FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1916, Page 7

FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.

MEETING AT STRATFORD. A meeting of those interested in the formation of a branch of the Farmers' Co-operative Society was held at the Foresters' Hal] on 'Saturday afternoon. There was a good attendance of farmers, over 100 being present. Mr. Marfcli occupied the chair, and said, he had much pleasure in introducing to tin meeting Mr. M. J. Lynsky, the general manager of the Association. He stressed the value of cooperation, and could see no reason whv the Stratford fanners could not secure the snmv measure of support as had followed the formation of branches in other parts of the province. He was sure that the society, if started, would receive generous support. Mr. Buckeridge, a director, and who initiated the Farmers' Co-operative Society, addressing the meeting, said he had no lesire to take up much time, but he was pleased to see the new manager, Mr. Lynskcy, pushing forward his scheme of making the co-operative business a b : g concern throughout Tnranaki. He fully believed in the principle, and to those who were not shareholders, he appealed to join straight away. He then illustrated the usual methods of financing farmers with stock. A man taking up-one share in the co-operative society obtained the fullest possible profits at the' least possible cost. To enanle the cooperative society to buy on tilt best terms was to buy in large quantities and for cash. To do this they munt have increased capital, and farmers, if they considered the matter closely, would realise the value, objecl;3, and benefits of the society. To make larger profits, larger rebates, larger bonuae3, they must make their business stronger. It zested entirely with the farmers as to whether the.company would form a branch here. Farmers should not ask for an impossibility, but they (the society) had been working for two years and had established branches in severaltowns. He believed the present meeting was the beginning of nviny more in this direction, and the establishment would bo for the bent-fit of the district. He did not think the society would ever go to the wall, but whatever the result it rested with the farmer. He appealed to those present to take as many shares as they could afford. If they worked on those principles they would do well. They were taking a bold step in coming into Stratford, but they be'ieved the farmers would rally round the society and see it set going on a firm footing Mr. Lynskey, in opening his address, stated that the. history of tin co-opera-tive system opened in the Old Country in 1885. The sale 3 then aggregated £31,305,920, while in 1910, the latent year, they aggregated £105,717,099. The number of co-operative societies was 1582 and membership 2,434,085, and share capital £9,870,198. Sdej in 1907 were £105,71-7,699. Co-operation in Canterbury was then reviewed. The movement wa9 started by Mr. Charles Ensor, the father of the movement in New Zealand. In 1881, he called them together and at Christchnrch decided to start a co-operative society. The merchants had a great monopoly. Retailor.) resented tlu. introduction - of co-opera tive concerns. The capital of the branch of the company of which ho was manager in tht first year amounted to '£7BSB, second year £20,310, and for the present year '£29,050. Since then it had increased roughly by £6OOO. In- the early days of the system the farmers were not well up in business matters, and frequently the farmers were run by the merchants. That had become a thing of the pa3t. He instanced a company that started off with £230, and the net profit was £l7O, The next year showed a profit of £741, the next year was not eo good, but '£455 was the, profit. Thus, a small institution was brought along, until a few years back the figures were '£1342, and now the latest value to-day was £4.442.350, and f he net profit £08,389. They had paid a bonus J 5 per cent., and the net profit indicated 81 per cent. Figures were .'.lso shown illustrating th* growth of the local society, They were moving ahead, but it was necessary to secure more capital. They had purchas ,d yards in various districts. He maintained that excellent progress had been made. Substantial yards had been built in Inglewood. They had started stores* at Eitham and Opunake, and he was pleased tc say that all these concerns were payable businesses. The co-operative concern was a busines? concern for the farmer. He would like to ask farmers what other firm would give them a bpnus on their purchase, and a rebate on their commission, etc. The reason why they could not come sooner was difficulty in- getting yards, etc This had, been overcome, and shortly they hoped to have an office and stores going. Mr. TJniacke, well known in Stratford, would look after their interests. j Mr. Fryday asked Mr. Lyr.nkey how many shares no (Mr. Fryday) held in the concern. The manager could not say. Mr. Fryday: Tt does not matter. As my bonuse. come to hand 1 send them back and take up the value in shares (Applause). Ho was quite satisfied with the system and requested that his shares be increased hy five. Mi. Barlcyman stated he had been a co-opcrativo man for many years, and had taken shaves in the Cheal road factory. He thought they should do a lot of canvassing, and was sure they would obtain good support. Mr. Marfell said they should round and get shares. He lvid not the slightest doubt that the society should have no difficulty in pushing ahead at Stratford. Ho had been a shareholder for IS months, and was well satisfied with results. We were well served here They must look at the prospect all round. They had carried a lot of commission agents, land agents, and auctioneers on their back.". (A voice: "And you are going to have more!") Possibly that might be so, but they must recognise that the society would grc-atly assist those becoming members. A few more questions were asked, aftei which the chairman proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Lynskey for attending and explaining details to the meeting. A shuilar compliment to the concluded the meeting. Seen after Jic meeting Mr. Lyr.r.key expressed himself as well pleased with the attendance of farmers, nnd the measure of support promised ihe society. The first sale will be he'd at their yards, late. Webstei, Dobson'r end Co., on Tuesday. GENERAL. The chairman (Mr. R. Masters), r.:id Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., of the Taranaki Education Board, had a busy day yesterday. They made tht journey al.most round the mountain, inspecting 3jie following schools: —Awatuna, Te 4Rm, MarnKfiume. lhaia. Ommakc, Kina,

