78 Journal of the Department of agriculture. 



3s per bag An open market was desired, not only for our surplus 

 products, but for the whole crop. Finally the following resolution 

 was passed by the Congress : — 



" Seeing that the export of maize has been stopped by the refusal 

 of the Government to issue permits, the Congress resolves to request 

 the Government to issue permits for the export of maize and other 

 products; the Congress further requests the Government not to fix 

 the prices of grain and other products." 



Item No. 14. — Better co-operation hetiveen all co-operative 

 societies in South Africa in connection with imjwrt and export. 

 The representative of the Central Agency explained that the 

 motion referred to the proposed federation of co-operative societies m 

 the various Provinces. The proposed deputation to Europe would 

 carry more weight if it could proceed on its mission as representing 

 the whole Union. 



The Congress resolved : — 



" That an endeavour be made to secure better co-operation 

 between all co-operative societies in South Africa in connection with 

 import and export." 



I tern. No. 15. — Discussion of the rate of exchange. 

 Several delegates attributed the losses incurred annually by their 

 societies in connection with the export of hides, wool, etc., to the 

 existing rate of exchange. A deputation from the Central Agency 

 had interviewed the Minister as well as the General Manager of the 

 National Bank, and it appeared as if the rate of exchange was 

 improving. A delegate suggested that the trouble could possibly be 

 overcome by the introduction of a system of barter with other 

 countries. The Congress resolved unanimously: — ■ 



" That this matter be referred to the Government for earnest 

 consideration, and that the Government's attention be drawn to the 

 fact that the present rate of exchange is seriously handicapping the 

 export of produce." 



Item. No. 16 (a). — Discussion of the desirability of the establish- 

 ment of a pension fund for ofiicials of co-operative societies, 

 and the appointment of a coiuTnittee to draft a scheme for 

 this purpose. 

 The majority of the delegates expressed themselves in favour of 

 the establishment of a pension fund for the officials of co-operative 

 societies, and argued that this would attract the right class of man, 

 and induce the present officials to remain with their societies. Other 

 delegates were opposed to the motion, as they feared it would involve 

 too much extra expense and tend to discourage ideas of thrift on the 

 part of the officials ; if they could not make ends meet wi'th their 

 present salaries tliey should be paid more ; a reasonable remunera- 

 tion, and not the prospect of a pension, was the best attraction for 

 men who proposed joining the staffs of the societies. After a lengthy 

 discussion the following resolution was passed: — 



" As this Congress realizes that the time has arrived to secure 

 the services of the best officials for co-operative societies, it recom- 

 mends that the Central Agency draft a scheme making better pro- 

 vision for such officials, such scheme to be submitted to the various 

 societies for consideration." 



