PROVINCIAL CO-OPERATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8354, 14 February 1913, Page 2

PROVINCIAL CO-OPERATION

EXTENSION OF EGG-CIRCLES. CORDIAL SUPPORT INVITED. While no definite announcement has been made public as to the exact nature of the movement, it is common knowledge among Wellington poultrymen that steps have been taken to try the possibilities of extending the oggcirclo movement in broadening tne scope of marketing operations by promoting a scheme that will assume a provincial character. It is understood that a draft prospectus, showing the nature, objects and capital required, has been submitted to, and accepted by, delegates representing the various egg-circles that look to Wellington for a market. A provisional directorate has been appointed and an active canvass instituted for the purpose of allotting the shares, which will be distributed among producers only. In the absence of any official statement regarding the details of the scheme it is of course premature to offer any specific remarks at this time, but should the rumour be correct that a company of producing poultry keepers is being formed —and the writer has every reason to believe that the few hints that have been dropped have some foundation in fact —then the promoters are to he heartily congratulated in having made a distinctly forward movement. It has been urged time and again by those who have no faith in the success of co-operation that any departure from the prevailing method of marketing is doomed to failure, and it is not difficult to find instances where co-operative movements have failed, hut in searching toi the reason why anticipated results have not materialised it is frequently found that lack of whole-hearted support by those in whoso interests tne venture was launched has been the stumbling block. It is perhaps, too much to hope that every producer will immediately subscribe to the movement that is now being shaped into working order, but, seeing that there are some of their number who are prepared to undertake the work of organisation and supply the cash put of their own pockets to test the initial venture, it is only reasonable to expect that they will be given some distinct measure of support in order that their enterprise may be fairly tried out. The gospel of co-operation has been preached very consistently for many years, ■ and the outcry for more systematic marketing is being followed by action, first by tho pioneering work of egg-circles, and now by a further advance toward provincial organisation. There are few who oppose the theoretical arguments for combined effort, but, unfortunately, many cooperative ventures have died a natural death because of differences in the management of the business or failure on the part of those who will be the gainers eventually to make some little sacrifice and extend consideration to those who are bearing tho brunt of the battle at the start. In years gone by well-meant attempts have been made in different centres throughout the country to create and maintain cooperative egg-distributing companies, and some assistance was provided by tho State, but for some reason or other no very tangible and lasting benefits resulted. ‘ Tho. promoters of the present project would be well advised to make careful inquiries as to the causes of failure in past efforts, and to safeguard themselves against a like occurrence in the future. The new company are up against many initial difficulties that will require the exercise of tactful management and no small amount of business knowledge, otherwise they can never hope to overcome the resistance and misgivings of those who do not see eye to eye with them now. So many other enterprises having a similar object have faded out after a meteoric existence that any person may be pardoned being sceptical when further projects are mentioned; nevertheless, tho “hope that springs eternal in the human breast” encourages tho beiiqi. in tho power of properly organised effort to overcome obstacles in the way of progress. If, when tho scheme oi tho present co-operative venture is made public, it is found to be reasonable and practicable, tho promoters will be entitled to general support both from the producer and the press, and this occasion is taken to bespeak a fair trial and the support of all concerned. '