70 BULLETIN 547, IT. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
Voting by mail: Vote by mail to count if member has been notified in writing and 
copy of question is attached to vote. 
Distribution of earnings: Subject to revision by associations, not to exceed 10 per 
cent dividend on stock, not less than 10 per cent of net profits until 50 per cent of paid- 
up capital is accumulated for a reserve fund , 5 per cent of net profits for an educational 
fund, patronage dividends to members and employes. 
Dissolution: If no dividends are paid for five consecutive years, five members may 
petition district court. 
Annual reports: To secretary of state before March 1. 
Provisions for existing organizations: Filing sworn statement with secretary of state 
that this has been decided by a majority vote. 
Use of word "cooperative:" No corporation formed after passage of this act shall 
use the name "cooperative" unless this act is complied with. 
KANSAS. 
Scope and purpose: Any agricultural, mercantile, dairy, mining, manufacturing, 
or mechanical business. 
Number who may organize: 20 or more. 
Filing of articles of incorporation: With secretary of state. 
Management: Not less than five directors. Officers shall be president, one or more 
vice presidents, secretary, and treasurer. The last two may be combined. 
Stock ownership: Not over 10 per cent of capital stock. 
Voting: Each member one vote. 
Distribution of earnings: According to by-laws. 
Annual reports: Made to secretary of state. 
Provisions for existing organizations: Filing sworn statement showing that associa- 
tion has decided by majority vote to come under this act and paying fees. 
Use of word "cooperative": Organizations must not use title "cooperative" unless 
act is complied with, 
MASSACHUSETTS. 
Scope and purpose: Any agricultural, dairy, or mercantile business. 
Number who may organize: Seven or more. 
Capital stock: Not to exceed $10,000. 
Stock ownership: Not to exceed $400. 
Investing reserve : May invest surplus in buildings of association or lend to mem- 
bers on real estate mortgages. 
Voting: Each member one vote. 
Distribution of earnings: Capital stock dividends not to exceed 5 per cent; not less 
than 10 per cent of net profits for reserve fund until at least 30 per cent of paid-up 
capital is accumulated ; not to exceed 5 per cent of net profits for an educational fund ; 
patronage dividends paid to stockholders and may be credited to nonstockholders as 
payment on share of stock at one-half the rate to stockholders. 
Provisions for existing organizations: By filing sworn statement that association has 
by a majority vote decided to come under this act and paying fee of SI. 
MICHIGAN (NONSTOCK). 
Scope and purpose: Any lawful purpose other than pecuniary profit. 
Number who may organize: Five or more. 
Filing of articles of association: With secretary of state and the clerk of the county 
iu which principal business is conducted. 
Capital stock : Nonstock. 
Provisions for existing organizations: Any corporation not for pecuniary profit may 
reincorporate under this act. 
