iMl'ORTATION OF CATTLE. 161 



port of entry, being- api)areutly under the impression that the Depart- 

 ment will undertake to supervise transhipment, feedino-. and the for- 

 warding- of their stork. As this is impracticable, the owners of such 

 animals are reminded that it is still necessary to adhere to the old 

 system of appointing- agents to look after these animals when they 

 land and to make arrangements with the Railway Department for 

 despatch to their destination when the usual formalities respecting 

 permits, etc.. have been complied with. 



Organization of Farmers. 



The Paarl Farmers' Association (one (jf the oldest of its kind in 

 the country) is actively engaged in an endeavour to establish similar 

 organizations throughout the Western Province, it being felt that this 

 important agricultural area of the Union lacked proper organization 

 among farmers whose intere.sts were suffering as a result. It was con- 

 sidered that a network of active associations would result in marked 

 benefit and ensure, moreover, proper weight to the many interests 

 of Western Province farmers when discussed at the meetings of repre- 

 sentative agricultural bodies. The movement is receiving the warm 

 approval of the Government, it being recognized that the establishment 

 of such associations throughout the country would carry many benefits. 

 The Paarl Farmers' xissociation was established in 1894, and the 

 following extract from a leaflet issued by its secretary and treasurer, 

 Mr. James Gribble. gives the object of the Association : — 



"The Association is a voluntary union of farmers to protect 

 the interests of, and to advance farming industries. Friendly 

 discussions take place at the monthly meetings ; committees are 

 appointed to inquire into matters and to carry out certain duties. 

 Vigilance is exercised where action is necessary in any question 

 affecting the industry, and the Association serA'es as a channel 

 whereby the views and requirements of the district can be better 

 placed before the Government than by individual effort. The 

 Association is also a convenient medium whereby experts from 

 the Department of Agriculture can come into closer touch with 

 and assist farmers. Individual members obtain benefit by means 

 of the stock fairs, in the purchase of sheep manure, distribution 

 of farming literature, useful information and assistance through 

 their secretary, and farmers in the district will find it to their 

 advantage to join, not, however, to obtain direct benefit in return 

 for subscriptions paid or time given, but with the true desire to 

 co-operate with each other for the good of the country." 



It is pleasing to hear from Mr. Gribble that many requests reach 

 him, not only from the Western Province, but from other parts of the 

 Union as well, for information and advice in starting and working a 

 Farmers' Association, an earnest of the spirit of organization among 

 farmers to-dav. 



