The Southland Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1868.

Southland Times, Issue 1054, 9 November 1868, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1868.

The importance of Agricultural Associations is .yearly becoming more recognised throughout the civilized world. The Shows are beginning to be looked upon ; as the event of the season in froth England and Scotland, as well as in the | colonies. Their importance is generally \ acknowledged, and considerable money grants are annually made to subsidise public contributions, and ensure the prosperity of the associations. It is a matter for congratulation that the Provincial Government has not been backward in recognising the claims of the local Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The site of ground it has appropriated to the use of the Society is admirably adapted for the purpose for which it is intended, and when adequately improved will be of incalculable benefit to the Province. "We have heard it advanced that the Association should not make the extensive improvements contemplated, until a Crown Grant of the land is obtained. This is childish to a degree. The Government has done all that the law allows in granting a lease at a pepper-corn rent for the longest period possible, viz., twenty-one years, and although the sanction of the Council will have to be obtained before the lease is drawn, the ground is in the possession of the Association, and there is not the remotest probability of its right ever being disputed. The action taken by the Association for clearing the land, and substantially fencing in the yard, is highly to be commended, and the willingness of the Council to assist the Association by a grant of £100, on the motion of Mr Johnston, M.P.C., should be sufficient to stimulate all interested in the progress of the Province to give increased support to this valuable institution. The Show Yard is capable of being used for every description of national or public gatherings, and now that a beautiful site of five acres is being fenced — onehalf close boarded — we hope to see the Caledonian Society revived. The entertainments provided by this Society in past years were of a popular and pleasing character, and now that the opportunity is presented for continuing them at a very small outlay, it is to be hoped that an effort will be made to resuscitate the Society, and provide an entertainment for the New Tear. Our chief object is, however, to call attention to the claims of the Agricultural Association to public support. It is an institution essentially progressive ; its aim is to improve the breed of stock, and to induce the adoption of every modern improvement for the cultivation of land, by evoking an ambition in the mind of the stock breeder and cultivator. The Show of last year was a success that led to eulogistic mention of Southland's progress by tha press of New Zealand and Australia. Every one should assist to make the forthcoming one still more attractive.