The Manawatu Standard PUBLISHED DAILY.) Suivant la verites MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1883. FARMERS' CLUBS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 3, Issue 79, 26 February 1883, Page 2

Manawatu Standard PUBLISHED DAILY.) Suivant la verites MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1883. FARMERS' CLUBS.

The question is being asked (writes the Wanganui Herald) why wheat should be more than a shilling a bushel higber m Melbourne than m Wauganui.?. Mr John Handley, m his speech at the Haibour Board declaration of the poll, opportunely called attention to the subject, and pointed out the remedy. We must get direct shipping, .and be able to load grain ships at the wharf for London, when our farmers will receive the market price of the "most favored " ports. Now, since it has been ascertained that wheat-growing does pay, the farmers must discuss ')ho question of freights anfl prices, and be alive to every fluctuation of the market, They have a great deal to learn before they shall have made the most of tbeir opportunities ; and there is nothing like comparing notes m order to accumulate valuable experience. We miss Farmers' Clubs throughout the district. The above appropriate and forcible remarks by our Wsmganui contemporary should be widely disseminated. We most nn» doubtedly " miss Farmers' Club 3 m the district." Such organizations would do more to send the district ahead than almost any other combination, influence, or instrumentality. Our farmers should act more m concert, more on their own bottom, more independently, of agents and middlemen, more intelligently, and extend their operations and. research wider afield. They should display more enterprise, more energy, more unanim* ity, and more progressiveness. They are too apathetic, and too oonservative, take too much for granted, and are too indifferentto the best interests of their class. The establishment of Farmers' Clubs would soon develop agricultural industry, and open up new fields for the display of practical knowledge. While our farmers continue to go on m the present time-worn grooves, they will make no material advancement, nor will they be able to exercise, any beneficial influence, political or otherwise, iv the interests of their common welfare. They can scarcely realize the power they would' possess through the agency of Farmers' Clubs. The advantages, both immediate and prospective, thereby secured would be incalculable. Look what has been achieved m Australia 1 The subject is an inexhaustible one, and one that should engage the heartiest cooperation of the whole agricultural community. The expense of inauguration and management would be a mere trifle, and, once established, the apparent usefulness and practical rssults achieved would surprise the members as well as the outside public. "Which district will be the first to make a move towards the desired end ?