THE PROJECTED CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1828, 25 March 1884, Page 2

THE PROJECTED CO-OPERA-TIVE ASSOCIATION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— The promoters of the North New Zealand Co-operative Association, or rather the provisional diiector^, meet again on the 27th. At the Ohaupo sale, on the day following the public meeting, it was the theme of general conversation, and from the opinions expressed, mostly favourable, it had evidently evoked considerable interest 111 the minds of the settlers. This is saying a good deal, as the fanner, as a rule, is hard to move. At the same time, however, that the movement was looked upon ab a step in the light direction, the proposal about a number of depots was universally condemned, and the aiguments adduced against this part of the scheme wei c, I think, unassailable. After eiectmg, say -seven or eight depots, how much of the £5000 capital would be left, and if to get over this difficulty a bank ovenh.ift were arranged for, what percentage of profit would be left to divide after paying salaries to your mana gers or storekeeper-*, or whatever you like tn call them. This aspect of the scheme is sufficient to damn it at once in the minds of anyone who chooses to consider it for a moment. The promoters will be wise in being guided by the advice of Mr Newlaud, who was very decided upon this question. Keep, he said, your capital free ; do not lock it up in unavailable assets. It was also advanced by the same gentleman, I forget if at the meeting, or in one of his letters, that the bnsinpss must be managed from Auckland. In this, too, I think, he was perfectly right. To add weight to this — the Canterbury association having been quoted as a successful institution — I am in a position to know that they work their institution from one central depot, with a manager and one or two clerks, and a storeman, and when at ceitain seasons a press of work comes on, such as cleaning of grass seed, &c, outside labour is obtained. To sum the matter up, there appears to be a slight, though not necessarily a serious diffeience of opinion amongst the promoters, some of whom have in view the scope of the English institutions carried on in the midst of a dense population. Now, the one befoie us is a fanners' institution, and I contend that it is not necessary that retail shops should be placed within easy reach of every homestead. Wheie the farmers' inteiests require to be more particularly guarded is in the pin chase of their seeds, implements and manures, and in providing markets foi their product^. Therefore, I contend the management upon this basis must be conducted from Auckland, and theie will be no necessity for any branch establishments until time and experience shall prove their want and deteimine their positions. — I am, etc., Farmer. Ohaupo, March 22, 1884.

TO THK EDITOR. Sat, — When in Cambiidge a day or two since, I heard that Mr Forrest, one of the piovisional directors of the pioposed Farmers' Co-opeiative Association, was pushing most oneigetically for support, and was meeting with much success. Ido not know how it is, but tbeie seems to be a want of go on this side of the country. I have not heaid of any active canvass hereabouts by the provisional duectois appointed for this side of the country ; but, having realised the boneht» of co-operation before, I trust thef.umeis in tins neighbourhood will be united, and, if not canvassed, that they will take cure to send in their applications foi sliaies before the ne\t meeting, so that the lepioach of being blind to their own interest-, in ly not rest upon them on this occasion, — I am, etc., I'jiKNiioor. Teßahu, Maich24, 1881.