Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] MONDAY, JULY 23, 1877.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XII, Issue 2991, 23 July 1877, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] MONDAY, JULY 23, 1877.

Amonu the various changes vliich during the last iif'ty years, or less, have taken j>kcc in the Home country, there is none more remarkable than the advance that has been made in the method of conducting agricultural operations. Previous lo that period the " modus operandi " which was extant throughout the greater part of the United Kingdom was such as would be looked upon by the farmer of the present day as rude and barbarous. Then the simple working of the soil, roughly enough done in many instances, the placing the seed in the ground, trusting to the kindly influences of the seasons to bring the produce to maturity, and the gathering of the crops, (all of which, operations were performed with an immense amount of labor), together with a slight knowledge of stock, and a meagre comprehension of simple book-keeping were all that was required to form the British farmer. Now all this is changed. Science has stepped in, and a knowledge of chemical action, mechanism, climatic change, and a system of interior economy, as well as personal experience, have all become necessary to constitute the scientist, who hopes successfully to make the earth yield her increase. It is interesting, par parenthesis, to trace the various causes which have severally led to these changes ; and apart from the advances made in science and mechanical skill, they may be attributed, in no small degree, to the effect produced by the political change which took place owing to the repeal of the Corn Laws. That measure brought the agriculturist face to face with Ms true position. He had either to maintain his interests by improvement, and prove himself equal to contend with the world at large, or he had to go to the wall and give place to his superiors. "No doubt many were lost in the struggle, but the state of agriculture at the present moment in tlie Home country is the proudest answer to the question whether British pluck and industry were equal to the

occasion. They have triumphed in spito of many adverse circumstances, and the&e very difficulties with which they have had to contend, and some, such as climate, over which they have no control, have acted as incentives to bring intellect into play and produce means for their amelioration where their removal was impossible. We make these remarks more especially for the sake of pointing out wlitvt an immense store of useful knowledge lias thus been compiled for the use of others, and of none more so than ourselves m i New Zealand, where our soil and ciri cumstances are in many respects similar, and our climate infinitely superior ; where, in fact, the same skill and capital, if employed, might be expected to produce equal, if not superior, results. "What we require is to generally diffuse knowledge on these subjects, together with the result of experience in the application and adaptibility of them, and no better means suggests itself than, as we have frequently before urged, the formation throughout the country districts of Farmers' Clubs. Their utility has been tested in England, America, and throughout the Australian Colonies, and their success, under proper management, has been uniform. It is with surprise therefore that we see that, with the exception of tho formation of Agricultural Societies, whose chief and almost sole duty has been confined to tho exhibition of stock, implements, &c, no steps have as yet been taken in this direction. With many a fear has been expressed that as sociations of tho kind -would merely cle generate into an excuse for congregating for the purpose of eating and drinking, but this need by no means be the case. We can sec no objection to the members meeting together and enjoying themselves annually, quarterly, or as often as they may deem fit. On the contrary, we believe that this would materially tend to increase their popularity, and improve the feeling of friendship and good fellowship which should exist among them. The usefulness of the institution would consist in discussions which should bo held, and papers might be read on various subjects appointed, and tho procuring a supply of the best periodicals on agricultural subjects for the use of tlie members. If in each of the smaller townships where the head quarters would probably be located, a reading room could be supplied, and a small reference library instituted, their utility would be self-evident ; and all this could be procured by a small display of energy on the part of those whom it interests at very trilling expense. Indeed it is to the small working farmer that we perceive that the greatest advantage would accrue, as he would have placed at his disposal means of information which arc at present less within his reach than in that of his richer neighbour. In the larger townships — such as Wanganui and Patea — the operations could be of a much more extended nature ; and it would bo no inconsiderable advantage to country settlers, and one which we believe they would gladly avail themselves of, to hare by payment of subscription the use of rooms in which they could transact business without the necessity, as is now the case, of resorting to the public-house, where tlieir privacy cannot be so well insured. The matter is well worthy the consideration of the members of the Agricultural Society themselves, and should they feel justified in taking it in hand, it could hardly be placed under more favourable auspices. One of the greatest duties that presents itself to the colonist in a new land, where he sees the wealth of nature everywhere heaped around him, is to study the application of all means in his power to render it available for the use of man ; and this object can bo best attained by a continual interchange of opinion and experience with those who arc moving onward in tho same direction. There are, whether from habit or circumstances, no class more difficult to move out of a well worn groove than the agricultural, and this lias been proverbial throughout tho world's history ; but we have shown bow the force of circumstances compelled an abandonment of disinclination for improvement which existed in the British Isles amongst this class. Let not the New Zealand farmer wait for compulsion, and if he is to get into a fixed system let him take care that it be the best procurable. In order to make it so let him leave no stone unturned to enable him to procure and utilise the experience and information which he may daily obtain from his fellow-workers, as well as that which has been so richly stored up for him in literary productions.

