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1 Juty, 1901.} QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. it 
Now, gentlemen, is it not time that we had something like this all over the 
country, and that societies in the same district at least should be federated, and some 
in the same town consolidated ? When J gave my association the name of this paper, 
I did not know that Mr. Peek proposed to read one on “ Councils or Chambers of 
Agriculture.” J have no desire to take the wind out of his sails, so I’shall avoid dis- 
cussing the methods of closer union amongst farmers, and confine myself to affirming 
its necessity and advantage. Still, something in the way of a farmers’ council is 
imperative. This is the age of union and consolidation. All industries are becoming 
consolidated. Throughout Australia the chambers of commerce. if not exactly 
federated, find it to their advantage to have constant communication with each other 
and work together. here are chambers of manutactures in all the colonies, and it is 
common knowledge that they have left no stone unturned in order to conserve their 
interests. I need not refer to another great organisation, which, not by the influence 
of members alone, but by acting together as one solid phalanx, nearly captured the 
State on a recent occasion, and apparently are determined to pursue their own real 
or imaginary interests regardless of those of other industrial classes. And where 
were the agriculturists and all those whose occupations are in one way or another 
connected with the soil on that same occasion? Queensland mining, commercial, and 
manufacturing interests, labour, and I was about to say “old age,” are represented mu 
Melbourne, but who represents the farmers? We have as much interest in the federal 
tariff as any industrial class in the community ; and if a moderate scheme of protection 
is decided upon, who will advocate that its incidence shall be at all in our favour? 
Farmers are a very numerous body in the State, and if there were sympathy between 
them and reliance we one another —if there were some links of union between their 
organisations throughout the State—no district and no particular section of them could 
be treated with injustice by any combination, political or otherwise. ‘There is some 
sort of connection between farmers’ associations, if not close union, in other States of 
the Commonwealth, and why should not there be in this? It may be urged that our 
interests are too often diverse, if not antagonistic; that fact, however, does not prevent 
community of action amongst farmers in America, for in the last issue of the London 
Weekly Times one of its American correspondents writes :—“The beet sugar-growers 
of Nebraska, the cane sugar-growers of Louisiana, the tobacco-growers of Connecticut, 
and the fruit-growers of California are leagued together against the reduction of 
import duties on sugar, tobacco, and fruit (from Cuba). They have their agents in 
Congress, and their friends everywhere in the Government.” ‘And if we were leagued 
together—I must not talk politics, I suppose—we should have our agents and friends 
where they would give us assistance when it is required. 
Mr. Joun Davies, of the Gympie Horticultural Society, then read his 
paper on — 
HORTICULTURAL AND KINDRED SOCIETIES AS EDUCATIONAL 
MEDIUMS. 
The full enjoyment of the possession of a home in any climate like Queensland is 
incomplete without a garden. The cultivation of flowers and vegetables creates a 
healthy rivalry, Promotes social intercourse, and imparts practical knowledge to the 
observant individual; and, in submitting this paper to your consideration, I will 
endeavour to lightly touch on a few points on which, in my opinion, these societies 
will benefit the community at large. 
Various societies claim, when holding their annual or biennial shows, that they 
are for the advancement of both agriculture and horticulture in their separate dis- 
tricts. But it is felt by most practical men that they are not nearly so valuable as 
they might be. 
Government experts are available for lectures, object-lessons, &ec., yet few 
societies avail themselves of these privileges. ‘Yhere is a great need for general 
knowledge in dairying, fruit, and vine culture, also in destruction of insects and other 
ests. : 1 
i Complaints are often heard that shows are merely useful as excuses for holidays, 
meeting friends from distant parts, and a harvest for the tradespeople, as, after the 
show is over, all interest in it lies dormant until the next one. 
Would it not be more instructive if, between these shows, monthly meetings were 
held at which various exhibits could be tabled, and opinions expressed between those 
present as to the growth and habits of the exhibit? In order to make these monthly 
meetings more attractive, I would strongly advise that a small prize be given for the 
best individual display. In my district this has been done, and has proved an 
unqualified success, 
