THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam.” [Established November 15, 1861.] DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, DEC. 8, 1866.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23369, 8 December 1937, Page 3

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam.” [Established November 15, 1861.] DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, DEC. 8, 1866.

SEVENTY-ONE YEARS AGO

The real progress of a country is not always seen in those features that are most prominently brought under observation. Political excitement is no sign of social advancement; for, as in Ireland, party spirit may run very high with a population only partially employed, and with institutions so worn out as to render change advisable. It is also possible to live in a state of excitement from other causps. Gold discoveries, unless followed by settlement of the country, are but an ephemeral source of prosperity. A large population is attracted to the auriferous ground; stores, butcheries, and bakeries are hastily erected; all is activity and feverish industry until the ground is worked out; the miners then shoulder their picks and shovels, tents are struck, stores deserted, and solitude once more reigns. It is not, therefore from surface diggings that permanent advance must be anticipated. What is really wanted is, that those who have drawn wealth from the auriferous and mineral treasures of Otago should invest the capital they have realised in some industrial undertaking in the Province itself, in order that its more permanent sources of wealth and prosperity may be developed. And that this process is going on there is abundant evidence. The revenue received from land during the last twelve months shews that many settlers are fully bent on making Otago their home. Their choice is a prudent one. Their investments, as time rolls on, and population increases will become more and more valuable. There may not be those fluctuations in price which mark the value of securities. Few grow rich by sudden rises in the price of land. The rise may be very slow, but it is certain.

But there is other evidence. The Agricultural and Pastoral interests have so much increased as to lead to the formation of Associations in various parts of the Country, for the express purpose of comparison and improvement in the breeding of animals, and in the machinery and progress of agriculture. These Associations are evidence of advancement. They show that there are numbers of persons of intelligence and capital engaged in thesf pursuits; that they feel the advantage of association, and that the demand for the produce they have to dispose of is sufficient to justify outlay in obtaining the very best stock and implements that can be procured. . .

The eighteenth Anniversary of the Hand and Heart Lodge of Oddfellows was celebrated by a soiree and ball, in the Oddfellows' Hall, yesterday evening. There was a large allendof members and friends. The proceedings commenced with tea. which was enlivened by several members of the Order singing some songs in very good style. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion. The evening's entertainment concluded

with dancing, which was . kept, up with great spirit. »• We were shown last night a first rate sample of the season's new ipotatpes, grown by Mr Johnston, on new ground on the Peninsula. They were of the variety known as the Fluke Kidney, and measured on an average five inches long by seven inches round; the quality, as we ascertained on actual trial, being very good. The "Bruce Herald" has published an Extra, giving an account of the First Annual Show of the Tokomairiro Farmers' Club, which was held on the Recreation Ground, Tokomairiro, on Thursday. The number of visitors greatly exceeded every anticipation. No horned cattle were shown in consequence of the risk of pleuropneumonia; but the show of horses, sheep, pigs, and poultry was large. The brood mares are described as being very superior animals, and special mention is made of a very fine entire horse, the Marquis. The show of different breeds of sheep was fair, but the Leicesters were not considered first-class. Besides the live stock there was a quantity of dairy produce and wool, as well as agricultural implements of Colonial manufacture and imported. After the show, the wools were sold. ... ■■'. i■• • •