192 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



we should accelerate our pace, that no one may go by us. In 

 the long run the most impressive advertising consists in good 

 stuff, good service and fair dealing. With a reputation 

 achieved for these things, a little tact and courage will bring 

 adequate prices. Above all things, do not run down your own 

 business. 



One more subject, briefly, and I will be through. It is a fact 

 that the milk rates which went into effect October i of this 

 year make it easier for a producer, or a group of producers, to 

 market their milk independently of the large dealers. That was 

 supposed to be a great blessing. At the present shortage of 

 milk and, consequent, high prices, there is a great scramble by 

 small dealers for a supply. We know of cases where the small 

 dealer has come to our patrons, that were not posted on what 

 prices we could pay, and have gotten away their milk, for the 

 time being. There is no question but what the most of these 

 producers will come back to us, when milk is more plentiful 

 again. Now, think what effect it has on our business to have 

 patrons drop out when most needed and come back when not 

 needed at all. It means a damage to the business — both when 

 they go and when they come back. Damage to the business 

 means damage to those patrons who stand by at all times. This 

 is too obvious to require explanation. .The outcome of it is 

 that we shall have to be more strict in the future to protect 

 the interests of our constant patrons against those who are dis- 

 posed to trade here and there, regardless of the effect on their 

 brother patrons. By the same token we shall try to keep tabs 

 on our customers, and give preference to those who take their 

 supply of us at all times, selling to others at such times and 

 prices as will be most profitable to our concern. 



Thus any large concern will have to be more than ever on the 

 alert to protect itself and its patrons from imposition on the 

 part of producers and customers who would use it only as a 

 convenience. 



President Tucker : The discussion on this subject was to 

 have been opened by Brother Hamlin, but he assures he has 

 never bought milk and therefore is not qualified to speak on 

 this question. He has asked to be excused so I will now call 

 upon Brother Harris. 



