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Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1990, 28 January 1907, Page 1

THE ROMANCE OF LAND. (Dahjoty’s Review.) As to tho romanco of agriculture. On referring to ancient writers it is plain that the whole subject of agriculture, in nil its ramifications, was associated with joviality and goodwill. Tlio groat ones of the earth did not disdain to take a pnrt in ancient husbandry; and tho poets and historians sang its praises. Mo arc beginning to acknowledge in these modern days the inunonso importance of agriculture in its practical aspects; in olden times this homage was duly paid, with the addition ol a glad recognition of the social and domestic joys that attended the life of tho tiller of the soil. Thus tho classic poets frequently depict rural pleasures with a wealth of detail which convinces the most casual reader that ‘Mn tho days of old” abundant enjoyment was the lot of the rural toiler. There is nothing to prevent a revival of the old experience in later days. Indeed, tho extraordinary multiplication of improvements in connection with every department of agricultural labor has immensely reduced tho hardships of tho farmer’s life and rendered possible a greater cultivation of life’s amenities and a larger leisure for mental and physical recreation. Ono need hardly omphasiso at the present time the paramount importance of agriculture. Yet the writer is tempted to give a few quotations which seem to state the fact with wonderful force. In a volume recently published, entitled “Land Reform,” by the Right Hon. Jesso Collings, M.P., president of the Rural Laborers’ League (England), many pages are devoted to the history ono importance of agriculture. The suggestive symbol of the plough is represented by a woodcut on tho title page, while underneath are the words (from Ecclesiastes v., 9): “Moreover the profit of the earth is for all ; the king himself is served by the fields.” Imay he mentioned in passing that great stress is laid in this _ hook on the necessity for teaching in public elementary schools of agricultural and horticultural subjects and to give facilities for nature study. America, we find, is ahead hero, as in many other respects. Ail eminent English writer, referring to tho American schools, says:—“l find that in America it is tho practical subjects which are principally taught. . . . With the ordinary ‘everyday’ hoy, who has to fight his way in the world, the bulk of the time is devoted to practical life.” Mr. Collings gives figures showing the gradual but steady depopulation of the rural districts in England, and draws a had augury from the same. He says:—“The experience of history, ancient and modern, seems to show that there is a natural law under which no nation can remain permanently in the front' rank unless its economy is based on agriculture.” Our colonial Governments have done something in aid of agriculture. They will have to do much more before they at all approach the liability of the American and French Governments. To give ono example. In France the chiefs of tho Department of Agriculture and Education combino together to promote in every way the teaching of husbandry in rural schools. Their object is not only to improve agriculture, but to “inspire the young with a love of country life” so as to keep them permanently on the land. In 1901 the French Department of Agriculture was credited by the State with £1,759,000. Compare this with the £130,000 placed at the disposal of tho British Board of Agriculture for all purposes for same year! Some interesting information is given as to tlio small holdings on Lord Carrington’s estate. About 12 years ago a small company of three or four men hired from Lord Carrington 650 acres of land in Lincolnshire or. a 21 years’ lease, at a rental of £lOl3 a year. They divided the land into small holdings. There was not only a demand but an actual craving for tho land on tho part of tho laborers of tho district. The holdings were all taken up, and the men are doing well. This seems to hoar strikingly on tho question of closer settlement in New South Wales, and is another proof of tho fact that we should not despise “the day of small things.” A remarkable book was recently published—“ The Return to the Land” —by Senator -Jules Meline (former Minister qf Agriculture, Fiance). The preface is' by Mr. Justin McCarthy, who says :—“M. Meline sums up at the close of bis final chapter the solution of the problem before us, which may be said to be merely an expansion of a profound thought uttered long ago by a Chinese philosopher—a thought which should be inscribed upon the walls of our schools in letters of gold—‘The well-being of a people is like a tree; agriculture is its roots, manufacture and commerce are its branches and leaves; if the root is injured the leaves fall, the branches break away, and the tree dies.’ It is pointed out that for a time the humble Industry of agriculture fell into disdain. “It'only began once more to raise its head when Science at last turned her eyes upon it, and became aware that it was indeed tho first of all industries, not only because It was the most necessary, but because it was the most elovated scientifically, being in its essence tho centre of all those sciences that find in the soil their principal field of action.” It may bo added that another feature of French policy is the establishment of 1500 mutual loan banks throughout every part of France. Ad.vances are made at moderate rates of interest.

It mast be cheering to oil engaged in agriculture to find—what has been so palpably in evidence during recent the practical sympathy of the world’s press has been enlisted in reference to every phase of the subject. This applies to all parts of the world. The literature of agriculture, as represented by books, is enormous. Readers will be astonished to find what a wonderful collection of books on the subject are contained in the catalogue of the Public Library, Sydney—a collection which represents, of course, but a small portion of the sum total of able Works issued at intervals. The newspapers of the world no wdevote special attention to the subject. Those of Australia will vie in thris respect with any other country. Of course, reading will not supply every desideratum, but it is of first-class importance to all who desire improvement i nany calling. Inventions, too, are of astounding variety. The best will survive; and in due course, by means of labor-saving appliances and increased scientific knowledge, a happy time will come when exhausting physical toil will be unknown amongst the army of rural vorkers.

Upon the details of schemes by means of which the best result may be brought about, it is not uecessnry to dwell in a rambling article. The great thing is for the busy worker in the industrial throng to be ever watchful for opportunities of improvement. And they are sure to come. Australia is “facing the dawn.” The future is bright with the promise of marvellous growth in all that makes a great' nation. And in the midst of our cheerful prognostications we may with good grace let our thoughts wander to the past, and to the pioneers whose heroic labors paved the way for our present prosperity. The necessity for the strenuous lifo still remains, however, and it will be to the man of enterprise and unflagging energy that success will surely come.

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