The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, SEPT. 27, 1878.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 220, 27 September 1878, Page 5

The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, SEPT. 27, 1878.

We have before now had occasion to remark upon the want of organisation that ia frequently found to exist amongst the agricultural community, especially of a newly-settled district, and the consequent absence of concerted action in matters bearing upon their special interests. This arises from no want of appreciation of the benefits that would flow from union and united action, but we believe is more the result of the individual isolation of the agricultural community. In centres of population we have Chambers • of Commerce and other societies, the objects and business of which it is to watch over and direct the various influences that affect the interests of particular classes. In the centres of population, too, the members of such societies are, in the ordinary course of business, freauently brought into personal communication with each other, and thus have many opportunities for consultation and action upon matters affecting their common interest. With agriculturists it is different. Their business is in the field and amongst their flocks and herds, and as a rule it is only upon periodical occasions that they have a chance for mutual consultation upon matters affecting their class. In the Home Country it is not so. There the weekly corn exchange or market brings them into personal contact at short intervals, and a mutual understanding exists amongst them upon all general questions. Here we have our Agricultural Societies, but, although the detailed objects of such societies may be numerous and comprehensive, the business is practically veiy much confined to an annual stock show, walking show, and ploughing match. These are all very necessary, and it is gratifying to notice the growing interest that is taken in them in this and other districts throughout the Colony. But, important as these periodical meetings are, they are virtually valueless to meet the want to which we refer. What is necessary to meet it 1 The establishing of a corn exchange or corn market in the various centres of population. We fear j that the idea of establishing such an institution in Balclutha at the present stage of the progress of the town and district may to some seem somewhat Utopian. Still, many great and most important institutions hare had but small beginnings, and we do not know that it would be either too aoon or impracticable to make a small beginning of a Corn Exchange even here. The surrounding districts are now well settled. Numerous settlers have got their homes established and their properties in full working order, and, besides, a large number of them are already in "well-to-do" circumstances. Their first struggles are over, and the solicitude for their own future, or 'that of those dependent upon them, is not so very engrossing. They have now the leisure, as many of them have the inclination, to look beyond their own private and personal interests, and would embrace an opportunity of uniting iii any effort to < advance the interests of the class to which they belong. All that is necessary to make a small commencement in this direction we think simply is, that the settlers \ of the surrounding districts should have a common understanding as to the day of the week they will for the future visit Balclutha for the transaction of their ordinary business. They could also have some locality of the Borough named where they would be found — say from 1 to 3 o'clock on that day. Thus all who had business here during that week, and others who might come without having any special business, would meet. This is really all that is required. If a common understanding as to the day of meeting in Balclutha could be arrived at the difiicultyv would be overcome. A mutual lont^rV .change of ideas upon many .subje'c^^biiilct! then ..take place. :> --_!Ps^cid^^^^J>£'Bee'd;'; stbclk:.;:&c^frequired -wouldf b|^piiff<cnaised ! 5

flour millers, &c, or their agents, would be in attendance to do business. Questions such as those of district railways, drainage schemes, protective works, &c, would be considered. The doings of Road Boards, Boards of Conservators, County Councils, &c, would be freely discussed. The action of the Government and. the Assembly upon various subjects would be brought under review, and useful suggestions would, no doubt, be forwarded to the member for the district. We do not suppose that all this would be done in any formal manner, but in a general way. This we do say, that were our suggestion carried out much benefit would result to the class. Many a settler would get a useful hint, or some valuable information, from coming more into contact with his neighbors. The agricultural class would have an influence and a power in the community they at present do not but ought to exercise. -They would gradually get into the way and habit of attending to their own affairs instead of trusting to others to do this for them. They would be more united and be prepared to take prompt and concerted action in any matter, political or otherwise, in which they might be interested. All this and a great deal more would, we have no doubt, be gradually brought about were the settlers only to fix a day for making their visits to Balclutha. As the annual meeting of the Clutha Agricultural and Pastoral Society, now an incorporated body, is about to take place, the occasion would be a fitting one to consider the matter. In the meantime it can be considered and talked over by those interested. .