COLLECTIVE MARKET

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 31, 28 January 1933, Page 8

COLLECTIVE MARKET

AN ENGLISH EXPERIMENT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED As a means of establishing unemployed families on the land the East Grinstead experiment has proved successful. A collective -market was started there in May, 1932, based on the tried organisation of one started in 1916, which at one time represented the sole support of 80 ex-service men and their families. The objects

are:— (1) To encourage production of all kinds and the taking up of allotments; (2) increased intensive sowing in gardens, cold frames, and glass; (3) to aid distribution, save waste, meet the tariffs and keep money in the country; (4) to bring money into the homes by encouraging home production, .jams, etc., even if work cannot be found for the mon. This market was able, in six months, the honorary secretary has stated, to meet local demands. is taking orders for hampers and has been approached by a London hotel for supplies. Only high grade produce is accepted. The liabilities are, rent of hall, salaries, cleaning, etc., the assets, rent of stalls whole takings of the coffee stall, Id in the Is commission for produce sold at the miscellaneous stall, Ml in the Is from wholesale

orders taken through the market. The £6 guarantee which started the market was paid off in the first three weeks and the balance accruing might be used to start other markets or put other produce on the land. The theory is this: —• A cottage garden or allotment feeds a family. The surplus may be disposed of at the miscellaneous stall. As production increases, the producer takes a stall. From this point he may specialise, or .-join up with others to sell wholesale. The stall, always needed for local distribution, may be taken by another small producer. Each producer learns his profession by being responsible for his own transport, grading, selling, wastage, and book-keeping. In this way the market can more quickie and efficiently become, a permanent institution for the good of the vhole community.