THE STATE AS FARMER 115 



The pressing of complete co-operation in a 

 small area rather than meagre co-operation 

 in a large one, the suggestion of a good whole- 

 time paid manager for a district rather than 

 a number of unpaid secretaries in the several 

 societies — all tend to the same end. If co- 

 operation can kill a glut in one place it can 

 do so everywhere, and the more complete 

 the organisation the less chance a glut has to 

 run amok. We all of us suffer. 



It is not always realised how disadvantageous 

 gluts may prove not merely to producers but also 

 to consumers. If markets are overstocked, prices 

 fall to such an extent that the producers may fail 

 to receive prices sufficient to recoup them for the 

 cost of production ; this inevitably means that they 

 stop sending consignments and, in consequence, 

 consumers have often to pay inflated prices until 

 the market regains its normal position. It should, 

 however, be the aim of every co-operative society 

 to send forward, on behalf of its members, regular 

 consignments of uniform quality adjusted to the 

 demands of the market. It is also only by working 

 together that growers can meet successfully the 

 combinations of capital with which their business 

 is met, at every stage between the time when their 

 produce leaves the orchard or garden and the time 

 when it reaches the hands of the consumer. 



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