COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AND MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS. 67 



another to the agricultural college of the State; two laws require that 

 creameries report to the dairy and food commissioner of the State; 

 one law requires reports to be sent to the commissioner of agricul- 

 ture; one specified that reports shall be filed with the county clerk 

 and also with the State Bureau of Statistics of Labor and Commerce; 

 two laws have provisions in regard to filing or posting of reports at 

 the principal office of the organization. 



PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING ORGANIZATIONS. 



In 16 of the States the cooperative laws outline the method of 

 procedure for existing organizations that wish to come under the 

 cooperative law. The common method is by complying with the 

 provisions of the law and filing with the secretary of state a sworn 

 statement of the fact that the organization by a majority vote has 

 expressed such a desire. 



USE OF WORD "COOPERATIVE". 



Eleven of the laws impose certain restrictions on the use of the 

 word "cooperative" in the name of a concern in order to prevent 

 its misuse. The usual requirement is that the word "cooperative" 

 mast not be used in the name of any organization formed after the 

 passage of the cooperative law which does not comply with the 

 requirements of that law. 



DIGEST OF STATE COOPERATIVE LAWS. 



ALABAMA. 



Scope and purpose: Mutual aid, benefit, industrial. 



Number who may organize: Five or more. 



Filing of articles of incorporation: With judge of probate in county in which prin- 

 cipal place of business is located. 



Filing fee: Same as for other corporations. Judge of probate shall receive 15 cents 

 per 100 words, and $2.50 for examining articles. 



Management: Not less than five directors. 



Capital stock: Not less than $5,000. 



CALIFORNIA. 



Scope and purpose: Any lawful business. 

 Number who may organize: Five or more. 



Filing of articles of incorporation: Clerk of county in which the principal place of 

 business is located, a copy with the secretary of state. 

 Filing of amendments: With clerk of county. 

 Capital stock: Nonstock. 



Transfer of memberships: May be transferred by board of directors. 

 Voting: Each member one vote. 



Voting by mail or by proxy: May be provided for in by-laws. 

 Distribution of earnings: According to by-laws. 

 Dissolution: Upon written request of two-thirds of the members. 



