CO-OPERATIVE AND FARMERS' ALLIANCE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 2845, 30 June 1891, Page 2

CO-OPERATIVE AND FARMERS' ALLIANCE.

About a dozen farmers met in the Temperance Hall last evening to hear the objects of the proposed Cooperative and Farmers Alliance further explained. The chair was occupied by Mr A. W. Renall, who briefly introduced Mr T. K. Macdonald, M.H.E., one of the promoters of the movement. Mr Macdonald referred briefly to the facilities at present afforded for the export of produce, to the charges made by merchants on account of shipments, and to the multifarious character of the expenses attached to the sales in London. The charges and rebates at present, when added together, would make a verv sub stantial profit. Th 9 cooperation of farmers would save the rebates and commission, and would _ pay all the expenses of a co-operative concern and leave a profit. This had been proved by figures. If this were not I so he would ask how did the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company and other large houses exist ? The whole of the profits were undoubtedly derived from the workers of the soil. He referred to a recent visit Home by Mr Gear, of the Gear Meat Co., who discovered that double commissions were being made in the London market on account, of New Zealand products. It was a fact that at preaent there was absolutely no justice done to New Zealand. This should be altered. The farmers should control their own products. Cooperation twenty-five years ago was a theory, but to-day it was a substantial fact. He then gave statistics of the progress of co-operation in the Old Country and made particular reference to its advance in Manchester. The present Association was desired to amalgamate the productions of the East and West Coast. The Association was not a Wellington one, and it was intended'that not a single director should be connected with Wellington merchants. The Association was to be worked entirely by country 1 settlers. An association was being! formed on the West Coast, the pro-i motors of which recognised the fact that they would sooner or later have | to amalgamate with this Association. The sales of products of farmers and the advancement of monies would be made at the smallest modicum of prfiot. If the thing was to be a success it would require to have a fair number of shareholders, the support of shareholders and townspeople, and the disassociation from other firms. The whole business would have to be worked by the shareholders themselves. If the settlers of the East Coast would combine together they would he an enormous power. They could regulate their freights both outside and in, and would hold the balance of power in many matters. They would have an enormous influence in seeking redress in any direction at the hands of the Government. The apathy which at present existed in opening up roads for settlers would be altered. He trusted the farmers of the district would assist the Association, which was absolutely necessary for their own interests, in every possible way. (Applause). Mr Coleman Phillips thought the time had come for the farmers of New Zealand to unita. It was not necessary to take a large interest in the Association. Anyone could assist by taking twp or three shares. The shares were fixed at £5, only £2 of which would be called up. It was a mistaken idea that the Association would injure storekeepers. He illustrated this fact by the working cf the Canterbury Association. It might slightly interfere with merchants, but he thought it quite time the farmers should unite. Several of the promoters had got faint hearted and retired, and the matter was left practically in the hands of the farmers. A difficulty had occurred in the promotion of a separate Association on the West Coast, but' he believed an amalgamation would eventually result, He did not think they would fail on the point of good management. He considered bigli interest killed the farmers ~ Wad that m the past too high and ben.. for thfl an interest had beeu r Vtr development of farms generally. ±>j this Association the high rate ot interest would be reduced. The excessive freight charges, which killed production, would be reduced, and efforts would be made co lessen the insurance rates. On the whole of these points it would be to their advantage to combine. He trusted the Association would prosper, (applause), Mr Benall spoke at some length, and expressed the opinion that with such a man as Mr Macdonald as promoter the movement could not help but succeed. He could not see why there should be any jealousy with the storekeepers. He hoped the farmers would combine together for their own goodMr Carman said farrners would like to know how the Association was going to procure advances at a low rate of interest. They would have at present to borrow money within the colony, but he thought .that by combination they could go to the London market and get it at -the lowest rate of intereet. Mr Macdonald said there was no reason in the world why they could not get money in the London market at something like five per cent. Through the country being controlled by banking and financial institutions it had hitherto been impossible to get cheap money. A hearty vote of thanks to Messrs Macdonald and Phillips concluded [the proceedings.