1908.] Co-operation for Small Holders. 



579 



Pig Clubs. 



Pig clubs are run on somewhat similar lines, but they are 

 usually composed almost entirely of cottagers and allotment 

 holders. Some of them limit the number of pigs which may be 

 insured by a single member to three or four. 



The entrance fee frequently is is. for each pig, sometimes 

 is. in the £ on its value, and sometimes a fixed amount, such 

 as is. 6d. per member. The subscription for each pig varies 

 from id. or \d. per week, 3d. a month, or 6d. a quarter. An 

 extra charge, usually about double, is made for insuring boar 

 pigs or breeding sows, while sucking pigs are not admissible. 

 The pig is marked on the ear, and the marker receives a few 

 pence for his trouble. In case of illness the owner has to 

 inform the secretary, and a valuing committee inspect and 

 value the animal. The proportion of value allowed to the 

 members varies ; in some clubs it is 15s. in the £, in others 

 17s. 6d., and in others the full value is paid. A few clubs pay 

 less for high-priced pigs, thus 18s. is paid for a pig worth £1, 

 £1 15s. gd. for a pig worth £2 and a smaller proportion for each 

 additional £. The committeee may, if they wish, dispose of 

 the pig on behalf of the club. 



The reserve funds naturally vary very greatly. Many 

 clubs have funds up to £100-^150, but £20 to /30 is often 

 considered a sufficient reserve fund for clubs with 40 or 50 

 members, and occasionally further profits are divided up 

 annually after the manner of dividing clubs. Although the 

 societies are formed for and rely entirely on mutual help, 

 their income is frequently augmented to a small extent by 

 subscriptions from honorary members. 



CO-OPERATION FOR SMALL HOLDERS. 

 The following paper on Co-operation was read by Mr. E. J, 

 Cheney, one of the Small Holdings Commissioners, at the 

 Conference of Representatives of Local Authorities convened 

 by the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 

 and held in London on Wednesday, 7th October, 1908 : — 



r "T am honoured by being asked to introduce the subject of 

 co-operation to your notice this afternoon, and, having regard 



: k> v . ' ■ 1 " = • - ; 2 o. 2. 



