CO-OPERATIVE DAIRYING

Waikato Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2588, 24 August 1922, Page 5

CO-OPERATIVE DAIRYING

SOME PLAIN STATEMENTS VALUE OF CO-OPERATION In a letter to the Waikato Times re-' cently, under the signature of .Mr P. Cleary, of Eototuna, the writer sets forth some plain, straightforward statements regarding the principles of co-operation that are well worthy of re-printing. For instance, at the commencement of his letter, Mr Cleary says:—Much has been written and more said re the attempt of’proprietary companies to undermine—and if possible wreck—ilio work of the N.& Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd. The farmer must understand that the business of the cooperative eompanf is to make a profit for him—that of the proprietary concern to make a profit out of him. • Get that fact well digested; chew it like the cow chews her cud, until it has been thoroughly assimilated. It is a plain statement of a blunt truth.” Commenting on the “sophisms of the scouts who are out to undo the work of co-operation,” Mr Cleary writes:— “Thesh gentlemen are out to help the farmer get better prices, forsooth, for his produce; he need not take up shares, etc. The whole business is being done out of lovq for him by a band of business men? I don’t think. There is, however, a fly in the ointment. These concerns are not prepared to tablo their cards face up. Like the heathen Chinee (Bret Harte), they like to keep a few cards, such as overrun, etc., up their sleeve.” Mr Cleary’s comments are deserving of consideration by dairy farmers.