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yet in its infancy, and with very little done so far in that respect, our require- 
ments in the way of special legislation bearing on our calling daily becomes 
more apparent, and by mutual discussion and concerted action on this point we can 
so mould it that when passed it will be suitable for its intended purpose. Local 
governing bodies, also, with the increased powers that it is suggested should be 
given them, require combined action in order that the farmer may be fairly 
represented on them. Another sphere of action for association work, is the collec- 
tion and dissemination of information amongst members. So many in Queens- 
land, who have just started'on the land, being new to such work makes this very 
important, and already the interchange of such between kindred societies in 
the North has been most beneficial. Government departments also, through 
representative bodies, are afforded a means of communication upon subjects 
of importance to agriculturists, whom otherwise they would find difficult 
of access. But although the Pioneer River farmers’ Association, and other 
similar bodies, have already done good work for their members, many links are 
yet wanted tu make the system complete, and I hope that those present will give 
some attention to the matter when many ways of improving their position by 
associated action will be apparent. But before leaving this part of my subject, 
I will remark that, in the sugar industry particularly, where large bodies of 
farmers are growing cane for one mill, is there scope for its action, as it affords 
a means by which the growers’ requirements or grievances can be placed before 
the management in a concrete form with good results to both parties. In 
fact, more than one case has come under my notice where the management of 
amill have expressed gratification at action of this kind; and only the other 
day I read an article in the Louisiana Planter ov Sugar Bowl, pointing out 
the good work being and to be done for sugar-cane growers in that State, 
which might have been written expressly for Queensland. ‘The same paper 
contained an account of the organisation of beet-growers in California, where 
not only had the growers (as in many cases the cane-grower has here) a 
check weighman on the weighbridge, but also a check chemist in the laboratory, 
“for in this instance the price was determined by the sugar content of the 
beet.” 
The next thing to consider is the best method by which one immense 
alliance or association can be formed, bringing into touch the farmers and 
pastoralists throughout Queensland, and having for its object this political 
and industrial organisation. Once that is accomplished, we have the means of 
gaining every advantage to which we are legitimately entitled. lo do this, 
what is required is branch associations in every district, each with representa- 
tives ona central body. These local associations, again, should be composed of 
_ branches in every locality where a few farmers are settled together, as it ig 
useless to expect men, after a hard day’s work, to ride far to a meeting. 
Hach of these little groups should send representatives to the central com- 
mittee or executive of their district, which could meet quarterly or as often as 
business required; and these district bodies should, in their turn, appoint 
delegates, who would compose the grand council of the whole body of 
Queensland farmers, meeting once every year, or as often as required, and 
dealing with matters concerning agriculture generally. The district bodies 
and their smaller branches would in the meantime each do good work in con- 
nection with local matters. It was only after altering its constitution to these 
lines that a large Northern association, that is now a benefit to every farmer 
residing within the sphere of its action, has been able to do good work. Pre. 
vious to the alteration, it attempted to keep all its members in one body and 
work a large district, and failed. Now it has a central council, meeting once 
every two months, on which every branch is represented proportionately to its 
membership, and not only has it done good work for its members on nearly all 
the lines I have mentioned, but it has called into evidence a sort of ésprit de 
corps, or feeling of “stand by one another against.all comers,” that has carried 
it successfully through a parliamentary election and several elections for the 
local governing bodies. ‘The result has been that the farmers there occupy 
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