THE Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1879.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 58, 18 March 1879, Page 2

THE Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1879.

The question is sometimes asked "Where is the Agricultural Association?" It would, perhaps, be difficult to give an exact reply to the query. We are rather inclined to think the promoters became unduly disheartened at the apparent lack of interest manifested. If such is the case it is to be greatly regretted. No institution can expect to spring into maturity at once. It must have its infancy before youthful vigour and manhood's strength are attained. Perhaps, our friends wanted to reach tbe latter at a jump. If so, the sequel has proved that where an over sanguine disposition is cultivated, an unpleasant reaction frequently takes place. At the same time, we nee no reason whatever that the affair should be allowed to fall through. In fact, quite the contrary. Our farming interest is cer~ tainly not of that extensive order we hope to see it attain in the course of a few years ; but, the fact that it is now of humble dimensions, shows the necessity of it being fostered, and assisted in its development. During the past few months, how ever, a considerable impetus has been given to the importation of good stock, and we have repeatedly had the pleasure of chronicling the arrival of pure-bred cattle and sheep, and also of entire horßes. We think, therefore, that instead of the local society being allowed to drop, there are abundant reasons why it should be pushed on with vigour. To at* tempt too much would probably be fatal to its welfare, but to work on quietly, and assist the development of farming by small shows or meet* ings of the members for the interchange of ideas, and other similar ways, would doubtless give the Association a good foundation, and would make it a really useful institution, our attention has been recently called to an article from, 'he

Canadian Fanner referriug to.,a, l?ai;---mei's' Association in that Colony The title Vtf the Association is " The Grange," and though it ia less than five yeai-G fcince it was organised, it is now second to no other institution in size and influence in that Oolony. According tb that journal, "It is gradually working its way up, growing in the esteem of its members and the respect of the whole people, numbering now 695 subordinate Granges, 46 division Granges—composed of five or mote subordinates — and a membership of over 25,000. Those whose active energy and zeal in the cause led them to take a prominent part in the establishment and support of the order, now look wi»h i satisfaction and pride upon the result ; u'l men efforts, rind although we , j; aw in., t read: ,v the height of I our expectations, hoi* accomplished j nil the reforms looked for as the j result of this movement, yet enough has been done to fully prove the utility of the Grange. Through the medium of the Grange we are beccming acquainted with our brother farmers in all parts of the Dominion, as the order is established not only in Ontario, but in Quebec, Nova Bcotia, New Brunswick, and Mani-. toba. A general correspondence is going on among us ; we are learning each other's wants and wishes, and profiting by the knowledge thus gained. From 6very quarter of the Dominion the cry is coming for information regarding the Grange, and everywhere farmers are enlisting under its banners as a sure protect tion of their interests and mutual preservation." We also learn that " Since the world began, history informs us of no organisation like the Grange, it was called into existence by necessity. Farmers were moved by a common impulse. Societies have been organised tor purposes of protection and defence by other occupations which gave them advantages not enjoyed by farmers. This has been done from the earliest times. Farmers have stood alone, and because not sur* rounded bf the safeguards of organisation have become the prey of other classes. It is difficult to understand why farmers did not associate themselves together in their own behalf fifty or 100 years ago, but it was done in a few instances only. Even now large numbers of farmers do not appear to be ready for organisation. Few have the faintest idea of what the order is yet to become, or what are its possibi* lities." From the above extracts it will be seen that the Grange is capable of being made a most useful and valuable institution. The union may be for benefit as well as pro* tection and reference. We have brought this matter under notice of our readers that the idea of a united Aericultural Association for the whole Coast might be considered. If the idea were carried out, the various townships and districts could still retain their annual or half yearly shows, whilst one grand organisation for the whole district from Fatea to Paikakariki might be expected to produce very good results.