OBJECTS AND METHODS 297 



(3) By sending lecturers, when desired, to affiliated and 

 other societies. 



(4) By acting as an information bureau to affiliated 

 societies. 



(5) By acting as arbitrator in disputes that may arise 

 in the affiliated societies. 



(6) By assisting in all ways possible the furtherance of 

 combined action between the various affiliated societies in 

 trading matters. 



(7) By publishing leaflets and circulars from time to 

 time, dealing with the various forms of agricultural co- 

 operation. 



There were affiliated with the central organiza- 

 tion in London on December 31st, 1903, a total 

 of seventy local agricultural societies of bona fide 

 farmers, the whole of these local bodies, with the 

 exception of twelve, having been formed since 

 the Agricultural Organization Society came into 

 existence in 1901. The membership at the end 

 of 1903 was between 5,000 and 6,000. These 

 figures represent a rate of progress far in excess 

 of what was secured in the early days of the Irish 

 movement, and they suggest that the British 

 farmer is, at last, really awakening to the 

 realities of his position, and is now fully pre- 

 pared to take action, if only someone will show 

 him the way. 



The local agricultural societies are strictly 

 co-operative bodies, registered under the Indus- 

 trial and Provident Societies Act, thus affording 



