THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1908. A FORWARD MOVEMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9052, 30 March 1908, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1908. A FORWARD MOVEMENT.

It is a long time since such interest , has been taken in a public question as that which was manifested on Saturday afternoon in connection with the proposal to' acquire part of the Solway Estate for the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The matter had been before the public for several weeks,, and formed the theme of much discussion, not only- amongst farmers and pastoralists, but also amongst business people. The arguments, pro atod con, which had been brought forward in a desultory way over shop counters, in the marts, and elsewhere, were focussed at the general meeting on Saturday, and an exceedingly interesting discussion resulted. The position of affairs from the standpoint of the Committee was put clearly and tersely by the Chairman of the Association (Mr J. D. Cruickshank), and the proposers and opposers carried on a strenuous wordy battle for two hours. There was keen interest depicted on every fate in the large assembly, and the many speakers were obviously, sincere in the conclusions they had arrived at. The utmost good nature characterised the whole proceedings, and the controversy was carried on in a way that did credit to all concerned. Needless to enter in this place into the arguments put forward on either side; a report of the discussion, which appears elswehere in this issue will give sufficient enlightenment to those who have pot closely followed the movement hitherto. It is enough to say that the party which took the

broader view of the proposal easily carried the day. A large majority of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association has decided upon making a definite forward movement which, we believe, will eventually result in great advantage to the Association and to the town itself. It is a laudable ambition to seek to make our local Agricultural and Pastoral Show one of national import, and under the capable management of such men as are at present at the head of affairs, the idea is perfectly practicable. When all is said and done, the fact remains that an association of the kind is primarily for the benefit of farmers and graziers of the district, and their voice should have preponderating weight in any movement which they consider best for the furtherance of their particular branch of industry. But this is certain, that the greater the success of the annual Show, the wider its bounds are extended, the greater must be the benefit to the whole community. We do not think Masterton will have the least cause to regret the decision which has just been come to by the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and we heartily congratulate that body upon the step it has taken. 1