Wanganui Herald. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1895. THE RISE IN WHEAT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8564, 5 June 1895, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1895. THE RISE IN WHEAT.

Thjlt breadstuffs could sot continue to remain afc the low prices of the last two years was a foregone conclusion, as once the production of wheat ceased to be remunerative farmers would discontinue sowing it and turn their land to better account in some other way if possible. At the beginning of the year wheat touched the lowest point it had ever receded to in England, and was quoted as low as 2s per bushel. Such a price could pay neither the British farmer, or the foreign exporter, and it looked as though the former must go to the wall, as the Indian wheat growers it was asserted could compete with them and flood the English market with grain, which could be grown at a profit even at this low price. But it has been proved that the Indian growers cannot do so, and that they must hare at least 2s 6d per bushel f.o.b. before they can profitably export wheat to England. The lowneas of price could not continue, as growera were unable to live at the rates offering for wheat during the past two seasons. The natural consequence has been a greatly diminished area of land under wheat this year, and a consequent shortage of supply. In this colony it is estimated that at least 250,000 bushels of wheat will have to be imported to carry us on until next harvest. This has sent wheat up with a jump from 2s 3d to 3a 9d a bushel, and flour from £7 15s to £9 15s per ton. The rise in breadstuffs has come at a very 'opportune moment, as it has encouraged farmers to set to work ploughing for spring sowing, and to put under crop a far larger area than they have done for the past two or three seasons. So long as they can depend on getting from 3s to 3s 6d a bushel for milling wheat the New Zealand agriculturalists can grow that cereal at a profit, and will once more engage largely in its cultivation. This will relieve the congested live stock markets of

the colony and improve prices in that direction. It will also give a lot of employment, and thus ease the strain on the State caused by ifc having to provide work for so many persons, who have heen unahle to get employment, owing to the email amount of work being done by the landholders of late. The more agriculture is carried on, the more work there will be for the people, as the mere breed- ! ing and fattening of sheep and cattle provides very little work for the labouring classes, who are thus forced into the towns and cities and thrown upon the State for support. That the present rise in tho price of wheat will be maintained for another year or two is certain, aa it is computed that the present crop of United States wheat will not be sufficient for home consumption. This will react on the Home markets and give the Australasian wheat growers an opportunity of profitably growing a large quantity of wheat for export during the next two or three years. The good effect of thi» will soon be felt and a short time will see the present depression from which these colonies are suffering,pass away like a a dark cloud, leaving a bright sky and a clear commercial atmosphere.

# # # On our fourth page will be found some interesting items nnder the heading of General News; al«io two very readable articles entitled— Running the Blockade and Medical Notes.

At the next sittings of the Supreme Court in Wanganni an aotion for divorce will be heard, the parties being two natives well known in the Palmerston North district.

A ohair, bearing the following inscription on a brass plate, "In memory of Bishop Hadfleld, by some of those who were confirmed by him," has been presented to the Curate of St. Mark's Churok, Carterton.

A deputation of looal shooting men is t» wait on Mr A. D. Willis, M.H.8., this evening with regard to the question of continuing the grant of ammunition to the meeting of the N.Z.R.i.

An English paper reports that an enormous pig was recently slaughtered on the farm of Mr Harris, Linton, Cambridge. The pig, whiob was only 15 months old, weighed 90 stone, measured 10 feet in length, and 7 feet in girth.

Lars Samuelson, a seaman, recently convicted in Melbourne of smuggling a oonple of shillings' worth of soap, was fined £100, or in default 12 months, and who eleoted to go to gaol, has had his term of imprisonment reduced to one month.

Through our advertising columns, Messrs JT. Paul and Co. notify the purchase of a beautiful lot of ladies' plush jackets and mackintoshes. Being the end of the season these most fashionable goods will be offered at large discounts. Boys overco«ts are also mentioned, and are well worth the attention of mothers.

Tho design for the memorial tablet to be erected to the memory of the late Sir Robert Duff, in Shoalhaven Church, Sydney, has been adopted. The tablet, besides bearing the name and rank of the late Governor 7 will carry an inscription setting forth that it is erected by the women of Now South Wales as a tribute of sympathy with Lady Duff and her family.

The banqueting.room at tho town hall, Adelaide, was crowded on May 28, the ocoasion being the presentation to George Giffen of an address and a purse containing £400 as a practioal recognition of his services as a crioketer. Sir Bdjrin Smith, the Premier, the Mayor of Adelaide, Sir Charles Todd, and others bore testimony to (Jiff en's good qualities both on and off the cricketfield.

Tasmania is desirous that Victoria and she should combine in a reciprocal treaty a la South Australia and Mew Zealand. Sir Edward Braddon wishes Victoria to admit Tasmanian fruit, jam, hops, potatoes, and timber free of duty, and to take in return Victorian wines and several articles of manufacture. It is very doubtful, however, if the Turner Government will adopt the suggestion, seeing that when Sir Graham Berry, aB Chief Secretary, proposed suoh a treaty the proposal mat with snoh a hostile reception that it had to he abandoned.

