FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT. 73 



WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. 



The Chairman — Before we proceed with the regular program of the 

 afternoon, I would like to make an announcement of the awards made 

 in the Speaking Contest. They are as follows: 



First Prize, H. F. Miners, St. Joseph. 



Second Prize, I. J. Woodin, Owosso. 



Third Prize, L. H. Hutchins, Fennville. 



Secretary Bassett — I wish to say a few words in regard to our co- 

 operative buying of supplies. The Executive Board want to know what 

 to do. I desire to submit to you a proposition that I think is better 

 than what we have had in the past. You know we have heretofore 

 secured bids from different companies for our supplies of spraying ma- 

 terial, fertilizers, etc., and we have found that many firms did not care 

 to bid — indeed would not put in a bid — they say that they do not care 

 to make a bid and then have us publish that bid, and then other houses, 

 when they get our prices, make a price below ours, so that you are able 

 in this way to get your supplies from them cheaper than through the 

 Association. It is my belief that the proper way for us to buy goods is 

 to co-operate — pool our orders, and allow the executive committee to go 

 out into the field and give the orders to the firm that makes the lowest 

 cash price. Under the old system, the plan was not a success, especially 

 in New York and several other states, and with us, it has not been 

 as satisfactory as we had hoped when we started in with it. Then in 

 getting in such large quantities, we can get the very lowest cash price. 

 I think this should be the policy the coming year, and ask for a favor- 

 able action on the matter. 



A member: How would you do — check out, or trust out, or how 

 would you do? 



Mr. Bassett — Early in the season you know how much material you 

 will use. You figure that you want so many tons of sulphur, or so much 

 this or that, and let the ones who have the buying know this, and then 

 when that report is furnished, the orders can all be pooled, and price 

 secured, and you will be notified of this, and then we will expect the 

 cash to be forthcoming to pay for it. There will be no trusting busi- 

 ness. 



On motion it was agreed that the co-operative buying be left with 

 the Executive Board. Carried. 



Mr. Smythe — It may be out of order, but I would like to suggest, as 

 the Society as a whole may not be aware of it, that during the past 

 year we have lost two very valuable members, in the persons of O. S. 

 Bristol, and S. B. Hartman. I Would suggest that this body take 

 action authorizing that resolutions of condolence be sent to the families 

 of these two members. 



Mr. Bassett — While the Executive Board has already done that as 

 a Board, it would be eminently proper that this body take some action, 

 aid I move that it b« taken. Carried. 



