The Silver Lining in the Cloud. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2161, 25 July 1895, Page 17

The Silver Lining in the Cloud. TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, — The following extract from the report of Mestrs Charles Balme and Co., the London wool brokers, dated May 25, will be of interest to merino woolgrowers :—: — '• For some time pa9t, owing to the incidence of fashion, crossbreda have met with a relatively steadier and more expansive demand than merinos, and it has been apparent of late to attentive observers of Australian wool that a considerable tendency has existed to breed for weight ot fleece and size of carcase at the expence of the fibre of wha<; were formerly pure merino flocks. The result has been to largely lessen the supply of true merino staple. >In this connection it may be remarked that re&lly fine merino produca for woollens and worsteds is now earnestly sought after, and when found is well paid for, and that there are not wanting indications of a modification in the direction of demand, which may not impossibly reverse to some extent the relative positions of the coa«er and fiaer growths of our article." Since that report cabled adviceß show a rise in merino wool. The United States, since the duty was knocked off, has also considerably increased its purchase* of foreign-grown wool. It was not reasonable to expect that immediately after tho repeal of tho duty a large demand would set in. With a Conservative Governmeut in office in Greet Britain, trade is bound to expand and go on improving. It is to' be hoped that New Zealand electors will take the hint and follow suit, so that its settlers may derive some advantage from the extsrnal trade revival. — I am, &c, N. Z. July 1895.