A RIFT IN THE CLOUD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 3054, 17 August 1893, Page 2

A RIFT IN THE CLOUD.

Tt is pleasant— at a time when the prospects of the grain grower have been looking so gloomy—to see a rift in the cloud of depression that has so long hung over the markets at Howe. It is true that the rift is only a little one, and it may not mean much ; but let us take all the comfort we can out of its appearance in the commercial sky. We were shown yesterday the account sales, dated July 5, of a shipment of grain made by Mr J. G. Restell, of this town, for Mr CVtavius Digby. Part of it was wheat and the rest was oats. The former was reported as if an excellent sample of long-berried wheat, of good quality, and in good condition, and realised the exceptional price of

32s 9d for 4961b5." The oats also arrived " in excellent condition, and were a ♦ very fair' sample, and realised 30s per 3841b5." We think that though the above may be beyond the average prices at the time of sale, the fact that such figures have been reached at all i under existing conditions is well worth giving prominence to. That actual sales have been effected at the prices quoted must be satisfactory to farmers while Mr O. Digby must feel specially gratified to learn that his oats as well as his wheat commanded the highest price paid for the shipment per " Star of Austria." 1 his tribute to successful farming should not be without its value to others, and we are pleased to be able to mention it in connection with the piece of agreeable information we have already referred to. Let us hope that the future will see better farmings better harvesting, and better prices, and then everyone will be better off.