Letter received by Banks from William Bligh, 7 February 1807 (Series 40.071) - No. 0004

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struggle through until next harvest which will teach the Settlers to be more provident and industrious than by any admonition whatever - considerable importation would lead them to great indifference, as it would reduce the Price of Grain, and not make it worth their while to grow it;  but when they begin to find a regular market for their Grain, they will become industrious and agriculture will be the chief pursuit both here and the outsettlements.

The Harvest thus unproductive has its other unrequent evils – the Settler is slow in bringing his Grain to Sale and extravagant in his price, which some designing Men are underhand encouraging. I have fixed 14/9 pr Bushel as government price to those who all supply us, and 15/ for such Wheat as may be returned into Store as payment of Government Debts, and have offered Cattle in exchange for Wheat, and am adopting such means as may be farther security to our getting a