1 Jury, 1901.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 55 
matters absolutely interesting to the farmers in the district. A great difference: 
between the two associations is, that the first has generally funds. It has an. 
income from the show and a subsidy from the Government. The total amount 
of the subscriptions of the small society does not total £50, and it, is therefore, 
not eligible to receive a subsidy. When we come to a Chamber of Agriculture, 
if two guineas were insisted upon—and I do not see how it could be less—the 
two guineas would have to be raised by the enthusiasts who are carrying on the 
small associations. If we can get some way of raising funds without coming 
too heavily upon these small associations, and without cutting them out if they 
cannot give a subscription, it would be a great advantage. When there is any 
special subject of interest or when there is some point that we feel will bear 
_ heavily upon us, we will then all roll up to a meeting to hear it discussed. It 
: 
may be state of the roads or the ticks. We are all brought together, but when 
that matter is settled there is a great falling off, and it is left to two or three 
to varry on the work. Iam afraid that unless we can get some cement to keep 
the associations together, if they do combine, that there will be a falling off in 
interest after the first enthusiasm is gone. A. cement that will do good is 
a little co-operation—that is, co-operation for our practical benefit. Many can 
recollect the movement of 1883. The co-operative society then formed fell to 
pieces, but the main fault was that the members wanted to get district 
_representatives mstead of the best men. I believe, however, that if the men 
who afterwards became directors of that co-operation, had the experience they 
now have, it would have been successful. 
Mr. F. W. Prex (Loganholme) : I have to thank you for the reception you 
have accorded my paper, but I am sorry to say that it appears I am a. bit 
premature. Perhaps 1 am, but someone must start the ball rolling. At 
the last three Conferences I have been told that I am premature. I introduced 
agricultural education at Mackay, and was told I was too premature. My 
Agricultural Bank Bill at Warwick was too premature, and now my Chamber of 
Agriculture is too premature. I hold, however, that it is not. If we can only, 
from this Conference, form a nucleus from which we can grow, we shall have 
attained a certain end productive of good, and IJ shall be satisfied that I have 
done some good in introducing the subject. We are all agreed that organisa- 
tion is required. J myself have been in communication with the National 
Association of Queensland on this matter. Reference has been made to the 
National show, and the Logan has always done its best to assist that body. I 
feel more flattered this year, although we only won third prize as compared 
with the first of last year, because of the stronger competition, and because it 
has set our fellows’ backs up for a bigger show next year. It is only by 
organising our forces and showing what can be done that we can succeed. 
What better field could we have than the annual show of the National 
Association ? It is recognised as the chief medium of showing the progress of 
the State. The only thing wanted now is to induce the outside societies to 
enter into the competition. The society has enlarged its coffers, and I must 
say that these national exhibitions have been the means of introducing a lot of 
good into our districts. I am sure if every member could bring home to his 
society the advantage of contributing to the districts’ competition at the 
National show, it alone would more than repay the cost of these Conferences. 
My. Corrie said it was difficult to get men together. Ihave given the council 
twelve men, but there is nothing to stop having three councils, one each in the 
Northern, Central, and Southern districts. “It is no use being divided because 
one man breeds pigs and another grows pineapples. There is affinity between 
even those industries. Cheap agricultural lines are required throughout the 
State, whether by the pigbreeder or the pinegrower. A Northern man wants 
a thing, but by himself he is not strong enough to get it. We in the South 
can, however, help him. The question of funds has been raised. I do not 
believe in State aid. Some of the money voted to agricultural societies at the 
present time, however, could be better devoted to a chamber to do such work 
as I have indicated. I do not see much argument against the idea of the State 
