The Heilding Star. THURSDAY, JUNE 21. 1883.

Feilding Star, Volume IV, Issue 5, 21 June 1883, Page 2

The Heilding Star. THURSDAY, JUNE 21. 1883.

Cheese and Butter Factory.

• Notwithstanding the direct en- . couragement and monetary support the townspeople are giving- the formation of the above factory, that ot the farmers and country settlers generally is being wery sparingly and begrurigin<;ly bestowed. At first glance this may appear sinoular to the o*dinarv observer of passing events, because anyone would imagine that these persons being naturally the most bene- !< fitted by the establishment of a factory ofthiskind, they would show some little alacrity in availing tuemselves of any means they have of assisting towards the fruition of a project that offers so many advantages to them. A little reflection, however, brings past experience to bear on the subject, add when it is remembered how surprisingly little the ordinary fanner has done for himself or others in the advancement of agricultural science, or anything else relating to progress, the want of interest taken is at once explained and accounted for. That state of mind which obtains among them of "what was good enough for their fathers is good enough for them," is peculiar to the beucolic mind only. In these enlightened days every known trade or profession has been awakened to the necessity for continued invention and discovery, to keep pace with the rapid advances of civilisation. In medicine, electricity, steam, navigation, and all the arts and sciences, there is, day by day; some new thing invented or discovered either to save labor or to utilise some hitherto neglected or apparently useless substance, and make it a benefit to mankind in some new form or other. But the farmer seems to lag behind, content with winning his daily bread in the easiest way he can. Time appears to be a merely secondary consideration, and like a human cabbage, he is planted and grows, and is cut down when his time comes, and there is an end of him. Great events may take place in the world, but he cares not. They do not come inside of his fence, so do not immediately affect him, and empires may totter and monarchies fall, but the human cabbage passes his days serenely indifferent. This sort of life may be harmless, but in our opinion those people who so live miserably fail in fulfilling t!n>ir share of the duties ot life. Man was made not only to help hirnseif, but to help others. He has duties to perform for the common weal, which no possible circumstances can excuse or relieve him of. It is expected of each one that he should manfully come forward when occasion arises to fulfil the object of his being by making one in the great army of progress. There can be no doubt that the present generation of farmers as now constituted will be unknown in a few years. They must make room for a more energetic race, who, assisted by advanced science, will endeavor to keep up with other industries which nre under the control, « rin the hands of, men of intelligence and energy. The 'time has passed when philanthropists will spend their time and money by endeavoring to benefit their species without fee or reward. A return is wanted now-a-days +or this sort of outlay. Capitalists are not likely to build factories for the benefi of farmers or others who offer nothing in return. As long as cheese and butter are necessaries of life the prccess of the manufacture of these articles must improve, and with this improvement the modes ot rearing cattle must materially change. Our settlers or farmers, if they do desire to live in their children for two or three generations more, must shake off the apathy that now prevails. Let thorn come forward and lend a willing hand to assist those who are making honest efforts to advance the general jroud of the district. By so doing they will prevent the reproach of ignorant selfishness that may so truthfully be cast on all laggards who fail to lend their aid where the whole interests i f the community are concerned.