The Agent-General's telegram confirms the message we received on Friday last that the advanced guard of the Russians had crossed the Balkans, the head quarters of the main army being removed to Tirnova. The Turkish strongholds in the rear of the advancing army are being reduced, Nicopolis having been taken with two Pashas, six thousand men, and forty guns as trophies. Rustchuck is one of the strongest of the Turkish fortresses, and should prove a hard nut for the invaders, but so spiritless has been the defence of the Turks in Europe that the advance of the Czarwitch to the very gates of Constantinople seems but a question of a few weeks.

We commend the advertisement inserted by Mr McGuire of Hawera to the notice of the business men on this coast.

Mr Wm Cowern has been elected Manager and Secretary of the Patea County Land and Building Society.

It is intended to hold a public meeting at Hawera on the 25th inst. Business : — To petition the Government with regard to immediate prosecution of works on the Mountain road from Normanby, and other matters of importance.

Box and Cos inhabited the same room, the one by day the other by night. Wa have a Cox in Parliament but not a Box, although there is a Fox, and although Cox and Fox are not going to occupy the same seat, it may be noted that they have solicited scats next each other hi the House, — Argus.

Captain Morris, the member for the East Coast, has been appointed Government whip in place of Mr Vincent Pyke. Mr Kelly will continue to act as heretofore.

The N. Z. Herald understands that in consequence of the extraordinary success of Lord Clifden's stock during the last racing season, an offer, highly remunerative, has been forwarded to New Zealand by his late owner, Lord Roseberry, for the return of Feve,

The Maori entertainment that was given in the Oddfellows' Hall on Saturday night last was a'financial success. The native performers, of whom there must have "been nearly an hundred, had evidently been carefully trained and rehearsed, and it is a pity that the energy and skill that must have been employed to assemble a number of Maoris together, and keep them so orderly and obedient, had not been applied to the minor details, in particular to the dress, or lather undress, in which the principal warriors disported themselves. The hall was more crowded than perhaps it ever has been before, and towards the close of the entertainment the excitement of the native audience was intense. However amusing the Maori dances may have proved to those, who for the first time on Saturdaynight witnessed anything of the sort, it is only right that the ladies of Wanganui should be cautioned against unwittingly being present, as the rise of the curtain, would certainly prove, as it did on Saturday night, the signal for their abrupt departure.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court this (Monday) morning there was a clean sheet, wliicli, taking into consideration the natives that arc now in town, is a very satisfactory sign of the temperance of the district.

A service for the natives was held yesterday (Sunday) afternoon in the Court House by the Rev. Mr Treadwell, Mr R. W. Woon acting as interpreter. A more interesting sight could not possibly be witnessed that was to be seen on this occasion. Europeans and Maoris thronged the Court House, and united together in divine service.. Several of Moody and Sankeys hymns were sung, the Maoris joining heartily, and not unmusically in the refrain. The silence and strict attention of the natives were very gratifying to observe, and it is certain that great benefit will pecrue from these Sunday afternoon services, which it is the intention of the Rev. Mr Treadwell and Mr R. W. Woon to maintain during the stay of the natives in town.

