PUBLISHED DAILY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8936, 19 November 1890, Page 2

PUBLISHED DAILY.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1890.

We have a Minister of Agriculture, bnt the department, it would seem, is only one in name, for we never hear of its officers, or that anything is being done by it for improving the farming and pastoral interests. We might perhaps qualify that remark, for we suppose Mr Sawers is connected with the dejjartment, although it is through the Minister for Lands that all communications in connection with that gentleman are sent. Uow different it is in Victoria where it is the function of the head of the Agricultural Department to devote himself to the work of observing the operations of those who ai c engaged upon the national estate, to note all existing hindrance to the development of the land, in order that such as may be removed by legislation should be brought before the attention of Parliament, and such as result from waut of knowledge might be reduced by tho diffusion of information. It is for him to look -to the producer under his supervision in relation to all producers whose surplus produce meets in the same market, for the sake of discovering whether there was a misapplication of labour anywhere, and, i| io, whether it might not bo cojreoted

by the substitution of one fo/m of industry for another. A department of this character would more than repay its cost; and if skilfully directed would confer upon a community benefits practically illimitable. Our Government from time to time has, in an erratic sort of wa_y, sent " experts" round the colony lecturing on butter and cheese making, and has had published in a cheap form books referring to matters connected with agriculture; but nothing in a systematic way has been attempted, and, therefore, the money ' spent has been next to wasted.. Id. Victoria, a secretary was appointed when the Agricultural Department was first established, who, being an enthusiast at; his work, was not long in making himself acquainted with the dominion under his superintendence. He not only visited the agricultural areas, and looked into their state, but, seeing the deficiencies existing he brought the farmers together and talked the matter over with them. Being a practical man, he soon found out Avhat was wanted to make the farms profitable to the owners, and when the farmers were shown where the error lay they were not long in rectifying the matter. Not only tho agricultural lands, but the forest and pastoral districts were inspected by the Secretary to the Department ; and wherever lie went he called together the members of the Agricultural Societies and consulted them upon the stimulents most needing to be applied to bring out the resources of the soil. To secure a person thoroughly fitted for a position o. the kind is, of course, a most difficult matter. When a Government appointment is open, influence in Parliament or with the Ministers generally lias far more weight in tho selection than the qualification of the applicant. It is perhaps well, therefore, that no appointment of a Secretary to the Agricultural Department has yet been made ; but when a suitable gentleman presents himself we hope his services will be at once secured. Mr Sawers, who has been visiting this district in connection with the dairying industry, has so thoroughly proved himself a practical man at his work, that if he. would accept a similar position in New Zealand to the one in Victoria, we believe general satisfaction would be expressed in all parts of the colony. He holds only a temporary position at present, but as the practical head of a very important, but much neglected, department, he would soon work wonders. He would have power to control and, perhaps, prevent the export of produce which would damage the credit of the colony, and he Avould encourage small farmers to be careful as to how they send their produce to market, by showing them how to obtain a better price for it. Of course, he would have others under him, but with a practical knowledge himself he would take care to have none but competent assistants. The several districts of the colony are so bound together that it is impossible for one to be benefited by any such appointment without benefiting the rest. We shall, therefore, be glad to hear that such an appointment as we have suggested has been made, and that Mr Sawers is the one chosen to fill it.