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New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1740, 8 November 1862, Page 3

The art of floriculture amongst us lias never been so zealously cultivated as we could have wished, or as it might have been, where the advantages ol climates, and the time and opportunity necessary for its prosecution are so available as in this Province. Nelson, though far behind-haud in natural advantages, altogether excels us in this particular, and in none of the capitals of the Australian colonies will there be found such a deficiency in the public gardens as in Auckland. In Sydney, Melbourne, and in Tasmania, the botanical gardens have lor years past been a public credit to these colonies, and have served as a nursery whence the various plants and flowers have been collected which are now to be found disseminated in the private gardens of individuals throughout the interior.

The throwing open of these gardens as places of public resort has done much to infuse into the minds of the people a knowledge of and taste for the study of horticulture, a taste which cannot fail in its exercise to add to the refinement of those Avhose delight it becomes: and it has been said, and not unjustly, that the man who trains roses and flowers over his porch can scarcely be supposed to be of a brutal or mercenary turn of mind.

As wo said before, Auckland is sadly deficient in these incitements to our individual taste for horticulture, which most other countries possess. The public domain does not aim at such a purpose, partaking more of the nature of an extensive shrubbery, and the Governmant garden aims at nothing beyond that of an extremely well kept kitchen garden. A portion of the domain might, we think, be advantageously set apart for the same purpose as are the botanical gardens elsewhere, and every encouragement be afforded for the importation of the flora of the different countries between whom and Auckland a constant traffic is taking place. Some encouragement of this kind has been offered, we perceive, by the Acclimltization Society, in offering a premium for the Importation of certain birds and animals by the passengers or captains of vessels, the want of small birds for the destruction of’ insect pests being especially desirable in this colony, though perhaps in the common toad as useful an insect destroyer as any of them would have been found. The varieties of plants and flowers might be greatly increased if individuals would bring with them when emigrating a small but choice selection, a few of which, where they do not already exist, might be placed at the disposal of those in charge of our public gardens ; and, as in the case of Acclimatization Societies, specimens of the different varieties might be obtained from the botanical gardens at Melbourne and Sydney.

THE SUPERINTENDEDCY. To the Editor of the New-Zealander. Sir, —When the uncertain traveller came upon two roads, both, apparently, leading in the right direction, he inquired which was the right one, and was told, with much naivete , that “hencedna’ fash himsel’ ower muckle aboot that, for which e’er o’ them he’d gang, he’d be sure to wish he’d taen the tither.” For some time past the electors of the province have been in a similar predicament regarding their choice of the two candidates for the Superintcndency who have severally presented their claims for that important ollice. It was universally felt that cither of the gentlemen who proposed themselves would, though not willingly, yet in all likelihood, lead themselves and the Province into a mess, and thus aid the purpose of pretended friends and open foes, who, in and out of office, arc labouring to deprive it of its natural birthright, and to transfer to other sections of the colony the supremacy which at present Auckland so justly possesses. The time was thus critical; there being little doubt but that certain injury would result to Auckland from the appointment of any one new to the office and not acquainted with its duties. I ndecd, so much had the idea impressed itself upon the mind of the community that, rather than make choice of either candidate, it was determined to recal the late Superintendent to the office he had so long filled. This was done on Wednesday by nominating him again tor that post, and thus it Is within the power of the people once more to retain him in their service.

Unexpected as this event has been it is nevertheless gratifying as an evidence that patriotic spirit is stronger than political prejudice in the breasts of a very large and influential portion of this community, and affords a pleasing instance of self-sacrifice of party for the general welfare. It is of course the duty of every chctor to forward the return of that candidate whom he considers the best man for the office of Superintendent; and if in the performance of that duty he should be compelled to differ with companions in former contests he ought not to be charged with inconconsistency.

There is a persistency in faction that is the most disreputable, if not criminal, taint that can afflict society, and we trust that here we have seen the last of it. Many have been known to wish for better bread than can be made of wheat, and a desire for perfection is in no wise blamcable, but he would be foolish indeed who would choose for himself or recommend to his neighbours a diet of bran or water and reject the better article, because he formerly undervalued it.

As regards the importance and desirability of returning Mr. Williamson to the Superintendency there is a very general concurrence of opinion. The people and the press seem equally urgent —your daily contemporary, which generally adopts views opposed to your own in political matters, strongly urges upon the public, in his is.aie of the 4th instant, the injury that the Province must receive from the election of either of the neophytes who sought the office. He says, “ with an election contest, undecided till the 26th “ lost., and with a Superintendent new to the “ work and having every thing to learn, he would “ like to know what chance there is, &c.” “ There is none whatever,” lie writes, and I fully agree with him. One of the candidates is well-known as an ardent admirer of high-bred Sheep and extensive pastures, which is very commendable; but the people are of opinion, nevertheless, that Sheep, however profitable they may prove to the possessor, are not altogether the heat species of Colonist that can be introduced into the Province. With only such a choice before it the Province would, indeed, have been placed in a sad dilemma; and again 1 think you may safely congratulate the electors upon the possible return to office of the late Superintendent, and the electors will thank those who originated the movement for that purpose.—Yours, &c., A Northern Man.