The Southland Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1867.

Southland Times, Issue 733, 7 October 1867, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1867.

The last half century has been prolific in the creation of institutions calculated to give an impetus to material and social progress. Among these not the least important is Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. To Scotland is due the credit of first conceiving the idea of establishing a society" that would be calculated to [create emulation in the breeding of stock and the cultivation of the soil, not only on the part of the landowners but also their employes. The parent society of this • class was, we believe, the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. It had a small beginning, but it was a success from the first, and has grown and expanded, spreading the seed of agricultural perfection over the whole of the civilized world. The objects desired to be obtained were, to create an ambition in the farmer to abandon the primitive haphazard system of cultivation previously pursued, and impregnate the mind of the agricultural laborer with the belief that he had a higher mission to fulfil than simply hard manual labor, with machine-like regularity — that what he did if done well was a virtue that would bring its own reward, and elevate him in the scale of society. It was at first a difficult lesson to learn that by the aid of machinery and perseverance, and mental expansion, the value of land could be enhanced to an indefinite extent, that the reasoning and constructive faculties of the man quickened, and an honorable position gained

by even the humblest. Still the lesson j has been learnt, and at the present time no institution in Great Britian, America, or the colonies is deemed of equal value to that of the Agricultral and Pastoral .Association. Southland is essentally an Agricultural and Pastoral country. Its very existence depends upon the advancement of these interests. It is therefore matter for congratulation that an Agricultural and Pastoral Association has been established that promises to become a permanent and important institution" This society was started under circumstances far from favorable. In the high day of superficial prosperity a similar project was launched, but from various causes it languished and expired. The seeds of emulation, however, were sown, and have generally cropped up in every direction, and now promise to yield abundently. It is almost incredible that Southland m its present depressed condition could have started such a society upon a foundation that places it in the foremost rank of New Zealand institutions. The list of prizes to be awarded, are large, perhaps as large as any other kindred association inthe colony can offer. It is satisfactory to know that there are funds to redeem every promise. It is not, however, we think desirable at the commencement to run too fast. That there is stock — horses, cattle and sheep — in this province, equal, if not superior, to those in any other province, we doubt not ; still it should be kept in mind that one grand show, however legitimate our claims to superiority may be, will be simply a temporary triumph, unless the future is provided for — that if a front position is gained, it must be kept if any lasting good is to be secured. The Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association is fairly afloat. It is started by men who have shown their earnestness by the largeness of their donations, and the energy they have evinced to place it on a solid foundation. One of the most pleasing features is that it is not a class organization. The farmer and squatter are called upon to unite for the one great object — to aid nature in making Southland renowned as the home of the best breeders of stock and cultivators of the soil. A noble conception. We know of nothing more calculated to file down the class proclivities that has long disfigured the history of both Australia and this colony, than the honorable competition which the Association invites. If judiciously conducted and adequately supported it will do much to lift Southland from its present depression to a position of prosperity. It will stimulate a healthy ambition in all the stock-owners, the farmer, the implement maker, and the laborer to excel in whatever branch of industry he may be engaged. Its reports, if widely circuL ated, may become of more value to the Province in inducing immigration, than even the labors of an earnest Home Agent. It is a transparent fact that New Zealand to become great must strive to be a great exporting country. In order to obtain this position much wisdom and enterprise is required. Southland possesses natural capabilities that few countries can claim, for the production of those staple articles — wool, grain, &c. — of exports that can never fail to find a market in the home country, if an advanced system of cultivation is generally adopted. It is to obtain this system that the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association has been called into existence, and it is to this end that all should work. "While thus claiming for the new formed Associa-, tion universal support, we cannot overlook a kindred society that has been sometime in existence. The Horticultural and Agricultural Society steadily and successfully sought for, and obtained an enviable position. Its previous shows have been highly creditable, and the forthcoming one will, no doubt, surpass all others. It is somewhat unfortunate that the two shows should be at nearly the same time, and yet not at the same time. The objects of each are identical, and although the amalgamation may not be at at present practicable, an arrangement whereby shows could be held simultaneously would be of advantage to both Societies and highly satisfactory to the public. The suggestion is. worthy of consideration,

