44, QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Jury, 1901. 
years, tili we find in some districts three or four are now actively working where 
previously only one existed, and this causes a bone of contention (that is, where such 
are established), because only one society—generally the first one established, although 
in some cases practically moribund as regards active work—still draws the Government 
subsidy or endowment, whilst its confréres in the same district, owing to their limited 
surroundings and conditions, are practically left in the cold, and have to paddle their 
own canoe in the best manner possible and on their own resources. Jt might be worth 
while for the Department of Agriculture to hold an inquiry into this question. One fact 
we know is, that some better system or basis for the uniform working of our societies 
is badly needed. Out of the 131 agricultural societies now working in this State there 
are no two societies working on the same rule, although practically each society aims 
HH at the same object—namely, the advancement and development of the resources 
and products of each district they represent. Therefore, I think I may claim every 
reason for bringing forward to-day in as simple and plain a manner as possible the 
. benefits to be derived from uniting ourselves together under a representative head, 
i and to be known as the Queensland Chamber of Agriculture. 
OBJECTS OF THE CHAMBER. 
In bringing this matter forward for discussion the main object is to formulate a 
general scheme for building up this institution on broad lines and principles that will 
9 acceptable to the whole of our industries—agriculturists, planters, pastoralists, 
fruit-growers, and dairymen—and by which each industry and society can be represented 
on the council or chamber when established. And I need not add that the success or 
otherwise of this movement will depend on its being directly representative. The 
urgent necessity at the present time for such united action of our societies and 
producing interests must be paramount to all. The legislation discussed and measures 
= foreshadowed in the Federal Parliament of dealing with some of our chief and primary 
industries in this State call for and demand the united action of all our agricultural 
societies and their members to organise and assist in protecting our rights and 
privileges in such industries that have been the means of our rapid development and 
one of the chief factors in our State’s prosperity. It is only by organising our forces 
together to help to maintain, not to destroy—to make the troubles of one district the 
concern of all—that we can hope to succeed in proving to our sister States in this 
Commonwealth that we are a live body, capable of justifying our position, and speaking 
for the wants and requirements of Queensland agriculturists and producers. 
The chief objects of a Chamber of Agriculture would be as follows :— 
To promote the further development of the agricultural and pastoral resources 
of this State. 
To watch over and protect the rights and privileges of the various associated 
bodies or societies. 
To consider and take action in relation to any subject, matter, or legislation 
affecting them. ' 
To foster and encourage every branch of farming. 
To safeguard and protect the industries now established in the various districts 
of this State. 
To obtain proper facilities for the transit of produce and secure the best 
markets for the same, with the appointment of such agents both at home 
and abroad as may be deemed expedient. 
To secure a better class of produce for the market, and induce a more perfect 
system of agriculture. 
To take up the urgent question of agricultural education with technical and 
practical instruction in State schools. 
To bring about such a union of the various societies and associations as will 
enable the chamber to bring pressure to bear in any desirable manner for 
the benefit of the various agricultural industries. 
To bring about uniformity of rules as far as practicable. 
To arrange and negotiate the dates of holding shows, conferences, &c.; also 
to register and compile a satisfactory list of judges of agricultural products 
for local shows. 
And to consider, advise, and investigate, in a friendly manner, any and all other 
items of mutual interest. 
_ This may appear a large order to some present, who have not up to the present 
time considered this matter or thought out for themselves the many questions that are 
continually arising at our society meetings; but all these objects, and far more, can 
be undertaken by a responsible and representative body with every chance of success, 
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