256 DEEP FURROWS 



these were merely disorganized units. At the annual 

 meeting of the Dominion Grange, however December 

 17th and 18th, 1913 the advisability of consolidating 

 for greater co-operation was discussed at some length. 

 Representatives from the Western Grain Growers were 

 present and told the story of what the Western farmer 

 had accomplished. A committee* was appointed and, 

 after investigating rural conditions in Ontario, this 

 committee called a convention for March 19th and 20th, 

 1914, at Toronto. Farmers and fruit growers turned 

 out in strength, old-time organization was cast aside 

 and there came into being the "United Farmers of 

 Ontario/'* and the "United Farmers' Co-Operative 

 Company, Limited,"** with aims and organization 

 similar to those of the Grain Growers. 



Although practically born during the war although 

 conditions have been far from normal, the United 

 Farmers of Ontario have progressed steadily and 

 naturally, with the co-operative activities setting the 

 pace and with efficient service as the watchword. By 

 1915 there were 126 local associations with a total 

 membership of 5,000. In the face of bad Climatic con- 

 ditions and war disturbances 1916 found the young 

 organization being looked upon by the Ontario agricul- 

 turists with interest instead of suspicion. It continued 

 to grow of its own accord. By that is meant that no 

 advertising or other energetic campaign was under- 

 taken; yet the membership increased during the year 

 to 8,000 with 200 Locals organized throughout the 

 province. To-day there is a total membership in excess 

 of twenty thousand throughout the Province. Local 

 conventions, addressed by Western leaders and other 



* See Appendix Par. 14. 

 ** See Appendix Par. 15. 