The paper hunt mooting on Saturday was fairly successful. About twenty entered for the run, while a considerable number attended to look on, amongst whom we noticed several members of the fair sex. We almobt felt inclined to regret that none of the latter joined in the hunt, as we feel convinced one or two of them could have shown some of our horsemen,' the way- over the jumps. A start from the Commercial Hotel was effected about 2.30 p.m.. and the hunting parly proceeded quietly as far as the railway station, near which the scent was taken. The real fun now began, the course winding about Russell Vale, over several stiff jumps, and thence to London Street, and part of the Town Belt. It then came out to Glasgow Street, along winch it ran, with a slight deviation, as far as Victoria Avenue, where the scent was lost, and a short halt was allowed for breathing time. The scent was recovered on the Industrial School Estate, and wound about the land in a very confusing manner, in fact, it was almost impossible to keep on the right course. The finish was on the hill near Mr Godwin's school, Mr J. W. Bull or coming in first, and Mr Kilgour second. There were numerous falls all through the run, nearly every rider coming to grief, some of them two or three times ; but we are happy to say no serious accident occurred. Mr Walker, our veteran .sportsman, acted as Master of the Hounds. We understand thcie will be another run in about a month, which will give our horsemen time to get their horses into good trim, a want which was rather noticeable on Saturday.

Saturday afternoon sports in Wanganui are being continued with unflagging spirit, notice of the latest variety appearing in our advertising columns. A gyro pigeon match will be lived on the racecourse at 2 p.m. on the 2Slh in st. The bird is an imported one, very strong on the wing, but has the peculiarity of rising straight from the trap. Good spoit is anticipated.

Mr Wm. Finnimoro desires to notify that his first public sale in Wellington will be held about the middle of August, when a large amount of valuable property, situated in the heart of the city will be submitted for competition. It is anticipated that this sale will attract investors from all parts of the colony, and is therefore an admirable opportunity for persons desirous of disposing of town and country properties in the Wanganui and Eangitikei districts, Wellington being the centre of commerce and politics. Early instructions will please be given to the auctioneer, prior to his departure for Wellington, which will be about the end of the present week. — advt.

The annual meeting of the Wanganui Rifles is called for Wednesday next, after parade. The principal business will be the signing of the memorial relative to the claims for remission certificates. For this purpose a full attendance is requested.

Walker, the well-known spiritualist, is now in Wellington, and purposes commencing a series of lectures at the Odd Fellows' Hall.

The tender of Mr S. Brown for the erection of Corporation offices in Wellington has been accepted, amount £5,699.

The secret of the warm support accorded to volunteering in Otago, may be found in the fact that the leases of twenty-seven poles of their drill-shed reserve, sold on Friday last, will bring into the Dunedin Volunteers for the next twenty-one years the tidy little amount of £585 per annum.

At the opening of Parliament on Thursday last, considerable surprise was expressed at the absence of all the foreign consuls, who usually are conspicuous on such occasions by their various uniforms and orders. We (Post) learn on enquiry, that no want of respect was intended to her Majesty or her representative, but the consuls consider that they were treated with a certain amount of discourtesy in not receiving the usual official invitation to attend. Failing this usual courtesy being extended to them, they deem it infra dig, to attend unasked, and accordingly absented themselves,

The death of Mrs C. Bravo is coutradicted on the authority of the London Times. His Excellency the Governor lias consented to be named patron of the Working Men's Club in Wellington. The inward English mail via San Francisco, which arrived in Wellington by the s.s. Taranaki on Tuesday last, consisted of 3,1G4 letters, 520 books, and 9,000 newspapers. Theatrical prospects at Timaru appear to be looking up. The Timaru Herald, speaking of the opening performance at the Theatre Eoyal, Timaru, says it was a complete success. Some GOO persons were present on the occasion, and the general arrangements are spoken of as being throughout excellent. The programme comprised Byron's comedy of " Old Sailors," produced by the Gaiety here, and the burlesqne of " Aladdin." Both pieces went well. Prior to the commencement of the performance the company sang the National Anthem, and Mr Hall then, made a speech, in which he expressed his intention to make the Timaru theatre a first-class one.

Cattle stalking is said to afford excitement and profitable employment on the West Coasfc.

The following members of the Alexandra Cavalry have been chosen as the team to represent the troop in the match with the Wanganui Eifles on Saturday next :— SergtMajor T. Cummins, Sergt. Thnrston, Corporals Littlewood, Wall, Hcwett, and Wisdom, Troopers McLellan, and E. Wisdom. The names of the .Riflemen are as follows : — T. Low, J. Purnell, J. Barlow, W. Armstrong, H, Eoss, A. Laird, S. Hooper, and GK Cummins. The match will commence punctually at two o'clock on Saturday at the Wanganui butts, and promises to be an interesting contest.