WAIKAIO FARMERS' CLUB (HAMILTON BRANCH,)

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2933, 2 May 1891, Page 2

WAIKAIO FARMERS' CLUB (HAMILTON BRANCH,)

Till-; following is the concluding portion of Mr Dyer's paper on "Cooperation, as applied to Karmera," read at the meeting of the Waikato Farinors , Club ou Monday evening last :— Tha folluwing objects I vonturo to suggest as proper ones to keep in view:—(!). Uponing up fresh markets.— If the farmers in Waikato were formed into a union they would have every opportunity of doing this, which would bo quite beyond the power of individual farmers. The farm produce couid be consigned in larpe quantities by the union to places both in and out of the colony. Purchasers would find that instead of dealing with individuals they were dealing with u united body, and more favourable terms would bo secured. As the union grew it could in tune have a representative in places in which it seemed advisable to trade, who would represent the interests of the union. In trying foreign markets and placing our productions in other countries the uniun would discharge a most important function. (2). Better and larger volume of production.—This could be obtained by purth ising manures, seeds, and other necessaries through tho union. Modem appliances in agriculture and the advantages that can be obtained through a

knowledge of agricultural chemistry could also be secuied. Further than this, the young men who desired to follow a pastoral life could in time, through the means of the union, approach the study ol their work in an intelligent and scientific manner. In thus securing the latest and most reliable information in agriculture, the volume and power of production would bo increased and the class of produce iin proved. (.1). Obtaining the best prices for produce.—lt would be the business of the union to watch the markets in different parts of the world, and bo able to .supply its members with reliable information. 1 believa it would be to tho advantage of every meinbor to sell his produce, of whatever kind, through the union. L£ purchasers of farm produce had to deal with all the farmers in a district combined and acting together instead of dealing villi individual men, far more favourable terms could be obtained for the vendors. The onion could take a stand which few farmers would bo capable of taking single-handed, and would secure for its members what few of them have obtained in the past—a fair price for what they produce. (4). The resistance of monopolies.—What. I have said under the previous.; heading will apply in a great measure to this. If millers and puielnsers of moat and farm produce generally combine for tho purpose of forcing farmers to sell their produce for less than it is worth, the only course open to farmers is to combine to resist them. If they do not do so they will be crushed. In time past farmers have simply been sacrificed by rings, which have forced them into >ollui£ their produce at a loss. This tho farmers should resist at all hazards. Unity gives strength, strength gives confidence, and confidence commands success, (f>). To mark the course of political events affecting the farming interests. —This I regard as an important function of a farmers' union, but it should be kept strictly within bounds, It would be a great mistake to allow the unions to tie made electioneering grounds by unscrupulous candidates, ljut there are political questions on which farmers have a right to be heard, and which, therefore, they have a right to discuss. Questions affecting the tenure of land, the imposition of a Laud Tax, the Customs tariff, and railway management come fairly within their province. In time, no doubt, the unions of the colony would be affiliated together, and any expression of opinion coining from the farming community thus combined would command attention and respect, (ft). Reuderin? temporary financial aid to

any member deserving of it. —In the early stages nf the union this would bp probably out of the question, but in course of time as thu union became, possessed of capital lam convinced it could render substantial assistance in this direction. It is absolutely cruel that a man should be forced to at:ll his produce at the wrong time and at less than its value because he cannot obtain a little liiuneial assistance. People are soon found who will bring pressure to boar mi him in order to force him to part with his substance. He is thus robbed of the just reward of his industry. Farmers i,hoiild make common cause against such unscrupulous action. You will observe that I have briefly touched on six objects that could in some di-grse be attained by farmers taking co-operative action. It would be easy to write a paper on any one of them, and T have done little more than mention them to-night. Other points suggest th-jirselves, but I feel I would exhaust your patience were I to continue much further. I will, therefore, endeavour to state shortly what action it seems to me practicable for the farmers in this district to take. I would strongly advocate that a farmers' union bo formed with the.se sketched objects in view. It would, however, be most unwise to act hurriedly acd without due consideration. 1 would suggest that all possible information should be obtained from similar uuions and co-opera-tive associations. Farmers' unions are being worked to advantage in other parts of the colony—why not, then, in Waikato ? When all the available data has been collected, a proper constitution should be framed clearly setting forth Mm objects of the union and tho rights and liabilities of members. It would be, in my opinion, of paramount importance that the scope of operations of the union should be stated in the most unequivocal terms, to which the management should strictly adhere. Many associations, which have prospered when confined to their proper sphere, have been ruined by launching out into schemes quite beyond their province. Let ns pioh't by experience. Again, it is important to begin in u small way. It is very to expand when circumstances warrant tiie expansion. The days of plunging are, I would hope, at au end. To begin iu a small way, to be prompt in seotleineut, to keop out of debt, and to keep faith with every nun are the surest safeguards to success. Thus, gentlemen, has it been my endeavour to bring under your notice in a necessarily imperfect form what I conceive to be the leading principles of co-operation as applied to farmers. Some things are impossible and beyond human power, but the impossibilities of hfa are far fewer than we imagine. Difficulties fought against and overcome, wrongs sternly rebuked, the cause of justice fearlessly upheld, and the path of tfuty trodden with firm unfaltering step load meu on to victory. Mr Dyer was loudly applauded at tho conclusion of his paper, aud the chairman said that they were much iudebled to Mr Dyer for his valuable paper, and he thought that if they followod up tho suggestions contained therein that they would benefit to a very great extent, and that thair standing as farmers would bo much improved. xV very animated and interesting discussion then followed in which Messrs Baraugh, Riineiman, Graham, Hibbsand others took part. C.iptain Runciman remarked that as it was getting late, he would propose a vote of thanks to Mr Dyer for his splendid paper which had led to such a long discussion, and he had no doubt much good would result from it. Mr Hiobs seconded the motion, which was carried uunnimously.

Mr Dyer returned thanks taying he was much obliged for the kind attention paid him. It was a big subject, and one that would expand to an unlimited extent. The combmatiou would some, aud with special legislation he felt satisfied that farmers would benefit to a very great extent.

Mr IJarugh promised to read a paper on "The Adulteration of Manures" at the next meeting, which will ba held on Monday May JJth. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting.