ndustry, as training a rural
population to settle and labour on the soil, and to assist them so
to exert themselves in the modes and means of culture as to improve
our Agricultural condition; to make us more independent at least
for our food; and subsequently to set free other branches of
industry, which are now under great disability. The foundation of
systems which may produce such benefits has now been laid. I have
had much satisfaction in recommending and promoting them. My views
have been cordially and ably seconded every where; the measures
they called for have now been adopted; and they have been liberally
endowed by the Legislature with pecuniary means to animate and
quicken the system. The Savings' Bank Bill; the organization and
endowment of the Body I now address, open, to the industrious
classes of Society, and to the interests of the Country generally,
a distinct view of the progress that may be made from foundations
laid, first, in habits of frugality and domestic economy, onwards,
through moral and provident conduct, to security and accommodation,
productive application, improvement in Agriculture, increase of
population, competition in labour, encouragement and development of
industry, and augmented production. The Acts and the system of this
Session have laid the foundation of much improvement to the
country, on solid grounds; and seeds which _should_ blossom
hereafter, are planted in the fertile soil; but whether the
superstructure is to be raised, or them seeds are to spring,
depends not on those who have laboured on the foundation, or who
have provided the means that may quicken the process. Whether the
Savings' Bank Bill, or this most admirable Institution are to be
effectual in doing good, depends upon the degree of Public Spirit
with which our exertions here, may be supported and extended in the
Country generally. All Public Institutions live only by Public
Spirit, in any Country; but this is particularly the case in young
Countries where man owes to fellow man a greater contribution of
his concern and of his aid. Look at the progress of an individual
case. When a Settler goes, singly, to encounter the difficulties
and the labour of a solitary Location in an unsettled District, and
with the sweat of his own brow to shelter his family, and to clear
space to