CLEVEDON.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 336, 7 December 1917, Page 1

CLEVEDON.

FARMERS AND CO-OPERATION By invitation of the Secretary of the Clevedon Branch of the Farmers' Union (Mr J. A. Gandy) a crowded audience put in an appearance at the Clevedon Hall on Wednesday, November 26th, to hear an address on •'Co-operation" given by Mr Logftn Donald, manager of the Farmers' Union Trading Co., Ltd. Mr Donald brought down a concert party of five of Auckland's well-known artists, viz: Miss Jessie Bartlett, Messrs Fred Bourke, Alan McElwain, Armiger and Fredß. Rayner. An exceptionally good programme was given, encores being called for after each item, which were most kindly given ' Mr Donald, in his address, stated that he hoped at the conclusion of his remarks his hearers would realise that co-operation as exemplified by the Farmers' Union Trading Company was something real, that it would mean an immense benefit to them individually and a very much bigger benefit to their children. He referred to the time some six years ago when the Farmers' Union held its first Executive meeting and asked if it had ever dawned upon them as to what prompted the action of the small but loyal, band of enthusiasts, who were labouring very staunchly in the cause of unionism amongst farmers ? Those men realised that unionism was just as necessary for the farmers of that province as it was necessary that they should farm their lands on scientific lines. The {present Trading Company, or rather the nuculeus of it, was a little wholesale Association, started by the Executive of the Farmers' Union. On the Board of Directors of the Company there were nine enthusiastic farmers, who were giving their very valuable time and ability to ensure the Trading Company being; a success. It was up to the farmers, as sensible • beings, to prove worthy of the big sacrifices the Directors were making by giving their whole-hearted support to the Company that was entirely controlled by farmers. A glance at the conditions governing the carrying on oj the Trading Company showed that the greatest care was taken at the time of this Company's inauguration to ensure the benefits being proportionately distributed and the Company was to-day a striking example of the truest form of co-opera-tion amongst farmers. It occupied the proud position of being one of the largest business houses in Auckland city, and the phenomenal growth that was in daily evidence made him (the speaker) quite confident that within a very short period of time it would be the largest concern in the North Island. Mr Donald was given a most attentive hearing and on the close of his address was loudly applauded. At the conclusion of the evening's entertainment light refreshments were provided for Mr Donald and his party, and for such of the audience as wished to partake, the refreshments having kindly been provided by the ladies of Clevedon. The evening was voted a great success, and it is trusted that it will be the forerunner of many similar pleasant functions.