The Oamaru Mail. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1880.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 25 November 1880, Page 2

The Oamaru Mail. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1880.

This settlers of " the Plains" are on the eve of taking a step in the direction of following the admirable example which America has set the agriculturists of the world in the matter of farmers' co-opera-tion —an example which the settlers around Ngapara essayed to imitate some time ago. A meeting of the Papakaio and Awamoko settlers is called for 4 p'clock to-morrow afternoon, at the 89kQolr

house, Papakaio, to discuss the desirableness of forming a Farmers' Olub for those districts. This action on the part of, the settlers of these important districts-; is\\aclear indication that they are. not ignorant of the benefits that arise from co-operation. In America cognate Agricultural Associations are as " numerous as blackberries," under the titles of " Granges" and "Patrons of Husbandry," &c. In that country they have been productive of results which have far exceeded the expectation;; of their promoters. But the inutility of attempting to attain the full benefits of such institutions by isolated action lias been conclusively demonstrated. -We lmye not far to trayel for an instance of this. The settlers of Ngapara eriergeticaliy atid praise worthily were the initiators of the co-operative agitation in this district. But the work is too important to admit of its being carried to a~ successful issue by what wa3 little more than individual action. The handful of Ngapara agitators might have created the necessary enthusiasm amongst themselves ; but, before the object they had in view, can be attained there must be a union of the settlers of every farming centre in the district. The issues are too mighty to be dealt with unkss strength be imparted by combination. . It would be cf little avail for the settlers of Ngapara, or, indeed, those of t( the Plains," to band themselves together to discuss co-operation, if co-operation. which implies unity and unanimity, could not be carried into effect by the establishment of an association consisting of the whole district, and not of any. one or tj?o, or even more, agricultural centres. We admit that some advantages would arise from small and isolated combinations for the purposes of meeting, say once a month, to compare notes and discuss cpvergationally questions such as cropping, harvesting, breeding, and the other thousand and one matters that appertain to their pursuits. But there are large questions such as labor, prices, railway tariffs, direct shipment, &c., that, although they might advantageously be discussed by the settlers of every" .centre, shpula be relegated to the arbitrament of representatives from every centre. The' settlers of Papakaio and Awamoko are to be congratulated upon their decision to face so grave a question as that which they will discuss to-morrow. The time has now arrived when it will admit of 110 further postponement. But wp trust that thpy will not be Igft, as were the Ngapara settlers, to attempt to fight the battle single-handed. We somehow think that they will not; but that from every centre they will meet with encouragement and substantial support.