1 Mar., 1902.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 163 
institution which seeks to co-operate with each and all in furthering in a 
practical manner the interests you, as local bodies, are representing, and by its 
close touch with the various Government departments endeavouring to obtain 
the relief desired, or to carry into effect the suggestions and desires of the 
agriculturists of this State. Already good work has been accomplished. The 
question of exorbitant freights on Northern-grown fruits has been settled 
satisfactorily ; communications have been opened up with the various Societies 
and Chambers of Agriculture in the southern States on interstate matters 
affecting the joint interests of our farmers. Freights on Queensland railways 
have been discussed, and an urgent endeavour is being made to secure 
permanently the temporary reduction and assimilation of freights with 
those of New South Wales; also, the periodical inspection of weigh- 
bridges, with certificates of true weight for freight, on railways, is 
advocated; the establishment of cyaniding chambers, &ec., &c. The 
question of the tariff was also fully discussed, and the suggestions 
received by the Chamber from the various affiliated societies were 
promptly forwarded to each State representative and Senator of the 
Federal Parliament with good results, as the answers received proved satis- 
factory to the members of the Chamber of Agriculture. All this goes to prove 
the benefit of affiliating or co-operating, as by our societies uniting under 
one central organisation they may still maintain their individuality for local 
requirements whilst assisting the general producer by advocating such interests 
as conduce to the progress of our industries. It surely cannot be said of us 
Queenslanders that we do not know how to combine. We have only to look 
at the union of workers in this State to prove the falsity of that notion. But 
they are not farmers, you say! Farmers will not combine like that! To 
these I would point out that there are now registered in this Journal upwards 
of 140 societies, and surely there must be a certain amount of camaraderie—a 
reciprocal feeling that what “troubles one concerns all.” This is the true 
spirit we must have if we are to combine successfully to place our industries in 
their proper position. The good work that has been begun by our societies 
must be still further developed. ‘The Chamber of Agriculture was the outcome 
of the influential conference held by the Department of Agriculture at 
Bundaberg, at which 120 societies were re sresented, and its success for good 
remains entirely in the hands of our agriculturists and their associations, who 
should rally round it and give every support until the institution comprises 
all the societies and individuals who have the future weltare of our 
eat industry at heart. This is what is aimed at. The farmers and 
producers have the numbers here in this State to make them the dominant 
power in the community. .All they want is complete organisation to 
co-operate with the one great object in view of advancing their interests 
and the State’s prosperity which must follow. The nucleus is estab- 
lished, and the institution is now practically commencing its career. Its 
constitution is still open to amendments, which may be suggested by those 
joining its ranks year by year. It will grow yearly in importance ; and when it 
embraces all societies and representatives of the producers, it will be of great 
assistance to the Department of Agriculture and a paramount influence in the 
State. Let our local societies then be stirring. Roll up your members. 
Our farmers and producers must be organised ; our interests must be con- 
solidated, and on all matters of importance we must combine and speak with 
one voice. Our members must be thoroughly instructed in the principles of 
co-operation, and impressed with the vital necessity of their being true to 
those principles, and accord the Chamber loyal support. Our farmers know 
too little of the systems that are ruling the world of production; but let our 
societies unite together to elevate and educate them as far as lies in their 
power, inducing friendly rivalry in productive competition and showing their 
district’s progress at annual shows. At the same time all should bear in mind. 
that better systems of marketing and display are as much needed as better 
production. I trust that, with the new year and with a new committee, new 
