MANUTAHI.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 327, 5 June 1878, Page 2

MANUTAHI.

(from a correspondent.) Last Thursday evening the subject for discussion “ Agricultural v Pastoral pursuits” was brought forward by Mr John Ginger in favour of agriculture. The benefits were twofold. It improved the land and supported a greater population, thus contributing to the revenue. He had been told on very good authority that the estimated return from cattle was about Jil per acre ; from sheep, £1 7s. Taking the results of the past harvest as a basis, he showed that a clear profit of £1 IBs 4d per acre could be made from wheat, after deducting all expenses. To prevent land from becoming exhausted, however, it was necessary to farm systematically. Rotation of crops, laying down in grass, root crops, feeding off with sheep, &c., so that a combination was necessary.—Mr G. A. Merchant opposed and went into figures to show that grain growingdidnot pay.—Mr Peacock thought a combined system was preferable, but taken singly he could do

more by grazing than by grain. Strongly advocated breeding high class stock.—Mr Dawson thoughtthe past season bad proved that the climate and soil were favourable for grain producing. Improved machinery lessened expense. Might pay better at present to graze on large farms, but eventually, even largest holders would have to farm, if only to make the land produce grass. Small holders must necessarily take up agriculture, having not enough land for grazing purposes. Considered agriculture meant improving the soil by every method, and supported Mr Ginger.'—After a warm debate- on being put to the vote Agriculture was declared carried. Vote of thanks to the chairman (Mr Guthrie) concluded. Next Thursday evening is to be devoted to a Quadrille assembly.