PRODUCE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 551, 23 July 1920, Page 2

PRODUCE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

MEETING ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT

A meeting of produce growers of the Pukekohe district was held on Wednesday night in the Oddfellows' Hall. There were a fair number of farmers present.

Mr. J. Russell, the convener, was voted to the chair. In the course of his remarks he stated that if the growers had some kind of an association it would help them to get a good market and a fair price. As it is now, he continued, it looks as if the farmer will be squeezed out of existence.

At the conclusion he mentioned that he had invited Mr. Rosser, general manager of the grain ana pro- ] duce department of the Farmers' | Union Trading Co., Auckland, and also Mr. Russell as manager of the Pukekohe branch, to be present. Mr. I Rosser was then asked to address j the meeting. Mr. Rosser thanked all present in inviting him to be present at the first meeting of the Produce Growers' Association. He emphasised the fact that he would like to ensure the farmers that anything in his power to further their interests he would do so to the best of his ability. He then said it is only a few weeks ago since the Farmers' Union Trading Company had taken over the business of Mr. W. R. Roulston, and since then we have already made more provision towards the marketing of their produce for the ensuing season. The next move we intended to take was forestalled by yourselves, as it was also our intention to get the farmers of this district together and let you all know what had been done on your behalf; and also to further discuss with you generally the best ways and means of protecting your interests in the matter of your produce. We also congratulate you in endeavouring to form an association, in self-protec-tion of your interests, as it is only by such means of co-operation that you can meet with success in the fullest degree. Mr. Rosser then went on to say that he had just returned from a.trip extending over live weeks in which he had made a personal visit to all the principal merchants, and arranged channels for equal distribution of the produce throughout the country. Such in arrangement assured the farmer that orders would be regularly telegraphed, through which eventually would save the cost of handling, and distribution.

By this means of distribution which had been arranged the merchants' extra charge of handling and storage would be less, our expenses would be reduced to the minimum. This means we could organise and ensure you more even distribution. We have a good idea of the requirements throughout the country, and if we Had a list of all growers their area and quantity, and time yon intended digging, we could then keep in closer itouch wi ifh you and advise you what'best to do. It is not our intention to exploit the market. We aim at getting a price profitable to grower, and profitable to the buyer. Famine 'and gluts are caused through irregular supplies. It could be controlled by co-operating and working through one channel. Merchants are not pleased to see extremely low prices, because both factors react on them by restricted trade. Quality of Potatoes. You have already a great reputation which you must protect.othei wise your district will lose its fame, as will also your land lose its value. Mr. Rosser then stated the following:— '"Gentlemen you have the right of freedom and choice to do with your goods exact'y what you like. I have not come here to-night to dictate what you have to do. That is for you to decide yourselves. We are established in this town now to rentier you the best service we can, and feel sure the best way to handle your produce is through the one channel and one control. It is specially important in the matter of quality that vour interests be better protected. If all your potatoes went through the one channel, any inferior quality would be disposed of by auction." Mr. Rosser also pointed out that the progress and development of the Pukekohe branch depended just on the shareholders themselves. He hoped to soon see the additional buildings erected in which they could provide accommodation where they could all meet and discuss matters relative to their welfare. By this means they would be co-operating more thoroughly, and give their fel-low-growers the benefit of their experiences, etc., in growing, planting, digging, spraying, and whether they could improve the quality. At present there were quite a number objecting to the small size of the potatoes. Perhaps this was through growing the same vaiietv of seed year after jear, and the potato war, running out. Bigger yields might be obtained by a new variety or change of seed. He hoped they" could provide accommodation in the new building, and also keen them posted and informed of the various experiences, results, etc., of potato growing, and markets in all different parts of the world.

Mr. Russell was then asked to address the meeting. He said: "I thank you for the honour for having the privilege, but I cannot say very much more than Mr. Rosser hail previously uttered, but I assure all present that we are here to work in the interests of the farmer, and we are quite willing to prove our ability, and to do all in our power to protect your interests generally, as I feel confident that the arrangements made by the merchants of the country would place us in a far better position to handle their produce and to secure the best results.'' On the motion of Mr. Donald, seconded by Mr. Lyne, a vote of thanks was carried. Mr. B. Ryan moved that a ProdncSrowers' Association be formed. Thi: was seconded by Mr. Duffy, and em ried unanimously. Committee of Six. It vvrs decided that a committee oi six be formulated to set up the rules and regulations of the association, and to report to the next general meeting of growers. Yearly Subscription. On the motion of Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Duffy, it was carried that the subscription of the'associition be IDs yearly.

Election of Officers. The following officers wer'e elect ed: President. Mr. Russell: vieopcsident, Mr. Donald: secretary ami treasurer, Mr. Lytic. Committer. The following members were sele. ; ed as a committee of six: Me..,.. Ryan, Kowles, Hoddinotl. Cathen <• ■•, Heerdegen, Millar. Members of Association. The following are Viembers of the nssociatiaon:- Messrs. Russell, Ryan, Duffy, Donald, Rowles, O'Connor, Cronin, Gathercole, Lyne, Horrock-, Heerdegen, Nicholson, Sheppv, BoytgjjfeHar, and Insall. * W*\ ■ *