Tuapeka Times. AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISER. SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 1889. "MEASURES, NOT MEN" THE GRAIN-BAG QUESTION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume 26, Issue 157, 26 January 1889, Page 2

Tuapeka Times. AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISER. SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 1889. "MEASURES, NOT MEN" THE GRAIN-BAG QUESTION.

Meetings on tbe grain-bag question bave lately been held in several of the more important agricultural centres throughout Otago. The determination o£ the farmers at these meetings to persist in agitating for a change in tbe system is obvious enough, and the tone of the meetings indicates very clearly^ that they are fully cognisant of the injustice they are seeking to remove; but beyond this little can be said. Their organisation is not perfect ; there is no community of interest between the different districts or, ! indeed, between the farmers themselves ; and where these conditions are absent, success, it may be relied upon, is far off. Earners' clubs, no more than trades unions, cannot expect to have their grievances redressed or anomalies removed without themselves giving some proof of a willingness to sacrifice a little ; for it -may be relied upon that something more than mere argument and the minuting of resolutions are necessary to convince the grain merchants. Action and cohesion are what is wanted. At the same time, jt_should not be forgotten that the condition of farmers during the past few years was not of a character to inspire a man with the spirit of combativeness. Though against that view it might be urged that men are never too poor to strike for their rights — never so weak as to submit to injustice. At all events, the situation is rapidly changing, and there is now a well-founded prospect of a long stretch lof agricultural prosperity. Under such circumstances, there is no excuse any longer to shirk the fray. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the public meeting to be held at Waitahuna this evening under the auspices of the local farmers' Club will take a broad and comprehensive view of the question, sink individual considerations, and adopt the only course that can lead to success. If this is done, depend upon it all the other clubs will rally, and there will be victory all along the line. If it is seriously intended to alter the present system, something decisive will have to be done ; &nd the longer it is postponed the stronger becomes the position of the merchants. What is required here is the Canterbury system — the system in vogue in this province five years ago. But as for that, the issue is quite plain between the farmers and the merchants ; the stage of explanation is long since passed; action of a bold and decisive nature is now required ; and we bave no doubt but the farmers of the Waitahuna district will be quite equal to the occasion.