The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.
lupial and exact justice to all men, Ol whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. SATURDAY, OCT. 37, 18811. Whilst ;i spirit of progression is manifesting itself amongst the farming community of the Waikato, the tinifi m-iy lit; considered opportune for directing attention to one of those important and very necessary accessories in the developing of agricultural and pastoral interests. The absence of cattle shows in so well settled and extensive a district as this, is often tho subject of comment on the part of visitors far from favourable to our enterprise or energy. The fact that there does not exist here such a useful and comprehensive an institution as an Agricultural and Pastoral Association is neither creditable to the district nor does it speak well for the settlers themselves. In smaller and less pretentious portions of the colony, indeed, there is scarcely a separate and distinct agricultural district without such societies which hold annual exhibitions of all kinds of stock and produce. It. is true that at one time, years ago, successful cattle shows were held in Waikato which would, probably, have become permanent institutions, and grown to larger dimensions by this time, had it not been for the selfishness of a few breeders, combined with that contemptible local jealousy, which has done so much to damp the public spirit of many active settlers, to the detriment of progress. Since that period of failure Time, the great healer, and the infusion of new blood, have no doubt obliterated old antagonisms and prepared the way for a resuscitation of another movement in the same, direction. It must, also, be conceded that the depressing effects of bad times have had almost everything to do in repressing the vitality of the district. These last causes are now passing away in the healthy and substantial improvements that have been showing themselves in all the chief staple industries of the colony. This cheerful tone in the markets is considered by the best authorities to be an enduring one for a lengthy period to come, and the influence of these brighter prospects has filled the farmers with a more hopeful view of the future. The manner in which the recently established Farmers' Association has been supported is an earnest of the new life instilled into the community as a whole. It is, therefore, reasonable to think that a movement to form ail Agricultural and Pastoral Society in Waikato would be as warmly and successfully advocated and carried into effect. There are few breeders at the present time who hold such a prominent place in the pastoral interests as did Messrs Maclean and Co-, and Messrs Fantham in former days, and during the life time of the Cambridge Farmers' Club their jealous competition resolved itself into something like a stock-breeding duel between the gentlemen named. Another kind of spirit to that exhibited by those gentlemen is needed in the Waikato; something that is disinterested and prompted by a desire to advance the welfare of the district and colony at larg". To ensure success for such undertakings as the one now proposed, co-operation, combination, or by whatever name it is called, must be the prime factor employed. The question of site for holding shows need not exercise the minds of the farmers and stock - breeders to any verygreat degree. One of the objects the Claudelands Syndicate had in view was the future use of the property for this purpose. There would, consequently, be 110 difficulty in procuring the grounds at Claudelands for holding annual Shows. The situation is admirable, as it is central, and commands railways facilities with all parts of the Waikato, Pinko, etc. In the interests of these broad districts, and for their credit's sake, it is earnestly hoped the idea of forming a strong and influential Association of the kind suggested will be unanimously and warmly taken up and acted upon. In doing so we must prove ourselves superior to such petty feelings as local jealousies and selfishness, and work heartily and unitedly for the common good. The promoters, who should call a public meeting to discuss the question, must scrupulously avoid inviting an abortive failure by imparting localisms to any questions of this nature.
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Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2543, 27 October 1888, Page 2
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708The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2543, 27 October 1888, Page 2
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