One lieutenant, two warrant officers, and six engineers are now left as the full strength of what was once the oraok brigade of tho Viotorian forces— the Naval Brigade. The men have unanimously deolined to accept the reduction of pay, and have banded in their accoutrements. After the last rifle was accepted, the corps oheered their officers and dispersed singing, " Where are the boys of the Old Brigade." The Ministers believe the men will soon show a disposition to rejoin when they see that the Government is firm and that it has no intention of acceding to their demand for inorensed pay.

Quite a phenomenal shot was made the other day by one of the looal "sports" while out shooting. They were just four ducks on ono of the many little ponds on Mr MoKelvie's property.' They were all potted with the one shot ; bat the remarkable thing was that there were three kinds of ducks — two ordinary gray, one widgeon, and one Manupori, or whistling duck, a small brown bird, rarely found on open sheets of water. It is usually found on streams sheltered by woobs. One often hears of a dozen or more being brought down with one shot, but to bag three different kinds with one shot is only a chance in a thousand. — Advooate.

The charges of sly grog selling against Matthew MoOallum, of Edendale, and Edward Attwood, of Fortrose, heard at Wyndbam last week, were dismissed. Evidence for the prosecution was given by two paid informers, but as it was not corrobo> rated the magistrate declined to place muoh reliance upon it. The Mataura Ensign states that the orowd, whioh gathered after the case, assumed a rather threatening attitude towards the men, and it is said ono of the informera drew a revolver, and fired a shot. He was disarmed, and it is said an information will be laid against bun for discharging firearms in a publio place. Whenlthe coach was leaving, three grdjras were given for the informers.

Nelson papers announce the death, *t the age of 90, of Mr Edin Harris, one of the pioneer settlers of Taranaki, who landed there in \SH, He brought speoial recommendations to Governor Hobson, but before be could reach Auokland Qaptain Hobaon kad died. He then entered the service pf the New Zealand Company, and for many years was engaged in surveying its newly acquired blooka of land, but finding the hardships attending this work wore than his oonititutioa could stand, he bought land and began bush-farming. At the time of the Maori war ha bad to come into town with his family. After aprvipg in the militia for some months he came to Nelson, where he soon became known as an artist of considerable ability.

There is a world of protest iv the way some men are considering the feminine intention of taming Mason and Oddfellow. One Viotorian writer says »— "You see, ladies, it's this way. It's bad enough to nseet you when we oome home from the lodge, bnt to hare you there — hang it all ; no. Leave us some decent exouses. Don't deprive us of the lotion of the special meeting and the late sitting. Owing to the way our railways are managed it is very difficult for a man to o*toh hit last train, but if you deprive us of our lodge how shall we ever oxplain it P Let us have one plausible lie upon which we can depend. Don't make things harder for us. Take the ohuroh ; take the inoome tax — take anything we cherish, bat leave as, O! leave us, the lodge:"

Mr W. Bankin, who has been promoted from the local branoh of Messrs Johnston •ad Co. to the firm's head-quarters, left for Wellington to-day, and takes with him the beit of good wishes for his future prosperity. Mr Rankin's departure leaved a gap in looal athletic oiroles that trill be hard to fill. At the railway station to-day a large number of persons asiembled to say good bye to Mr Rankin, for whose future suooess many warm wishes were expressed, and as the train moved off three hearty cheers were given for Mr Bankin, who bowed his acknowledgment* from the platform of the carriage. Mr W. F. Downos, the popular manager of the Wanganui branoh of tho Bank of N.S.W., was also a passenger by the ttme train on route to Australia, and he alto was the reoipient of many sympathetic good wishes for his speedy restoration to health.

The deaths are announoed of Mrs Stub* bington and Mr Henry MoAlister, two of Feilding*s earliest settlers.

Captain Edwin wires— North to east and southeast gale with heavy rain within next 12 hours, and glass further fall ; indications for heavy sea after 24 hours from now.

Mr District Judge Kettle left by train for Palmerston to-day to be present at the sitting of the District Court thore whioh commences to-morrow.

The Secretary of the New Zaal»nd Kugby Union, it advised that the Queensland " rep." team is arranging to leave Brisbane on the 80th July, playing at Sydney on the Ist August, and leaving immediately for N«w Zealand.

The Wellington Committee of the Wairarap* Belief Fund yesterday handed over the sum of £2027 to the Public Trustee for distribution in accordance wit* the Committee's schema. Only Jgs 19s 3d was spent by the Committee in administration.

The schooner Alice May, from Norfolk Island, brings news that seven deaths have occurred from influenza. The Islanders are getting everywhere in readiness for the whaling season, which beginß next month, and all seem very pleased with the frait crops this season

Mr A. H. Gee's Concert Company appears at the Theatre Boyal, Marton, tomorrow (Thursday) evening. This popular combination of vocal and instrumental artists appear at the Oddfellows' Hall, Wanganui, on Friday evening, and will submit one of their choicest programmes.

