THE GLOBE. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1879.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1790, 15 November 1879, Page 2

THE GLOBE. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1879.

The Hon. Me. Holmes, at the annual dinner of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, threw out a suggestion which should not be lost sight of. It was the desirableness of the Government contributing something towards the establishment of a National Agricultural and Pastoral Association. It will be remembered that some time ago an effort was made—the chief promoter in which was the Hon. Mr. Holmes—to start a National Association for the Middle Island, with the hope of it ultimately extending to both Islands. The idea was very warmly taken up by the delegates of tho various societies represented at tho conference, but, for some reason or other, the project was allowed to drop. That this was so is greatly to bo regretted, and we hope to see another attempt which we trust will be more successful. In view of the probability of such a thing it is just as well to keep in mind tho idea propounded by Mr. Holmes of a Government subsidy in aid of an institution of this character. Of the good which will be effected in the country by the concentration of the efforts of tho farmers and graziers of tho colony to improve the breed of stock, &c., it is needless to speak. It is so evident that it requires no words from us. This being so, such a society, when started, would have great claims to Government assistance. By means of its operations the country would bo benefitted to a very large extent. The quality of the exports of our staples, wool, wheat, &c., would be improved. It is plain that a national association would contribute in no small degree to the prosperity of the whole colony, and that a moderate amount of assistance from the public purse is only a fair quid pro quo. We have in our very midst an example of the good effects of such assistance. The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, whose position now amongst kindred societies in the colony is second to none, was enabled in the day of small things to vastly extend its sphere of usefulness, owing to the liberality of the Provincial Council of Canterbury. This body, recognising the important part in the great work of colonisation which the association was taking, made from time to time grants of money from the public purse. This timely aid enabled the association to lay the foundations of its present prosperity, and so consolidated it as to enable it to take the position it now holds. With a grant, of say £2OOO per annum, a National Assotion would be enabled to do much good. It would enable existing societies to extend their sphere of usefulness, and encourage tho formation of new ones. By bringing, as it would do, at its shows the best blood of one part of tho colony against that of tho other, it would engender a wholesome spirit of rivalry and induce breeders to make still further importations from the old country.