New Zealand Produce in Australia.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5438, 30 March 1889, Page 2

New Zealand Produce in Australia.

«. ADVICE BY AN EX-AUCKLANDER, Tub following letter on tho above important subject, from a f-nner resident of Auckland, is published in the Auckland Star, and merits the attention of farmers : — I would draw tho attention of farmers to tiie advisability of going in for growing more potatoes, as the future prospects are likely to be good, particularly in Queensland ports. The demand for potatoes this year has been greater than in any previous year. The land adopted for growing potatoes at Warrnambool does not always last, and it is now only a matter of time when N;w Zealand will come to the front again. More attention should be paid to the quality of seed, as I notice that the shipments of late differ very much in quality — so much so that some arc worth 2()s a ton more than others — so that the growers will benefit by obtaining a good sample of potatoes. In bagging also it is bad policy in the long run to top the sacks with a bucket full of the largest sizes. "More attention should lie paid to the quality of the butter shipped. Each dairy should represent itself. Make no mistake about this business— no two dairies should be mixed, for that is the cause of inferior butter, which makes low prices and butter unsaleable at any price. If the proper course is pin sued, a good market is always obtainable. The old cockatoo business must be altered. Instead of butter being taken for groceries, establish a produce market such as the farmers have in East Maitland, New South Wales. One day in the week you will see the old farmers' wives, daughters, and sons come from near and far with their butter, cheese, bacon — in fact, everything, and thfir appointed auctioneer sells for cash to the highest bidders. This is the place you will sec grocers come to from all quarters, and heads of large families to buy their requirements for the week ; and again, the different prices are regulated by quality. Tho furmers get the cash, buy their provisions where they like for cash cheap, and go home contented in their buggies. Why not adopt the same idea in Auckland ? It seems to me a regular meeting of friends. I am also told the old farmers' daughters and sons get acquainted at these weekly markets, and the result is they get married and go ahead. It struck me as a good line. Again, I noticed the New Zealand pressed hay. If it cannot be done better than the samples I have seen landed in Sydney, better not send any, as it must show a loss to the shippers. There is a market hero for all produce, namely, good corned pork selling well, bacon, cheese, eggs, in fact everything. Lately shippers have been on the wrong side, with the exception of onions selling well. How does the loss come about? First of all the high rates of freight and wharf charges. The greater portion of produce is sold on the wharf at any price, and must be removed in a certain time-. "Now, how is the difficulty to be removed ? Form a Farmers' Co-operative Company and lease a store in Sydney, and with ;i good manager success must follow all shipments. "I have had an interview with Mr C Kills, owner of Albion and Duplex steamer?, ivho intends to have a cut in at the New Zealand trade, and there is a probability of the 3rst steamer Albion leaving Sydney making tho first port of call tho Manukau, going South, returning to Manukau, then across to Sydney. Mr Ellis is ready at any time to nakc arrangements with any co-operative company to erect a store on lease in a most -uitable place on Sydney landing.