In view of the departure from Wanganui of Mr H. J. Brooke, choirmaster of Christ Church, who intends shortly to take up his residence in Wellington, the members of Ohrisk Ohuroh congregation and ohoir are cordially invited to attend at the sohooroom at 5 o'olook on Friday afternoon to bid him farewell.

At a meeting of the Committee of the Wanganui Baseball Club last evening at Mr Tuok's Newmarket Hotel there was a large attendance and s considerable amount ot business was transacted. It was decided to play a game to-morrow (Thursday) afternoon against the City Baseball Olnb to start at 2 p.m. Mr Larking (Thursday's captain) is to arrange tne team.

In the Court this morning before Mr O. C. Ketttle, S.M., information was laid by Grace Bartz nnder the Bestitnto Persons Act for disobedienoe of maintenance order on the part of Herman Julius Bartz (her husband) of Waverley, suoh maintenance being at the rate of 5s per week, and arrears amounting to 255, The defendant did not appear, and the oase was adjourned until 10.30 on Monday morning.

The Australian Salvation Army Band was the subject of ouriosity, on the arrival of the northern train this morning, and were accompanied by a largo orowd to the Army Barracks. The Band comprises some 18 instrumentalists, and judging by their playing tbis morning the praise bestowed on their performances in other parts of the colony they have visited was merited. We understand they intend visiting Marton this evening, returning again to Wanganui.

A return draughts match will be played this evening, commencing at 7.30 sharp, in the large room in W. Hogg's shop. The following'are the teams : — Town : J. Anderson, O. Oliver, J. Laird, A. Hodren, W. Armstrong, Prussley, Odell, O. Allams, j. Criohton, Dr Hatherley, E. N. Liffiton, H. B. Williamson, A P.Anderson, J. Brown, Maccle. Country : J. B. Murray, D. Blair, A. Pncer, Bay. Welsh B. Campbell, O. Hormann, J. G. Sharpe, A. MoFarlane, Si Fracer, Millard, A. Burnett, Serjeant, Doull, Murray, and W: Hormann.

Begarding the outbreak of swine fever at the farm of Mr J. O. Anderson at Stirling, we learn from the Clutha Leader that under the diraofeion of Me Gilrath the whole of the pigs were.desbroyed, together with the portions of all the buildings with whioh the pigs had come in contact. There

were 60 pigs in all, including 13 breeding sows, and two boars Of the 60 pigs, 18 were found to be diseased, and were not, therefore, inoluded in.the valuation allowed by law. The whole of the pigs were slaughtered and their oarcaae* burned. GPiie roofs and walls were painted with hot lime, and the paddock in which the pigs had been xnnning will be ploughed. What might have resulted in a serious fire occurred in the gorse at Aramoho, near Mr Harding's house, last evening, but was fortunately discovered in its inoipient stage. Amongst the first on the »cen« was Mr John Walker, followed by Mr and Mrs Love, and the Misses Harding (Mr Harding being absent from home), and they, with many willing volunteers, succeeded, after hard work, in beating back the flames and also by the use of water, in stopping any farther spread of tbe conflagration, whioh was very observable from town. There can be no doubt had the fire gone past the small gate in Mr Harding's property, all the houses in the vicinity most have been burnt. This is the second time there has been a fire in the same locality during the present week, and tbe eiroamstances point directly to insendiarism.

One of tbe Judges or Presidents of the Tribunal of the Seine in Paris has acquired celebrity owing to the rapidity with which he disposes of divorce cases brought before him. Becently he dissolved no fairer than 110 marriages, in cases where there was no defence, in the course of a single afternoon, Unfortunately suoh speed, however satisfactory it may be in some ways to litigants, is not without its dangers, M has jnsb appeared. Having an undefended aotion before him, the President entered judgment in the usual form, but in his hurry he wrote the names of the oounsel engaged in the oase in mistake ! for that of the petitioner. The next day the Counsel and his wife were horrified to find that they figured in the luw reports, the one as a successful petitioner for a divorce, the other as respondent. The matter has now been formally set right by the President, who explained the nature of the mistake in Court, and corrected the judgment record.

Wanganui, Ootober SI, 1894. Mb, NobvroßTHy, Herbalist, &0., Dear Sir. — After suffering from sciatica for two months or more, lam pleased to be able to testify to the onrative effects of your Bheumatio Cure, one bottle of whiob, together with a Sciatica Liniment had of you also, has oared me. — Yours truly. Gbobsh Mob&an, carter at Messrs Thain and Co.. Wanganui. Mr B. H,Martin,manager for the Dresden Piano Company (Wanganui Branoh), has on hand a consignment of Violius, Doable Basses, Banjoes, Zithers, Flutes, Clarionets, Brass Band Instrument*, and Musical Instruments of every description, with latest novelties, to sell from 10 to 15 per cent, above London prioes. Pianos from every maker in the world can be purchased on the Dresden hire purchase system from 30s monthly. Pianos from £85 to £300. Amerionn Organs from SIS to £50. Tuning and repairing, in town ox country at re> duoed charges. Inspection invited. Dres- 1 den Piano Company, Yellow Shop, Viotoria Avenue,— Abvt. " j