A GENEROUS SPIRIT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1877, 9 March 1892, Page 3

A GENEROUS SPIRIT.

(" Taieri Advocate.")

We are sure that the farmers who were sufferers by the late floods in this district will fully appreciate the generous spirit evinced by the members of the Waitahuna Farmers' Club. It matters not whether any practical result accrues or not ; the fact remains that the farmers of Waitahuna recognise that their brethren of the Taieri have met with a calamity and have come forward with a voluntary offer to endeavour to alleviate the effects of that calamity. Here is the one touch of nature that makes the whole world kin, and the frank generosity of the Waitahuna farmers should not readily be forgotten. We quite agree with those speakers at the Waitahuna meeting who hold the opinion that this is not a matter that calls for Government interference. Farmers elsewhere than in the Taieri have suffered from flood; and if the Government took up the cause of the Taieri settlers they would also have to take up the cause of all the farmers in other districts who - have been losers by the late floods. There is something practical and sensible about the proposal to forward to those in need a supply of oats, wheat, chaff, turnips, potatoes, etc., and we daresay there are some instances in which such practical help would be willingly received. Farmers, however, are a sturdy lot, and we think it is quite possible that .that spirit of independence which is so strongly implanted in many of them would prevent them from accepting even the generous offer of the Waitahuna farmers; but we are quite sure that their very kindly spirit will be fully appreciated by the Taieri farmers. In matters of this kind, action should be taken promptly and energetically. The Waitahuna men, in our opinion, have done all that they can reasonably be expected to do. They have evinced their willingness to help, and it now remains to be seen whether their kind offer will be accepted. Now, who is to act as representative for the Taieri farmers and ascertain their opinions on the matter? In our opiuion, a special meeting of the Taieri Agricultural Society should be convened immediately and a committee appointed to enquire into the circumstances and ascertain whether the flood-sufferers are willing to avail themselves of the assistance that has been proffered. If they are, then further details can easily be airanged ; if they are not, then the Waitahuna farmers should be made acquainted with the fact. Tho duties of the > committee would be somewhat delicate, because the circumstances .of the sufferers differ so greatly. Some can " afford the loss ;" others cannot. The former would probably refuse all assistance, while to the latter it might be welcome. Some tact and judgment i are required, but we are sure that a committee . could be chosen from the Taieri Society that would manage the matter with delicacy and tact. But, whatever is done, action should be taken at once.