FARMERS’ CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144430, 18 July 1914, Page 6

FARMERS’ CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATE.

MARKETING OF DAIRY PRODUCE.

MEETINGS AT INGLEWOOD. Several of llie directors of the 1 antlers* Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand, Ltd., wnich is operating chiefly in the Hawera district, lielu two meetings at Inglewood on Lriday* ''The chairman of directors (Mr. 0. H. Buckeridgp) presided, and other directors nresent wore: Messrs. J. I*. Comgan, *i). Todd, W. Skcdgwell and W. Jones. , ~ . . in the morning they hold a private conference with between sixty ancl seventy directors of co-operative dairy companies working in the district. All. Buckcndgo addressed the gathering on the proposal of the society handling the dairy produce, more particularly with regard to improving the method distribution on the Horne markets. Alter discussing the project the following resolution, similar lo that carried previously at Opunake, was passed unanimously: “That tliis meeting is of the opinion that something should be done to improve the condition of the marketing of our dairy produce, and that it be a recommendation irom this meeting to the committee formed at Palmerston North, that it should amalgamate with the Farmers* Organisation so as to have only one company for the purpose. 5 *

SALE YARDS AT INGLEWOOD. At. the afternoon meeting there was an attendance of over 100 farmers. Mr. Buckoridgo addressed the gathering. He traced the history of the association since its formation, showing that although he was not in a position lo definitely disclose the .figures, remarkably good business was being done. Before yards could be established in. the , Inglewood district, and. that was the chief business the meeting had to consider. there would have lo be at least £SOOO worth of capital subscribed in the neighbourhood. At the present Lime there were 300 shares at -Inglewood, 50 at Midliirst and 60 at TJrenui, representing £4IOO, leaving a shortage of 00 shares. He spok© oi the advantages of joining and supporting the association. In the matter of the'purchase of requirements any profit that was made was returned into the pockets of shareholders in the shape of interest on share capital and bonuses on purchases put through during the year. He instanced the supplying of manures and slag where savings could have beon made, and said it was not proposed to cut prices, as that was not sound'business. Yards , would bo established at Inglewood as soon as the necessary support was forthcoming to warrant the business- being conducted bn sound lines. Reverting to the working of the company, ho said.no company had boon started in New Zealand so far that had been able to show such a fine result as this. The Taranaki; district was absolately the best in. New Zealand for a society of this. sort. It was the most closely populated, the people were wealthier per capita, and there was a groat body of men educated in running co-operative concerns. He spoke of the -unprecedented successes at Christchurch, Hamilton and Whangarei, and then went on to refer in strong terms to the want of organisation among the farmers in their business transactions. The fanner's business was essentially a manufacturer’s business done under three headings, vis., purchase, manufacture arid sale, and ho proved very conclusively how little the farmers were combined to help themselves, and how necessary it was to organise. • One of the canvassers' announced that he had ten shares to add to the list, making the number still wanted 80. . ■ After several appeals to those present the required number was subscribed in the room, and the,assurance was given that tho yards would •be established. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Messrs. Buckeridgo and Corrigan for having attended.