THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION.

Northland Age, Volume 24, Issue 49, 2 April 1925, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION.

ITS SUCCESS IN THE NORTH. HELPING THE FARMER TO HELP HIMSELF. I lie North Auckland Farmers* Cooperative Ltd is another illustration ot the results to be obtained by co-operative principles properly applied. The history of this enterprising organisation is one of steady progress, brought about by a genuine desire to assist the people in the district, and the success that has attended its efforts may be gauged front the fact that it is to-day the most powerful - ers’ co-operative organisation in North Auckland. With its head office at Whangarei its ramifications extend from Auckland to the North Cape, thus serving the out-back settler with as much efficiency as if does the man within town boundaries. The N. A. Farmers activities coveravery wide field. Produce, machinery, farm implements, motor cars, live stock, land, insurance, groceries—practically all the requirements of the farmer and general community. Modern premises are erected at Auckland, Whangarei, Dargaville, Warkworth, Kaikohe, Helensville and Kaitaia with saleyards and agents in all chief centres.

Like all farming organisations the N. A. F. Ltd suffered from the general depression following the war, but has rapidly gained headway again, needs the whole-hearted of the farmers to make it oue-f#tlte greatest mutual organisati .is in the Dominion. Careful management and judicious investments are placing the organisation in an enviable position, and the farmer is rapidly realising that co-operation means control of sales and purchase. The indirect benefits accruing to the farmer are not always recognised. It must be conceded that such organisations stabilise prices and if the Farmers Co-op has done nothing else, it has justified its existence by its success in this direction alone.

THE KAITAIA BRANCH. The N. A. Farmers’ Co-op has made a place for itself since commencing in Kaitaia in 1917 and has launched out in many directions, carrying all the firms’ agencies. The individual members of the firm are thoroughly experienced in the branches under their special care and their energy and business qualities are appreciated by the large clientele. MOTORS AND MACHINERY. The firm has secured the agency for the leading makes of cats, tru ks and machinery, including the famous Hupmobile and Dodge cars (and trucks) and the Rugby (winner of the big event at the A. A. A. motor sports recently). These cars are worth investigating and anyone contemplating a purchase should call on the Farmers’ and ask for a demonstration. No motor business is complete without a full stock of accessories and here the firm is again to the fore, specialising in tyres. The machinery agencies include Massey Harris implements and machinery, P and D Duncan implements, Alfa Laval, Domo and Viking separators, Lister and Wolseley Engines and Shearing machines and Kensington milking machines. Other agencies are: Hudson’s concrete boilers and chimneys, Dominion cord, vacuum cup and Pulmatt motor tyres, Cooper’s sheep and cattle dips, Royal benzine irons, Locketeal, N. Z. Insurance Co., etc. LAND AND STOCK DEPARTMENT.

The Stock Dept is in charge of Mr. R. H, Watson who has had extensive experience in this line. The organisation of the Farmers’ is second to none, buyers being Drought ft ont all parts of the Dominion, During the past three years the local firm has worked up a trade wtth the South Island by buying rams in big lots and bringing them to the North at a minimum cost. The farmer benefits by the importation of these purebred strains. Over sixty rams have been imported this year already, including Romneys, Lincolns, English Leicesters, Corriedales and Southdowns. The firm also buy stock for the freezing works. Stock sales are conducted regularly in all parts of the district and special attention is given to clearing sales. Hide and skin sales are held fortnightly in Auckland and wool sales in season. Mr. A. F. McKenzie is the firm’s stock and goods agent at Kohukohu. The land department is also kept busy as the list of properties indicates. This list contains all classes of town and farm properties, which vary in price and acreage, and cannot fail to meet most of the requirements of the day. These include quite a number of small farm properties, lor which this district is so admirably suited. The firm is in constant touch with other branches of the Farmers’ Co-op and purchases may be facilitated in other districts at a minimum of trouble and expense to buyeis. At the Kaitaia branch a feature is made of groceries, hardware, produce, manures etc., this department being under the supervision of Mr, A. E. Hollay, who guarantees that the department isequipped to meet all calls made upon it. _jThe firm is out to do business as agents for the N. Z Insurance Co, fire, accident maiine and motor cats (alt policies).

By its enterprise and energy the Fanners Co-op is worthy of all success, and the organisation can justly claim to u IHE FARMERS’ FRIENP.”