Wairarapa Standard Published Tri-weekly, Price 1d. MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1886. Co-Operation of Farmers.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 2001, 6 December 1886, Page 2

Wairarapa Standard Published Tri-weekly, Price Id. MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1886. Co-Operation of Farmers.

S r me time since we brought before our agrn culturists and dairy farmers the benefits that would accrue to them through co-opera-tion, but uothiug has been done in the matter. The other day one of our farmers made the remark, “ When butter is down to 4d per lb then the farmers will begin to wpr together to sec what they can do with theirproduce.” Well, at the present time butter is down to a very low price, and there is little prospect of a rise taking place if we may judge from the state of the Sydney market. Last year nearly 20,000 kegs of butter were sent to. Sydney from_ New Zealand, and met with a ready sale, hut this was because of the terrible drought which put a stop to dairy farming there. This year has been a more favorable one for the New South Wales farmers, owing to the plentiful rain, and it is believed that they will be able to supply all local requirements. With no market across the water, we think it is time our dairy farmers formed themselves into an association to discuss matters in connection with their industry, and to devise means to reach other markets. Individually our farmers cannot do much, but collectively they may carry out an enterprise that wonld yield them a good return. “In the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom,” and if our farmers wonld meet occasionally and discuss the situation they would be better prepaied to look for and supply a fresh market. The question now is whether it will hot pay to send butter to England by the direct steamers.If 7d or 8d per lb could be obtained there, it would be a wise ntep on the part of ont pro. dnoers to call a meeting and act unitedly for the purpose of exporting their batter. Why is it that our producers murmur so much at the state of the market and yet do nothing to find other openings ? In all parts of the colony we hear complaints, but there is little action taken to alter the state of things. We believe if one or two individuals called a meeting in each locality say at the local schoolhouae—the farmers would turn out to a man ; matters could then be thoroughly discussed. and a strong central committee ultimately found to look after the interests of the whole district. If our farmers wonld prosper in their undertaking they mast co-operate aod pull together for their common good. Let them meet and guarantee a certain quantity for shipment to England, when we feel sure the result will be in every way satisfactory. But if they prefer to toil on individually, we should advise them to send their milk to the dairy factories. This will pay them well, and ease them of a deal of labor that can be expended in other ways upon the farm.