Rahotu, Fungarehu, nnd Oaonui. All the F-cliools were found to be in good order and no complaints were made at any of the buildings inspected. A fitting of the Court here yesterday absoibed nearly three hours. The presiding justices were Messrs. J. Mc-Clng-gagc and J. W. Boon, and the oaso one of assault. The contending parties were Edward Hull and Joseph Keller, fanning on the Pembioke road. Mr. Trnhy King represented tlie plaintill', whilst Keller's solicitor was Mr. Co.'eman. The charge was one that Keller had assaulted one, Roland Bull, a seven-year-old son of prosecutor, by knocking him down, pulling his ears and kicking him. .Several witnesses were heard, and at the close, of the evidence the justices dismissed the information, each party to pay his own costs. In conversation with the Stratford County Council engineer, Air, W. J. Lopdell, he informs me. that the west riding suffered the most from the recent storms. The Opunake road in one place had disappeared through gully slippings and culvert blocking. In two places the slips were bad, but the roadmen would he able to effect repairs shortly. The weather moderating would allow .them to push on necessary repairs.

Visible evidence )f the state of the railway "out beyond" was shown by the Whangamomona train thin afternoon Two engines were engaged, and the first one had the cowcatcher and front of the engine . literally plastered with "Whar.ga" clay. Evidently the engine had pushed through several inches of mud and slush en route to Stratford.

Constable Tizzard. of Timaru, who succeeds Constable McCowan, arrived last night. The Tahora-Tatu Telephone League have communicated with the Stratford Chamber at Commerce asking the latter'G co-operation in pushing on the request to the Government for telephone extension. Mr. Richards, as president, will press the matter before the Post-master-General when he visits Wellington this month. The Methodist Schoolroom on Thursday evening was well filled, the occasion being the fare welling of Private Jack Clemow. During the evening the Mayor, Mr. J. W. Boon, and Mr. J. Masters' made speeches testifying to the good qualities of Private Clemow and wishing him a safe return. Rev. R. B. Tinsley also expressed appreciation at Private Clemow's decision to go to the front, and on behalf of the congregation presented him with a safety razor and auto-strop. Several songs and other items were contributed by the ladies who also supplied some tasty refreshments.

The railway communciution between Stratford and Whangamomona was resumed to-day. A train arrived at YVhangamomona at 1 p.m. and left almost immediately on the return trip to Stratford, which enabled Whangamomona passengers to join the usual 3,30 p.m. train to Now Plymouth. The slip at the Whangamomona tunnel occurred after the train had gone through on Wednesday, but the debris has since been removed sufficiently to allow traffic to be resumed.