46 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. 4. 



the industry was in a pitiably decadent condition. Every 

 man making market milk was complaining of his losses and 

 hoping to get out. Hundreds and hundreds of farmers had 

 tried it and quit, and the fellow who still stuck was an object 

 of pity and solicitude. 



The milk question became the subject of frequent contro- 

 versies and discussions in public gatherings, Legislatures and 

 the like. Newspaper agitation and other forms of publicity 

 kept alive antagonism between producers, distributors and 

 consumers. There was no recognition of a community of 

 interest between the parties concerned. It was everybody for 

 himself and the devil for us all. 



As a result of some study of the whole situation a plan 

 was devised for the organization of the industry along business 

 lines, with the purpose of placing it on its feet and of pro- 

 tecting not only the dairy, but general agricultural interests, 

 and encouraging the maintenance of live stock on New England 

 farms through reasonable prices for live-stock products. 



The question was what form such an organization should 

 take. After considerable study and months of discussion a 

 temporary voluntary organization was established under which 

 over 8,000 men pledged themselves by their signatures to 

 associate with others in a co-operative selling movement, 

 through which the milk of all should be sold as the milk of 

 one. It became necessary under the laws of Massachusetts to 

 procure a special act under which to incorporate the organiza- 

 tion as a co-operative marketing proposition. Under this form 

 of incorporation the association has a legal existence, can own 

 property, sue and be sued under its own name, and members 

 are relieved of individual liability. It is limited by law in the 

 expenditure of any profits that may accrue to their use in 

 promoting the industry which it represents. It can never 

 declare dividends to its members, however great its assets. 

 It is divided roughly, corresponding to the counties of New 

 England, into county associations, which in turn are divided 

 for convenience into local groups, with a county and a local 

 president and secretary in each case. In this way leaders, 

 selected by the membership, in all localities are available 

 through whom communication may be maintained with the 