A rumor was current at the Bluff on Saturday to the effect that a boat had been capsized during the night and a man drowned. It appears that Mr Fordham missed one of his boats on the morning in question, and that subsequently one of the oars belonging to the boat drifted ashore. By the aid of a glass, the boat also was discovered lyings on the beach on the other side of the harbor ; concurrently with this it was discovered that a native of Otaheita who was in company with several Maoris on the previous evening, had also suddenly and mysteriously disappeared, and was nowhere to be heard of. Coupliug these circumstances together, it is concluded that the man in question took the boat about eleven o'clock on Friday night for the purpose of going on board the cutter Flying Scud, to which he belonged, and that the night being very boisterous, and he under the influence of drink, the boat got capsized and he drowned. It is just possible, however, that he was carried to the opposite side by the gale, and that he may yet turn up. The " Otago Daily Times" has the following : It will be recollected that some timo ago the Bank of Otago (Limited) sued the Commercial Bank of New Zealand (Limited) for a balanoo due at the time of the suspension of the latter. An application was made by the official liquidator of the New Zealand Banking Corporation (Limited) to stay the proceedings in that action. The main grounds relied upon were that the New Zealand Banking Corporation (Limited) — which was identical with the Commercial Bank — was being wound up at Home, under the Companies Act, in pursuance of an order made by the Master of the Kolls, and that no creditor, under the circumstances, could, under the Act, bring such an action without the leave of the Court of Chancery. The Supreme Court made an order staying the proceedings in the action, holding that the winding up order rendered all the real and personal estate of the Commercial Bank amenable to the disposing power of the official liquidator. The question thus determined by the Supreme Court excited a great deal of attention, as it largely affected the interests of many residing in and out of this Province. By the Panama Mail, which has just arrived, the opinions of Mr Roxburgh, Q.C., and Mi- Mellish, Q.C., (of the English Bar), upon, the same matter have come to hand. As they probably will possess an interest for some of our readers, we append the ''Queries," and "Answers" of Counsel. — Questions : "1. Whether, by the proceedings for the winding up of the New Zealand Banking Corporation (Limited) the real and personal assets of the Commercial Bank of New Zealand (Limited) were rendered amenable to the disposing power of the official liqui lator of the New Zealand Banking Corporation (Limited) ? — 2. Assuming a debt to be contracted in New Zealand, is a subsequent discharge by a competent Court of Bankruptcy in England (in the absence of express Colonial legislation upon the subject), a good answer to an action in the Colony for the debt? — 3. Was the judgment of the Supreme Court in the case of the Bank of Otago (Limited) v. Commercial Bank of New Zealand (Limited) right ?" Answers : " 1. We are of opinion that they were. — 2. We are of opinion that a valid discharge in Bankruptcy would be an answer to such an action. Such a discharge would be so in any Court in the Colonies. — 2. In our opinion, the judgment was correct." The " Nelson Evening Mail" saya :— We learn that private letters heve been received by the last mail, stating that rumors were prevalent in circles likely to be well informed on such subjects, to the effect that Mr Pope Hennessy would probably be the new Governor of New Zealand. It is a matter of notoriety that Mr Hennessy, who has recently been appointed G-overnor of Labuan and Consul- General of Borneo, ha 3 had six months' leave of absence extended to him, on the understanding that, should any vacancy in the Colonial Department of a more eligible j character or nearer home occur before the expiration of that period, Mr Hennes3y's strong claims on the consideration of the party with which he co-operated in Parliament will receive more satisfactory recognition from Lord Derby's Government. Although Mr Hennessy has not filled any appointment of a similar character, he is acknowledged on all hands to be possessed of abilities of the highest order, and the rumor soems f o have some substantial foundation, if only in the tei'm3 on which he has accepted his appointment as Governor of Labuan. A correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald," writing from the Fiji Islands, describes the visit of tho U.S. war steamer Tuacarora, Captain Stanley, and adds, "Captain Stanley during his visit to Bau, pressed for a definite understanding about the payment of the debt to the U.S. Government, and it was finally arranged that the 45,000 dollars were to be paid in four yearly instalments, failing in which, the U.S. Government take possession of the islands of Nairai, Batiki, and Moturiki." We are informed by the " New Zealand Examiner" (London), that the Bishop of New Zealand had the honor of being presented by the Duke of Buckingham to the Prince of Wales, at the levee held on the 29 th of May, The same paper states that the Bishop of Nelson has sailed for his diocese, in New Zealand. His lordship takes out with him a large party of emigrants. The Rev W.H. Ewald, M.A., of Wadham College, Oxford, accompanies the Bishop as his private chaplain. The " Wellington Independent states that an arrangement made by a number of charitable ladies and gentlemen in that city to supply the poor with bread at the rate of 2£d the two pound loaf had been tried for three months and had proved most satisfactory> no . less than 59,462 loaves having been purchased during that period,

I The "Wakatip Mail" says:— "We under- ! stand that things are looting very cheering at • Switzer's diggings, and the population numbers about 500. Miners are making from £3 to £20 per week. Skene's race, which is nearly completed, will be eight miles long, and is intended^ to carry 24 heads of water. Several parties' are" piling up washdirt, in preparation for the race when completed, and they expect; good results. A large amount of business has been transacted l in the Warden's Court, and we hear Mr Warden Stratford gives general satisfaction. •;•. ■. " A Nelson contemporary states that on the 19th ult. letters were received there from Wellington, stating that the Governor and the Ministry desired that from 50 to. 100 of the Nelson Cadet Volunteers should be sent over to Wellington to form a body guard for his Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh during his stay. The expenses of the Cadets to be borne by the Government. The "Examiner" cannot help characterising this as a piece of folly and useless parade, and hopes that it will not be carried out. We learn from the "Panama Star and Herald" that "the report of the Anglo- American Telegraph Company (Limited) has be'en issued in anticipation of the general meeting on the 2nd of this month. It states that the net profits for the eleven months ending on the 30th June are more than sufficient to meet the Bums of 125,000 dole, and 25,000 dols. payable to the Company as a first charge upon the working of the two cables and the Hne3 of the New York, Newfoundland, and London Telegraph Company. The charge for repair of the cable damaged in May last will amount to between £11,000 and £12,000 ; while, with resuect to the accident which occurred a few -weeks ago, it is stated that immediate steps will be taken to effect the necessary repairs. The Directors recommend a dividend of 25s per share, which, with the 20s already paid, will make 23 per cent, for the year. They further recommend that the sums of £209 2s 6d and £10,680 4s 6d be carried forward to credit of next year's revenues."