The Tuapeka Times. THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1870. " Measures, not Men."

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 129, 28 July 1870, Page 4

The Tuapeka Times. THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1870. " Measures, not Men."

We are glad to learn that another effort to get up a ploughing match in the district is being made. The Tuapeka and Waitahuna residents are now largely engaged in agricultural pursuits, and to their shame be it said they have hitherto been almost devoid of spirit even in those matters eminently calculated to advance th(? i# r common interests. Some two or tbre3 of their number have proved honourable exceptions to the crowd as was lately shown by the interest they evinced in the Agricultural Leasing Question. Complaints have been loud and bitter against the exorbitant price paid for land on the Goldfields ; and had it not been for two or three of the farmers giving the matter shape by 1 calling a public meeting for the discussion of the question, these complaints would have no more I effect than the wail of a dying man who has allowed disease to get the i mastery over him, or a business man, who, having been unsuccessful in one enterprise, gives way under a false conviction that the fates are against him. In a young country like New Zealand where several conflicting industries exist, and where the Government are guided in their course of action by the indications of public feeling exhibited on all subjects discussed, we believe it is in the power of the people to obtain their wishes in anything having a fair show of reason to back it up. By united agitation the voice of the agriculturists of this district will be heard in Wellington, and their views considered by the majority with impartiality. But this must be remembered, the agitation must be earnest and sincere and not a mere clap-trap cry, but a true expression of the convictions of the inhabitants. Two schemes are absolutely essential to make Tuapeka prosperous, and these can only be inaugurated by an earnest and continued agitation. The first is a great water scheme for our goldfield by which double our present population could be easily employed, and the second is a much more liberal land scheme by which settlers will be freed from the excessive rent under which the}'" at present groan, and be enabled by deferred payments or otherwise to become by easy purchase the proprietors of their respective, holdings. The realisation of these two schemes rests, we believe, entirely in the hands of the people of this district and it is for them to say whether they will be realised, and when. We look upon a ploughing match as a helper in the direction indicated. Any gathering together of settlers where an interchange of thought and feeling takes place, or where there is an honest rivalry in any department of their industry, must

contribute towards raising thq social status of the district, as well as, the bringing about that unity of object, namely, the prosperity of the district, which has hitherto be«£i altogether overlooked by a selfish and isolated existence.