MANUTAHI.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 230, 23 June 1877, Page 2

MANUTAHI.

(FIIOM a COUUHSI’OXDENT.)

June 21. Tun usual weekly meeting of the “ Manutulii Mutual Improvement Society,” was held in the Block House, on Wednesday evening. The unfavourable weather prevented members attending from a distance.

Mr Guthrie being voted to the chair, proceedings were commenced by Mr Jamieson bringing forward for discussion the subject of “ Agriculture,” affirming that its pursuit was more beneficial to the country at large than any other rural pursuit, lie said it was better for working men by causing greater demand for labour, and better for posterity. Mr Ginger spoke as seconder. Mr Hawson took up pastoral pursuits as being more profitable for this district, and the greater part of the colony generally. Ho said grain growing should bo carried on where soil and climate suited and where facilities offered for getting the grain to market; that every farmer should at least grow enough for bis own requiremente. Taking this district as a whole, it [was more suited for pastoral than agricultural purposes at present time. Mr Ginger supported agriculture, ami said land would not boar slock all the year round. The grass would die out after a lim ■. The quality of the soil would be improved by farming it, and farmers would secure a greater money return per acre by raising grain than by grazing.

Mr Foreman supported cattle and sheep farming, as grain could not begot to a good market cheaply enough to ]ea”C any margin for protit for growing it alone. He referred to roads, cost of carriage, and so on.

Mr James Morgan strongly supported the pastoral sole of the question. and pointed out that llic land had not been fairly tried with different grasses. Sheepand cattle could bo driven to market much more cheaply than grain could be conveyed. Ho spoke of the low price ruling for grain, cost of producing, carting, and other necessary expenses, and said ho could not see that grain growing could pay as things were at present. (Sheep and cattle required less outlay and gave belter returns. Mr Christie supported grazing and said farming involved a great deal of slavish work for very little return. Cattle and sheep would go to market on their own kegs.

Mr Jamieson in replying, said lie was surprised at some of the speakers thinking so much of individual advantage instead of aiming at doing good for those who were to follow them

Mr Dawson replied on the other side by saying posterity would look after itself; and that as greater facilities and inducements opened up for growing grain, more would be produced. The Chairman having summed up, the question was put to the meeting - , which resulting in a tie, casting vote was given for grazing. Great applause. After a violin solo (Grand March, from Norma) by Mr Dawson, Mr Peacock executed the sword dance very gracefully. Mr Campbell (of the Australian Mutual Provident) gave the “Whip-poor-will” song. Mr Dawson sang “ Kingdom Coming.” Messrs

Lee and Dawson gave “ The Larboard Watcb,” vocal duett. Mr Campbell sang “ Come, Birdie Come,” with violin accompaniment. Songs all well received. Notices for subjects for next meeting were called for, Mr Dawson proposing “ Railways versus Roads.” Mr Leo gave notice of motion “ That stops bo taken towards opening a Library in the district.” Meeting closed with hearty vote of thanks to the chairman. Some prominent members arrived too late for the debate.