140 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Ava., 1899. 
Tt is most atifying to those taking an interest in such organisations, as showin. 
the farmers Bee ucers are at least awakening to the fact that ‘“‘ union is strength. i 
Not only is this seen by the new associations that haye started, but also in connection 
with societies that are developing their usefulness by creating branches in various parts 
of the districts, and by each branch sending delegates that are chosen by themselves to 
make up a representative council or committee of management to guide its affairs and 
to bring before the members’ notice anything of sufficient importance for action to be 
taken that will be of benefit to the association or to the district generally. 
The formation of such organisations tends to show that the spirit of unionism 
(or, perhaps, a better word would be “co-operation”) is beginning to make itself felt and 
known to the men on the soil. who are combining together for mutual help and assis- 
tance; and now is the time when I would urge on those who have the master minds in 
the control and deliberations of our agricultural societies and associations to rise to 
the occasion, and not be content to look on whilst others are devoting time and energy to 
the organising of our farmers and producers. For if we are brought into closer com- 
petition with the southern markets, as we undoubtedly shall be with federation, it is our 
duty to give the most serious attention to the better development of the resources of 
our farming districts, and of our agricultural community, by forming and extending 
our association work—combining one district with the other for better systems of 
producing, marketing, and distributing; also for buying and selling, and in many ways 
assisting each other with friendly advice and help. Do not let it be heard 
said, “I would join your association only Mr. So-and-so is mixed up in it.” 
Take a broader view, no matter who is in it. Let each farmer determine 
to be one, to work socially with another, and agree to organise and have 
his say as to what their future shall be, and thus help to minimise the man. 
little troubles and complaints now heard of as to bad systems of marketing and distri- 
bution of our products by thus co-operating and working together. So much has been 
written on this subject that it is almost superfluous to attempt to Smnheels in any 
manner the importance that it means to the advancement of the social conditions of 
our producers. At the monthly meetings of the association I have the honour 
to represent at this Conference, papers are brought up for discussion on subjects that 
are of interest to members; specimens of plants, &c., perhaps of new or improved — 
variety, are displayed; market rates of produce are laid on the table for the informa- 
tion of members; the qualities of seeds discussed, and the prices ; also various other 
_matters—such as diseases in plants or fruits that are making an appearance in the 
district, and which call for ‘serious consideration, specimens being obtained and 
promptly forwarded to the Agricultural Department, or a request is made for 
an officer (dealing with the particular subject under consideration) to pay a visit 
and inspect, which, I can add, is both promptly and efficiently done, to the satisfaction 
of members, the observations and instructions given being passed round among 
members, thus educating our farmers in a most practical manner in the various matters 
that are of great value to them in developing our resources, and attaining such results 
by combining together that single or individual effort could never achieve. 
~. Whilst dealing with the social side of our agricultural societies and associations, 
T would like to draw the attention of this Conference to the last annual report of the 
Department of Agriculture for the year ending 1889-98, in which the Under Secretary 
for Agriculture draws attention to the annual shows or gatherings that are got up by some 
societies as one of their principal functions for which they are so formed or organised ; 
and in referring to their methods and objects, he (the Under Secretary) points out very 
plainly the apparent degeneracy of such shows by the inclusion in their programmes of 
events, “side shows,” and displays that are anything but ‘elevating’ in their 
tendencies. Going further, he refers to special prizes being awarded for the worst 
specimens displayed in certain classes. Surely a statement like this, coming from 
such a reliable source, must be worth the attention of this Conference, pay when 
it is remembered that some societies and associations are receiving Departmental 
assistance, or a subsidy of 10s. inthe £1 up to £125. I must say that Lam not adverse to 
holding agricultural shows orannual gatheringsin our “‘townand country ” districts, which, 
if rightly conducted, may be productive of a vast amount of ood by educating and 
showing the progress the district is making, and causing ahealthy and friendly rivalry 
among its members, by the inclusion in its programme of such eyents as ploughing, 
matches, wood-chopping contests, comparisons of products, and the getting up of 
products in a better and more tarveraple form by grading, labelling, and clase 
&e.; displays of machinery of the latest “‘ up-to-date” style and invention. 
these objects are well worthy of being taken up, as they help to educate the producers 
and to stimulate a better class of product, besides being an enjoyable adjunct to the 
displays of produce, fruit, and flowers on exhibition, and thus giving an annual day's 
pleasure that is looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed by old and young. 
