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Western Star, Issue 346, 24 April 1880, Page 7

Another gleam of hope should irradiate the minds of the possessors of the much-talked-of “ oats.” Victoria has agreed to the free importation of oats, presumably for the purpose of manufacturing oatmeal for export, but virtually to supply a local deficiency. Toe profits from the manufacture of oatmeal cannot be large as to tempt the Q-overnmeut of Victoria to forego the import duty for the purpose of benefitting proprietors of oatmeal mills. The change of Q-overnmeut m\y have something to do with the concession, and the removal of the duty ou oats may be the insertion of the thin end of the wedge of free trade. As an example oi the possibility of shipping Australian potatoes to England in good condition, the “ Warruambool Standard” states that Captain Powell, of the Lusitania, took a quantity with him on his last voyage. Some were used every day on board, and the remainder reached England in such a sound state that Captain Powell presented bags to the directors of the Orient Company, who said they never tasted bet.er potatoes in their lives. The potatoes were shipped in bags, care being taken to give them plenty of room and aip. Much, of coarse, must depend on the time of year ou which they are placed ou board.|