CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

Wellington Independent, Volume I, Issue 13, 14 May 1845, Page 3

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

We have received Cape papers to the 6th February. They are engrossed in discussing a uew Stamp Tax Bill, which Sir Perigrine Maitland has forced upon the colony, against the strongest remonstrances from all parts. The Dutch settlers continue to sacrifice their property and emigrate beyond the controul of the benign British Colonial Government. The Cape Frontier Times contains a letter from Mr. Christopher, of London, giving the sales of Cape wools. By a comparison of prices, what are called prize bales sold for nearly double the price of other descriptions ; thus prize wool sold at from 2s. 3d., to 2s. 10d. ; and other wool from 6d., to Is. Bd. Among other remaks, the writer states— The Colonists, particularly the Cape, will recollect that such vast imports of the raw material effectually prerent any increase in prices,—-to have them sustained for equal qualities is all that may be hoped for. But in the improvement of quality there will yet be ample reward for care and labour ;—and let the Cape look to it. Let the prize bales tell their tale ; their value nearly doubles the average. The same means resorted to throughout the colony spring a mine of wealth for every farmer; but for the careless breeder and careless packer there is no hope of improvement. Many known good Cape flock masters feel surprised their wools do no not meet the prices of their neighbours, Tbrs is partly accounted for by the better assjrting, which if not done here. The loss to the purchaser on that which does not suit him, and the expense of re-sorting might all be retained in the pocket of the Cape colonist if this department of the business were better attended to. The advantages to be obtained by atteding to these points, washing and sorting, is strikingly displayed by the good washing and equal sorting and packing of the prize bales, and a few other lots. New Zealand has just come into the field of competition, and has sent home wool worth Is. 7d. per lb. There ought not to be a bale of a lower price than that from the Cape colony. Some praise must be given to the Cape growers this season,—they are mending fast; but this is just the moment for further effort to stamp the colony with the character her resources deserve. The best Cape farmer is the greatest benefactor of the colony. The New Zealand wool of the last clip far surpasses the wool to which Mr. Christopher make reference. We have no doubt, if the flocks be well managed, New Zealand will in five years take a high position in the English market for the quality of its wool.