taken from PAPERS PAST

in the NELSON EXAMINER and NEW ZEALAND CHRONICLE
11 August 1855

HUTT VALLEY

"The high prices realised at Mr J. SMITH's of land and stock at the Hutt, during the early part of the week, show that property of this kind fully maintains its value, and that there is a considerable amount of capital at the command of settlers available for investment.

We quote some of the prices, which we think fully bear out our views:-

* On Mr BEAUCHAMPS's section, the best portions sold at from ?15 to ?24 an acre; the hilly portion at ?3 10s per acre (approx $200 in 2011)

* Mr SHIRLEY's land sold at from ?39 to ?70 per acres. Horses brought from ?38 to ?60 each; a horse and cart sold at ?142 10s; and a cart at ?36. Cows and heifers realised from ?9 to ?16 10s a head.

* On the following day, at Mr BEAUCHAMP's sale of furniture, a picture was bought by a Hutt settler at ?45, and a pair of small bronze statues brought ?40; and the furniture generally realised very high prices.
Upwards of 15 persons sat down to a champagne lunch, which was given before the land sales.

The result of the sales clearly establishes the fact of the general prosperity of the district, when such high prices are so readily obtained."

ALSO OF INTEREST the retail prices on July 28 1855 were:
FLOUR - ?43 per ton (approx 13 cents per kg 2011)
BREAD - 5d per lb
BEEF & MUTTON - 9d to 10d
FRESH BUTTER - 2s 6d
POTATOES - ?12 per ton