The Globe. MONDAY MAY 13, 1878.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1294, 13 May 1878, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY MAY 13, 1878.

It is matter for regret that some attache of the Premier aucl Mr. Shcolian at the Hikurangi meeting was not an artist. Future generations will bewail the loss to them of the seeuo so graphically described by the special reporter whoso telegram we published on Saturday. Tho historical pictures of the meeting of Blucher and Wellington at Waterloo, aud the surrender of Napoleon 111. at Sedan would have to pale before the glories of the one jrltidi could b 9 ix m mth

materials. It is described as a " most exciting scene," the Maori king being " accommodated with a seat on a candle box." Hero is scope for genius; the occupant of the Maori throne of NewZealand seated on a candle box. Then the central figure, would be the great pro-consul himself. He would go down to posterity as engaged in the laudable work of distributing " a sack of lollies to his dusky friends," and having just completed his task of giving to the settlers of the white race with a lavish hand promises as unsatisfactory and perhaps as unwholesome as the " lollies " he is described as handing to the Natives, his pose for the historical picturo would be singularly apropos. Then as a background might be introduced the halfcaste playing the concertina in "a masterly manner," and tho Native Minister leading off a sot of quadrilles with a dusky relative of the royal occupant of the candle box. Thus would bo touchingly typified tho union of the two races under tho " lolly and concertina" policy of the great pro-consul and the state of Arcadian innocence which provails amongst the noble savages of tho North. It is to be hoped that some sketches of this interesting scene have been taken. Probably, in that case, next session we shall see a notice on the paper for the painting of a picture therefrom, as illustrative of a great event in our history. If the few hints we have ventured to give as to the character of the picture be followed out, tho next generation will look with awe and wonder upon it.

We have watched with some interest the discussion which has taken place respecting the suggestion of the Hon. M. Holmes with regard to peripatetic agricultural shows. That gentleman proposed that shows should be held annually in the chief centres of population by an amalgamated association. That is the Dunedin, Christchurch, and Oaniaru Societies should combine their forces and instead of holding their respective exhibitions at separate dates in their own locality, one grand united show should be held in the three places in turn. The idea was warmly supported by the Dunedin Socioty at the tiino of its proposition, and has since been adopted by the Oamaru Association. So far as our Pastoral Association is concerned we have not heard whether the proposition has been brought before it. At any rate it has not been discussed, and we are somewhat at a loss to understand this. Our Society has deservedly attained a premier position in the list of Agricultural Societies, and therefore it was to bo expected that in so important a matter as tho one referred to tho opinion of a prominent association such as that of Canterbury would have been sought. If this has not been done steps should be taken at once by tho Association itself to discuss the matter. Of the good results of such a course as that proposed by tho Hon. M. Holmes being adopted there can be little doubt. The great improvement in the means of transit of stock to the various ports which will be afforded by the completion of the trunk line of railway removes at once the only feasible objection which could have been urged. Stock will be able to be taken to Dunedin from Christchurch with as much ease as, in the old days, they were brought from Selwyn to Christchurch. By the amalgamation for this show, such prizes will be able to be offered as will ensure the presence of tho pick of the flocks and herds of the Island. It is true that now we have at our annual shows representatives from other parts of tho colony, but we do not get, as we should do if Mr. Holmes's proposal is carried out, a large proportion of tho very best exhibits, because they are reserved to compete at the local shows. Such a gathering of the best, from all parts of the Island, would do much to break down the fancies of petty provincialism, besides acting as a stimulant—in even a greater degree than our more strictly local shows now do—to breeders to import tho very best blood of the old country. Wo hope the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association will discuss the matter, at any rate, so that the arguments pro and con. may be ventilated. Two kindred Associations have already expressed their approval of tho project, and no doubt, when tho matter comes to be placed fully before tho members of our Association, they will follow the example thus set them by their Southern friends.