THE UTILITY OF FARMERS' CLUBS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1851, 17 May 1884, Page 2

THE UTILITY OF FARMERS' CLUBS.

TO J'HK EDITOR. Sift,— Now that the advantages of cooperation are acknowledged by the settlers of Waikato, it can hardly be doubted that the principle which has been recognised as advantageous in one department of our dealings, will come to be introduced and found, equally so in otheis. If farmei.s find it beneficial to combine commercially they can hardly fail to find it equally as much, socially. The success which is at present attending the efforts of the Tamahere Farmeis' Club is an illustration of what can be effected by institutions of this nature if conducted and carried on on a proper basis. This club started in an exceedingly quiet way; it germinated into its present flourishing existence without the usual flourish of trumpets, calling of meetings, erection of expensive buildings, and the trouble of raising the necessary money for the same, and now its influence is beginning to be felt in several matters of infinite interest to the farming community. My present object is not merely to eulogise the club referred to, but simply to point out to the farmers of the many other populous districts in Waikato the advisableness of combining in a like manner for the promotion of their interests and social advancement. Not only are such clubs an advantage so far as the combination of their members is concerned— not only can they make their individual influence felt — but in matters of general interest to the entire farming community the several clubs can combine in achieving any end which it has been deemed advisable to secure, and which under ordiuary, or, I might say present circumstances, could not be effected. With a number of farmeis' clubs throughout the country a very influential and irresistable combination could always be brought to bear on all matters of material interest ; whereas, all the disjointed efforts of individuals would be unavailing. Take for instance the question of selling cattle by real weight. Farmers individually may pro.test to no end against what they conceive to be an injustice in this respect ; but what reply will they receive to their protestations beyond the indefinite and unsatisfactory "The proposal cannot possibly be entei-tained," "Circumstances of a very decided character are against it," &c, &c., and so here the matter rests. But if the entire community combine as one mzri, and say positively u Wq are tired $ t^jg, and

object to it ; our remedy ii so ami so, and we require yon to accede," then their demand instead of being passively ignored, would be willingly entertained, and combination would have been tho cause. I notice with satisfaction that the Tamahere Club is taking a definite stand in this matter, and in this, as well as in every other matter which concerns the welfare of the farmer, we hope to see them supported by all others in a like manner interested. To successfully start a farmers' club, as is evident from the saccess which has attended the one whose efforts I have just noticed, it is not indispensable that a large .and sumptuous establishment should be erected and maintained after the style of the late club at Cambridge. A schoolroom, a district court-house, such as those at Te Awamutu and Alexandra, would suit very well for holding evening assemblies, say once a week, the subscription being sufficiently large to ensure the accumulation of a fund which in time could be used for building purposes. The Tamahere Club, though not so fxtensivo as could be desired, has been started on a very simple, but, nevertheless,, permanent and healthy basis, and may be taken as an example of what can be done, even in a small wny. Enthusiasm, more thau money, is required ; for even with money, if indifference instead of enthusiasm is betrayed, nothing in the way of success will ever be achieved. There is auoher object which the organising of a number ot fanners' clubs throughout the district would tend to successfully promote, and that is the holding of agricultural shows at th«! various centres in succession. It could be mutually arranged between the clubs where the show each year be held— a sort of order could be fixed by a representative committee — » and whatever might thus be fixed upon should be approved of and supported by all. The past has been characterised with far too much apathy in these matters, but now that the benefits of combination are gradually becoming apparent, I hope to see the principle more generally and extremely applied,.— I am, &c, Co-orEKATiox.