of gain ? I have it from undoubted authority that sheep, cattle, and merchandise of all descriptions can be bought in Sydney at almost nominal prices for cash. I need not tell you that the case is very different here, where we have no bankrupt sales; and where the monopolists have it all their own way as yet. But I trust their day will come, and that the time is not far distant when we shall see their goods brought to the hammer and knocked down for what they will bring. Then we shall have our revenge of those " who now fill their pockets at our expense — are extremely civil — tell long tales of scandal upon all other storekeepers — bribe servants — and who never inquire What would be a fair profit ? but, What can we get out of them ?" That will be the day for all who have thrown up their business in disgust, " convinced that the public of Nelson will support those best who cheat them most."

Bankrupt sales are the thing wanted. Four years ago, when in Sydney they came, like angel-visits, few and far between, flour was £100 a ton. Now they occur three a day, and it is- down to £10. But if, unhappily, we cannot enjoy such' advantages immediately at our own door, is there no way of turning them to our account ? Beef and mutton can be bought in Sydney for Id. a pound; tea, sugar, and all such things equally cheap. I will not mention intoxicating liquors, because I agree with cousin "Anti" that their use and abuse are equally abominable, and that no man who wishes to preserve his temper ought ever to taste anything stronger than toast and water. Why, then, should we continue to pay lOd. for what costs only a penny in the neighbouring markets ? Ay, why indeed ! It is a sad reflection upon the people of Nelson that such a question needs to be put to them. But now that their eyes are opened to the nefarious practices and •nameless cupidity of the cheats who stand between them and their rights, they will have themselves only to blame if they tolerate such ■ a state of thing* any longer. But how are they to better themselves ? In this way. Let them deal no longer with cheats and impostor*, but send one of their own body to buy for them tn the Sydney market. That is the remedy. It is unnecessary for me to enter into th« details of management, because every one can form a plan of hit own, and a committee of working men might lick the whole into form. A manager could be easily found. Incapacity for the ordinary forms of business ought to be an especial qualification for the post. Thus, if there be any man amongst them who has abandoned his business because he could not please the public, choose him by all means. No other can entertain the same bitter hostility to their natural enemies — successful traders; none, therefore, so fit to be the guardian of their interests.

Being a modest man, I will not trespass any farther upon your limits this week j but, with your permission, will continue the subject in succeeding journals, until 1 have demonstrated that the public are fools, dealers cheats, and myself the most wise, generous, good-natured, and public-spirited man extant. I remain, sir, &c. Nelson, Jan. 16. Snarl.