CANTERBURY FARMERS’ CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2120, 9 December 1880, Page 3

CANTERBURY FARMERS’ CO-OPERA-TIVE ASSOCIATION.

The following letter appeared in this morning’s issue of the “ Press ”: — Sib, —In a former letter I confined my remarks to the general principles of co-operation. In the present I will, with your permission, direct attention to some of the practical advantages which will accrue to farmers and the public by an adoption of the system. But in the first place, I would frankly confess that the full benefits of co-operation cannot be attained in a day. 00-operation, like any other business, >. must evolvejitsolf by degrees ; and perhaps in proportion to the steadiness of its evolution will be its ultimate success. Indi vidually, Sir, I have a great distrust of either countries or men who advance by “ bounds and leaps.” In such oases I cannot but suspect that a of reckoning is likely to come. Admitting then that all we seek cannot be attained at once, enough remains to secure a considerable amount of success in the imme diate future. The first, and perhaps greatest, advantage which has been obtained for the farmer by the establishment of our society is the impossibility of a local “corner” in wheat or other produce, irrespective of the price ruling for such commodities at home. Were such a thing to be attempted at a time when grain is coming down in full supply, all the farmer need do to counteract any such influence (always provided his grain proved to be in marketable condition) would be to become a member of the association. He would then be able to ship his produce through its agency, obtaining such advance upon his consignment as the state of the home market at the time warranted the association in giving. Tour readers will easily perceive that this places him in a position to secure the full advantages of the Home markets. But it may be alleged that merchants, eager to trade, often give such prices in the local markets as to admit of no profit at Homo. This may be, and no doubt is, true in some instances. But were they habitually to do so how would the expenses of their establishments be recouped ? At any time should the farmer think such to bo the case he is at liberty to take advantage of the local markets. Parenthetically, permit me to say that 00-operation does not aim at usurping all trade to itself. It would be impossible for one society to conduct all the business of a colony like that of Now Zealand. But co-operation protects the farming interest. It acts as a subtle influence, which suggests rather than dictates a fair basis as between seller and buyer. I have no doubt, from experience gained' at Home, that 00-operation has assisted to place the intelligent trader in a sounder position than before, but has acted prejudicially upon the interests of those who were not possessed of sufficient ability or means to adapt themselves to the times. Amongst other advantages which the association can offer will be a reduction in insurance rates and in the commissions paid to auctioneers. Such has been the case in the old country, and such must be the case here. It stands to reason that it will pay a company or other respectable firm to do the business of a large society on cheaper terms than could be done for individuals. Again freight {may be higher in Now Zealand than say in the Australian colonies—and freight forms an important factor in the profits of a New Zealand farmer. What, may I ask, is to prevent the association from chartering suitable vessels in Australia to bring coal to one of our ports which could be sold on cheap terms to its members, and secure at the same time a lower homeward freight than would otherwi-e be obtained. Next, let us see what advantages may bo derived upon imported articles. For the sake of illustration, take the case of a combine. An eighthorse power engine, with sft 6in drum, can be placed on board ship by one of the best makers at home at a cost of £370. Say it takes, more or less, £l3O for freight and landing expenses. In such case we arrive at an ultimate cost of £SOO. On the other hand, what is the usual charge for such a machine in this country ? Again, many of the sacks with which farmers are now supplied may possibly hold their contents until tumbled into the hold of a ship, but are productive of great loss when the shipment arrives at its destination. The association feels certain that it can supply a better article at the price now charged, and possibly at a lower figure. The promoters have for some time past been in communication with their agents in London, and hope by the arrival of the next San Francisco mail to learn that they have secured the services of one of the leading firms at home for the purpose of carrying out the objects of the society. The affiliation of shops will probable come within the scope_ of the business of the association, by which means articles may be procured for cash on far more reasonable terms than those usually current over the counter. Such are some of the advantages now offered to the public. What further developments may take place in the future it is impossible to foresee ; but I trust that ’ere long the association will be in a position to assort and clean wheat in such a manner as to insure to the buyer the confidence now existing with regard to Californian and American standards. It is not the object of the association to give temporary aid to men who are working upon the chance of what may turn up. It is to help the legitimate farmer, who can assign a reasonable and substantial cause for being in the position which he occupies. It is impossible in the short space of a single letter to detail fully the whole power of 00-operation. The promoters are content to leave the soundness of the principle now started to the effect of time, and the fiat of the inevitable. Yours, &c., John Bbadshaw.