AGRICULRAL SOCIETY

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 656, 10 September 1891, Page 2

AGRICULRAL SOCIETY

It has now been definitely decided to hold a Show next month, under the auspices of the Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Mr Clark put the matter in its proper light at the meeting when he said that it was preferable to

have no Show at all rather than a poor one. It now remains for all to heartily co-operate to ensure the success of the Show. The main drawback that appears to present itself is the short notice upon which the affair must be arranged, but that will not have a serious effect if the half-hearted spirit which unfortunately is too prominent a characteristic in the district is replaced by a healthy energy in this matter. All the points upon which there was any reason to feel doubt were candidly brought up at the meeting, and brushed aside in a way that showed there were no petty differences to fear on secondary questions. Some of those present at the meeting felt inclined to act very cautiously, but it was manifest that this was not with any intention of throwing cold water on any proposal that had a fair prospect of being carried to a successful issue. Those who voted against the Show, it is safe to assert, will now cordially give every assistance they can to make it a success. That is a very desirable spirit in matters of this sort. Where a Society of the kind gets torn asunder by differences, it would be hopeless to expect that anything it took in hand could be made a success, but that is very unlike a case in which there is healthy difference of opinion which exposes all weak points, yet works with the majority for the common weal. As Mr Bright remarked, there are many reasons why the Agricultural Society should be kept together, apart from the question whether or not a Show is held. There are many matters in regard to which the Society might bring the influence Of its combined opinion to bear. But the annual Show would be one of the visible signs of its strength and power of organisation. For a few years the only sign of life the Society has given has been a feeble flicker each time it became appropriate to ask the question “Are we going to have a Show this year ?” It did not even fully wake up from its torpor, and sank wearily to rest again almost before there had been a yea or nay given to the question. New life has been galvanised into the dry bones, and united action ought to lead to results of which at least no one will have any cause to feel ashamed. The meeting was a good representative one, and the settlers who attended are not of the class to dilly-dally with a thing when the majority has chosen a course of action. The Committee appointed is not likely to waver at the little difficulties that have yet t» be cleared away, and taking all things into account there is promise of a Show next month that will reflect credit on the management of the Society.