New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1877.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4999, 2 April 1877, Page 2

New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1877.

Thk season is now perhaps too far advanced to expect much more in the shape of active operations-from our agricultural and pastoral societies ; but we trust the experience gained by the season : that is past will not be lost sight of, but will be turned to good account. We hope to see good results during the coming year. Our flockmasters and farmers will doubtless carry; on their -operations; with renewed vigor and enterprise, and the coming year will, we doubt not,, eclipse, its predecessors in and abundance of the productions of both the station and the farm. The successive formation of so many associations of the kind in this colony of late years, both in the North and Smith Islands, is a source of unqualified satisfaction to all true friends and well-wishers of these islands. And in saying this we would not forget the numerous kindred associations for the promotion and encouragement of horticulture. These institutions assist largely in disseminating useful information, arid contribute towards the production of the useful and ornamental. They tend not, a little to impart and keep, alive a spirit Of healthy rivalry, which benefits the coiiipetitors themselves directly, and the whole community indirectly. One important duty devolving upon the pastoral arid agricultural societies is the diffusion of information relative to the beat and most profitable breeds of horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs ; the .most successful and inexpensive mode of rearing them, and the most suitable market whereat to dispose of them. Much of this information can noW b& gathered from the reports of kindred societies in the United Kingdom, Europe, and America ; the ' best breeds foi- certain localities, peculiar combination of circumstances. The frequent re-' currence of plonro-pneumouia and other contagious or.infectiousdiseases among the cattle: of Britain, together with, the rapid spread of fatal diseases among the sheep on the ; continent of Australia, rendoriit imperative upon our own people to look well to the future, with a view to making, our own supplies of stud stock equabto‘at least, local demand. In ’ Victoria arid New South Wales it has been thought necessary' .to prohibit the further importation ’ of’ stock from England and other Europeancountries, for ; the reasbn, already indicated. And we would riot disguise the fact that it may yet become necessary, in view of the continued spread of disease among , the cattle lo,f, Europe arid thri flocks'of Australia, jto close the ports of . New Zealand against both the one arid Ihe. other? We trust such a contingency will not arise. But those who are most concerned in this matter should "take timely warning arid obtain what .they require in the event: of such a course becoming necessary. Wo are aware that oUr farmers, and breeders have done much to improve their cattle and flocks; how much more is necessary, before a very high degree of perfection is attained, they themselves are probably the best judges. We throw out these hints from rio desire to create alarm, nor in the spirit of a dictator, but commend them; to the consideration of all whom they niay concern. We have already, remarked that the colonies of Victoria and New South Wales have prohibited; the further importation of stock from Europe.,' ( 0f course this, is only intended as a-temporary and precautionary moasure. But it is singular to,.observe the different views taken of the matter on either side of the Murray. In New South Wales an agitation has been going, on for the removal of the prohibition, whereas in Victoria they appear anxiousforitscontinuance. Infact, tojudge from the reiriarks which hare fallen from recent speakers on the subject in the latter colony, their own stud stock is so near perfectionithat further improvement is either unnecessary or impossible. The speakers went on to say that the Victo-

rian stud stock was now equal, if not superior, to the best.that can be produced in the old country. If this be true, we heartily congratulate the sister colony in having so soon attained “perfection’s height.” It must not be forgotten that the speakers referred to were for the most part breaders of stud stock, and this fact may possibly give us a clue to the interpretation of the whole matter. We are inclined to think the speakers were slightly impregnated with a substance known as bunkum, and knowing the tendency to indulge in tall talk which characterises our brethren over the water, we shall accept their remarks cum grand sails. Another duty which conies within the province of these societies is to foster [the improvement of agricultural machinery. Much of the success of agricultural operations depends upon the use of labor-saving machinery. If this be true in old and long established countries, where labor is plentiful, cheap, and generally of the best quality, it is doubly so in new colonies like this, where labor is scarce and dear, and not always tirst-class. Much good might be done by offering prizes for the best descriptions of machines for various purposes. This would bring to the front the best article, and stimulate the ingenuity and inventive powers of manufacturers. This thing is done extensively at Home, and also in Victoria, and the rest'dt has been the production of machines of all kinds,. lighter, cheaper, and immeasurably superior to the old fashioned articles. Another subject which properly belongs to such associations and institutions, is the carrying out experiments both in practical .and scientific agriculture, the establishment of model farms and, schools of.agriculture. These things involve the expenditure of large sums of money, and the latter two cannot generally be successfully carried on except with the help of the State, or , with the as aistance of large endowments. This brings ns to speak more particularly of the constitution, if we may use the ex pression, of agricultural and other kindred associations, In some countries, as for instance England,! New: .South Wales, Tasmania, &c., associations of the kind indicated are assisted when necessary, and always patronised by 1 the State. lii France, we believe, it is otherwise, as the State takes upon itself the management and direction of such matters. In Vic toria too, while there are agricultural and pastoral societies ad libitum, the State has its department of agriculture. We observe the State department and the associations in that colony do not work well together. There is an evident desire on-the part of the department to treat 'be associations with marked disrespect. The Government also dp their best to discountenance the societies. Whereas in the other colonies the Governors and Ministers of State are present at their , annual gatherings,, and foster and encourage them in every possible way, tlie Governor and Ministry of Victoria are conspicuous by their absence. , We candidly confess our-sympathies are with the associations. It is better for associations conducted by committees of practical men who understand what they are about, and who are free to act without red-tape encumbrances, to have ,the management of thPse matters. This does. nbt prevent the State rendering pecuniary assistance when necessary. But experience has shown- that wherever these associations have , been wisely conducted they have speedily become : popular; their, funds have increased with their popularity, and applications for State assistance have been the exception; arid not the rule.