The Taranaki Herald.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XX, Issue 2046, 16 November 1872, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald.

PUBLISHED ON WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1872.

The mosb certain source of strength and wealth to a country is its agriculture; and the cultivation of land is, perhaps, the healthiest and happiest occupation a man can be employed in. The farmer, it is true, i 9 liable to the innumerable casualities which arise from fluctuations of the seasons, and the invasion of his crops by those enemies which, in such variety, live upon his produce from seed time to harvest — bat, witbal, we believe he is the man who, in this discontented world, has reason to be most satisfied with his lot. If a farmer is careful with his cultivations, the average result of his labours will be, if not affluence, at all events plenty, for his land generally proves grateful, inasmuch as it doubly repays bis labour — reciprocally improving its improver, besides rewarding him with strength, health, and vigour. Unless the habits of the owner of a small homestead are such that the work is carried on iv defiance of every rule of husbandry, a farm will produce what the house consumes ; whilst year by year the land is improved, and yields more and more profit. The conditions necessary for agriculture paying anywhere, are that it should be skilfully conducted ; that the knowledge of the nature of the ground should be known ; that the land should be accessible by road communication with a steady market ; and that implements used should economise labour as much as possible. It is very necessary that these conditions shonld be carried out, or it will be found very uphill work for the agriculturist. The range of productions in New Zealand is, indeed, great. It is impossible to see the different forms of successful culture without being impressed with the fertility of the soil, and capacity of the climate. The floriculturists can bear evidence to the fact, that specimens from almost every country can be adapted and improved here. Animal life finds a soil and temperature suitable to all its varieties. Nothing is impossible to industry when guided by knowledge ; but to gaip knowledgeit is necessary to seek the information from others. A vast amount of knowledge is to be obtained from books ; but book knowledge is notalways so serviceable when applied to agricultural matters, as information obtained by mixing with others of the same calling ; by getting orally the causes of their successes, and then trying to follow in the same course. Thebest means adopted by farmers to attain knowledge is by holding shows annually, when by comparing notes with each other they are enabled to gather information which may be profitably applied during the ensuing twelve months. The Taranaki Agricultural Society died out, notwithstanding every exertion was made by its most indefatigable secretary and some of its committee to keep it going. Since then the settlers of Bell Block stirred in the matter, and having- formed themselves into an association, will hold their first I show on Wednesday next. Shows of this kind tend to improve the country in more ways than one, for they increase the knowledge and quicken the enthusiasm of the farmer. There is no doubt that there are times when a spirit of apathy creeps over the people, and in Taranaki such a spirit has for some years existed. There seemed to be no immediate prospect of doing great things — no very strong encouragement to special exertion — no great inducement to go out of the beaten path, and the settlers living comparatively isolated lives, have been contented to continueploding on over dull and beaten ground unquickened by any genial enthusiasm. Nothing can be done iv the way of progress without stimulating persons to activity, and they require sometimes to be stirred into life, as you would stir a -dull coal fire into a blaze. It is by creating a spirit of emulation that such exhibitions or cattle shows are of great importance to a settlement. We have on several occasions urged on the General Government to foster local exhibitions, which are usually dependent for their success on the energy of a few settlers ; and were prizes offered such as would be worth while competing for, it would do more to encourage agriculturists, and the development of the largo resources of this splendid country, than anything that could be suggested. The Northern Agricultural Association started into existence without any pretensions, its funds at present are small, and the prizes offered at its first show consequently low in proportion. ' From "small beginnings great l'esults are often achieved," and the time is not far distant we hope when the Society will be able to offer prizes such as would induce owners of stock in the other Provinces to compete for them. But, before this is accomplished, the iron road will have to be made, and communication by land with the other parts of the Upland effected, and then there can be little doubt but that this district will speedily take its position with the other settlements of a similar size in the Colony.

Detention of the s.s. 'TARiNAKi.' — We have been informed by the agent (Mr. C. Brown) for the steamers that he received a telegram last night stating that the s.s. ' Taranaki had to pnt back through stress of weather, and, consequently, she will not be here before Sanday morning.