The Southland Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1870.

Southland Times, Issue 1289, 5 August 1870, Page 2

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1870.

We have before us the prospectus of an association entitled "The Southland Farmers' Association." The list of promoters embraces the names of a number of townspeople interested in the prosperity of agriculturists, in addition, to those of some of our most enterprising farmers. The designation of the society will suggest the object in view, but it may be explained that it proposes to afford farmers facilities for that cooperation which, as we have repeatedly urged, is more necessary to their success than any extraneous assistance they might obtain. The scheme should therefore commend itself to the acceptation of those, for whose benefit it has been originated, and no doubt it will meet with their unanimous support. It is no very far-fetched conclusion to say that the provincial system of government has bred in the community a propensity for splitting itself up into innumerable petty little sections. On the slightest provocation, and regardless of any consideration save that of " independent existence," any section of the people will divide itself into a number of pretentious little coteries, having great aims, but powerless to carry them out. Thus in Invercargili alone there are numerous societies for analogous purposes, each with its " claims upon the public," and each liberally supported, but all failing to accomplish the object of their creation, or any other good purpose. In the country districts also, there have not been altogether wanting symptoms of this tfuicidal jdiaposition. The Western District, vaunts its own importance, broods over neglects [real or fancied, and forthwith regards ,t£e jEast as its natural enemy. The Eastern District reciprocates the jealousy, and the

Northern regards both with suspicion. This mania for multiplying " local | centres," and erecting " separate institu---tions " for every department of mundane affairs, may be comparatively harmless, if not positively beneficial, in thickly peopled countries, but in a- young, struggling, and thin community. like this it is absolutely ruinous. Log-rolling is an ugly feature in politics, but it is both pleasant to . contemplate and essential to success in industrial pursuits, under the circumstances in which we are placed. Our " log " is heavy and awkward enough to require at once united skill and strength on the part of the people, and as the agricultural class is that on which all others in this district depend, we hail with pleasure any scheme which courts their concentrated effort. The prospectus alluded to will no doubt be widely circulated m the course of a few days, and -our readers will then be able to digest seriatim its propositions, but in the meantime it will nojb be out of place to acquaint them with its main features. The first paragraph of the document, which indicates broadly the scope and aim of the Association, reads thus: — " The want of a market for farm produce, and of some proper arrangement for collecting produce in quantity, where it might be inspected in bulk by intending purchasers, and where advances at reasonable interest might be obtained, has long been felt in Southland and other provinces of New Zealand. In Canterbury alone has any attempt been made to form such companies* and many of the farmers and producers in Southland, feeling that we must help ourselves if we hope to progress, have determined to form themselves into an Association to supply the wants above indicated, and now severely felt." The promoters think it desirable that all classes of the community should be enabled to join the -undertaking, and have therefore determined to issue small shares. The capital is proposed at £10,000, in 2000 £5 shares, the calls to be at the rate of 5s per share, and not oftener than monthly. ~ In the event of operations being extended, and the capital increased by new shares, original shareholders are secured a preference. The chief purpose of the Association will be, by making advances on grain and other produce held in stock, to secure to the producer sales being effected at favorable opportunities in the market, instead of his being forced, as heretofore, to sell as necessity, rather than the price ruling, might" dictate. By cooperation it is anticipated the cost of transport will also be materially lessened as, "when grain is collected in bulk, a vessel can be chartered at lowest freight to ship it by." The introduction of agricultural machinery at the lowest possible cost will also have attention ; and farmers will be encouraged to try the cultivation of .other crops in addition to those now commonly grown, such as "sugar beet, chicory, hemp, rape, and other oil-bearing plants." The manufacture of sugar, spirits, and starch will likewise be encouraged ; and the important question of a supply of suitable labor will not be neglected. Literature itself has not been overlooked by the prompters, who propose to supply, members with such publications as the l?armet f B. Magazine ak the home prices ; and in addition intend to encourage the writing of short essays on subjects relating to the Association. The profits "accruing from storage of grain and produce, commissions on sales, profits on malt, pearl barley, &c., interest on loans and advances, will be divisible amongst the shareholders." The scheme is perfectly feasible in itself, has an excellent ! object in view, and if properly managed, cannot fail of doing much good. To give |it strength enough, however, to accomplish anything like what has been jrtated, it would require to be countenanced by the farmers of the entire province.