1 Ava., 1899.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 143. 
the consumer) on the results of his labour, and leaving in some instances a debit 
balance instead of a just reward. No; he knows that under the benign influences of 
association and co-operation with others fair values will be maintained, the markets 
will be regulated, and the better the product the better will be the price for his 
goods. He will also be assisting to build up an institution that cannot fail 
to succeed if properly safeguarded in its operations and managément. TI could 
enlarge on the benefits to be derived from affiliation of one association with 
the other, organised together for the various objects of common interest, particularly in 
the marketing and distributing of our products. Let me take, as an illustration, the 
farmers of the Logan, Lockyer, intl, and Gatton districts combining together to 
establish a market at South Brisbane, where already are to be found cold stores’ 
erected, each of these districts having railway communication already established 
right on to the market reserve, and where there are shipping facilities available, vessels 
of the largest size being able to lie right alongside the ene Now, I would suggest 
this to the favourable consideration of the districts Ihave named. By the establish- 
ment of such a market under joint control with the municipality, by the appointment: 
of an auctioneer by the associations collectively to conduct all business and sales at a 
fixed salary, the result must be the breaking down of the rings of buyers and 
middlemen who are running the existing markets, and abusing the confidence of our 
producers, by the poor returns and the heavy charges made. Before closing this paper 
on our associations and their work, I may state that I have been particularly requested 
to tender the thanks of the Logan Farming and Industrial Association to the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture and its officers for the valuable information received through the 
medium of the Agricultural Journal. Its monthly issue is eagerly looked forward 
to, and its pages severely criticised, the matter circulated being the subject of frequent 
discussions, and its teachings experimented upon. by our local producers. The results 
of its teachings must have a marked effect and place in the future development of the 
resources of our colony, as supplying a long-felt want. 
In thus considering our social and economical position, as regard asssociation 
work, I know I have indicated a slight departure from old-established ideas and forms. 
But we must move with the times. One would never think of using the appliances, 
implements, and methods which were employed in the days of our forefathers. So with 
our agricultural societies and associations. Old-fashioned methods and ideas of what 
was required by our early societies must be abandoned or else combined with methods 
of practical utility. Sociability and friendship in our meetings, and economic principles 
al innovations must be recognised and accepted. With true co-operation as the order 
of the day, and with our better systems of producing, distributing. and banking, our 
agriculturists and workers on the land will find the true solution of our economic 
problems and a realisation of the dream of “industrial peace.” 
Mr. Prex then laid on the table the following draft of a Bill intended for 
existing societies or associations who are desirous of extending their usefulness, 
The Bill is entitled— 
AN AGRICULTURAL BANK FOR LOANS, TRADING, AND OTHER 
PURPOSES. 
1. It having become advisable, and for the benefit of members, to further inerease 
the powers and usefulness of this association, it is agreed that a certain sum of money 
shall be subscribed by each member in forming such extension for the purposes of 
mutual help and assistance, as hereinafter set forth. Such funds to be applied to the 
use and benefit of members contributing to such bank or fund for co-operative purposes. 
2. Membership shall be open to all persons over the age of 18 years. 
3. Cupital.—The capital shall be raised by shares, which shall be issued from 
time to time as required, shares to be of £1 each in value. No member to hold more 
than 20 shares. 
4. Payment on account of shares can be made monthly at the usual meetings of 
the association till such time as such number of shares are fully paid up, the payments 
being at the rate of 2s. 6d. per share per month. 
5. Shares may be transferred, but only to any other member of the association, 
who cannot hold at Sve time more than 20 ara in all. 
6. Directors shall be appointed by the members of the association being share- 
holders, such members to have been clear on the roll-book for not less than 12 months. 
The number of directors shall be not less than 9 in number. ' 
7. Directors shall be elected by ballot, each shareholder having one vote, each 
branch electing one director, and the balance being made up from the general body of 
shareholders. 
