Co-operation

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 29, 25 August 1892, Page 3

Co-operation

One of the leading features of the coinmarce of the present day is undoubtedly co-operation, and whether it is destined to snpplant the ordinary methods of trading altogether or not, it is nevertheless a Ktrong force to be reckoned with. The question of co-operative distribution has been bo successfully dealt with that there iemains little to be said in reference to it, but the problem of tbe future will certainly be the solving of tbe principle of co-operative distribution, an operation ot considerably greater difficulty, for although we know intuitively that projects like dairy and jam factories should be tftfltlj enough conducted from that stand Kint, the experiment is one very few will ?e anything to do with. It cannot be a source of wonder that business men of foresight should be making arrangements to adapt their establishments to the new condition of things by admitting their customers to a share in the profits made in trade. The latest experiment in this line was initiated by Messrs Joseph JSathan and Co., in conjunction with Messrs Caselberg & Co, in connection with their retail establishments in the Wairarapa, over fire hundred residents having taken an interest in the business, ■nd it has worked very smoothly since the new arrangement started. Following out the lines laid down there Mr Nathan intends to tarn the old established basinets in Palmerston, known as the Beady Money Stores, into a co-operative association, with a capital of £100,000 and shares will be offered to tbe public as soon as the details have been propeily matured. Besides the business of storekeepers it is most likely dairy and jam factories and minor industries of that sort will be established in connection with tbe affair, and a scheme is in course of evolution in connection with the cod* cern by which money can be borrowed on debentures at Homp, and invested out here at a percentage above the English rates only sufficient to cover bare expenses. Of coarse the venture would possess the advantage over most co-operative companies in having a large establish ment in perfect working order ready to hand, with a connection in the old world with some of tbe best mercantile firms in existence, and every facility for still further developing what is now the leading business in the district. As a fiann." oier we doabt whether Mr Nathan has a superior in the colony, and in that direction alone the company would be able to bid defiance to ordinary competition.— Manawatu Standard.