WAIKATO FARMERS' CLUB.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 801, 10 November 1900, Page 2

WAIKATO FARMERS' CLUB.

XAUWIIAItK BRANCH. As Mr Guest, the chairman of this branch is seriously ill with inflammation of the lungs, Mr A. Ramsay (vice-chair-man) presided at the ordinary meeting, held ou Monday evening last. The Clu'irinau bi ought up the question of fertilizers aud said if the " club " was to be really useful it should take steps to get manures at a cheaper rate for members. At present farmers were paying far more for their requirements than there was any need for and there was a great waste of money under the present system, which all came from the farmers' pockets. If instead of buying retail lots, as at present, and in consequence beiut; compelled to pay stoiage and handling charges of the merchants, it would be far better for farmers to look ahead and order in advance as a Combined body. By this means the cost would be reduced by an enormous extent. If the farmers of each district had to give their orders for manures through the branch secretaries, who in turn would pass them on to the central secretary, the latter eculd get price lists, as well as the analysis of the fertilizers, from manure manufacturers and merchants. As the order would be for several hundred tons, there should be a great saving as compared with retail buying out of store or from canvassers. If a list of buyers, and the quantity each required, was furnished tomerchant, a net cash price could be fixed, and any faimern wanting termscould make their own arrangements for [laying interest. During the discussion which followed on the Chairman's proposal, all agreed that, by giving a combined order well in advance there should be a great saving, as the merchant would be able lo buy well for a start aud he would have no stock left on his bauds. A motion was unanimously carried "That iu the opinion of this branch of the Farmers' Club the time has arrived when some steps should be taken by farmers, as a body, to obtain manure ut a reduced rate, and that the Cambridge branch be requested to refer the question to the different branches of the Club." Two papers were read ou •' Breeding of hacks and remounts" and, during the discussion which followed, members generally agreed that to be profitable brood mares should be big enough to do their share of farm work. The writers of the papers received votes of thanks.