132 HOLLAND 



deners formed themselves into co-operative 

 societies which are conducted along extremely 

 practical lines. The goods of the members, 

 before being offered for sale, are inspected by- 

 officers appointed for the purpose, and any that 

 are regarded as below the required standard are 

 rejected, while those that are passed are labelled 

 with the registered trade mark of the society. 

 It is also seen that the consignments are of the 

 stated quantity, and that they have been properly 

 packed. Thus approved of, the produce is offered 

 for sale at the society's mart, the auctioneer 

 being generally the president of the local society 

 or branch. Many of the societies have their own 

 auction halls ; others hold their auctions in hired 

 buildings. The sales take place every night or 

 so many nights a week, according to the import- 

 ance of the centre and the season of the year, 

 and they are attended by dealers and com- 

 mission agents from Rotterdam, Amsterdam, 

 the Hague, and elsewhere. The goods sold are 

 paid for in cash, and the money is distributed 

 weekly among the members, each receiving the 

 sum for which his produce has been sold, less 

 a small commission. Apart from this commis- 

 sion, all that a member is required to pay to his 

 society is an annual subscription of Is. 8d. The 

 expenses are kept at a minimum, the only official 



