246 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. {1 Ocr., 1909, 
bring this matter forward at the present juncture, when the necessities of the hour 
and the troubles our farmers have to face call more loudly for united action to 
alleviate the many disabilities that are common to ali. In a recent tour 
through Southern Queensland I have had the opportunity of visiting a large 
number of districts, and have had the pleasure of not only meeting with and 
addressing a number of societies, but also have rubbed shoulders with the men 
on the land by visiting their farms and having a little plain talk to practical 
men ; and I must say, in all honesty, that every credit should be given to those 
farmers who have faced the present difficulties and unfavourable season with 
true British pluck and courage, although in many cases it has meant great 
losses and temporary financial difficulties. More particularly does this appl 
to the pastoralists, who have never had to face a worse season ; but, on the 
other hand, what calls for strong comment is the apathy and neglect displayed 
by some, who, with a small amount of labour, could have made use of natural 
facilities and resources to the betterment of themselves and their industry. 
It is seeing this that again urges me to bring before the Queensland 
farmers the advantages of co-operative effort. It has been pointed out that 
the success of the producing interests of the Continental States is due to the 
efforts of the producers themselves by organising themselves into local 
institutions with the object of helping each other. I have been frequentl 
met with these arguments: ‘Ilhat our country districts are too isolated ; that 
the State is too thinly populated ; that the farmers will not combine ; and that 
if you try to assist them in this direction the farmers think you want to have 
them. The fact is, that the farmer is too suspicious. These are the statements 
I have met with, and my intention is, in these few lines, to have a little practical 
talk to farmers in this State on organised co-operation. 
How to ComMENcE. 
In every district I have visited from Gladstone to Roma, I have 
met a few solid men, serious thinkers, quiet workers—men who have a 
heartfelt interest not only in their own particular farm holdings, but in 
their districts, and who will do all in their power to assist their neighbours 
in every possible way. It is on these men that the initiation of a 
co-operative movement must depend for success. Co-operation has a wider 
and a higher meaning than the purchase of cheap fodders, manures, seeds, 
&c., or the sale of fruit, vegetables, or any farm and dairy products. 
One of the greatest benefits, and perhaps the best, is the influence co-operation 
has upon social life. In Denmark and other European States and Canada the 
co-operative society is the pioneer of goodwill, united interests, and social 
reform. The spirit of isolation is broken down, and mutual self-help is the 
order of the day. The best Government we could possibly desire or place in 
position could ‘not produce that benefit to a local community which it can 
create for itself by adopting co-operative methods. ‘The first step is the 
formation of the individual farmers into a society within defined-areas. Then 
a room centrally situated must be secured, having sufficient capacity to be 
utilised as meeting-room, reading-room, village library, concert-room, &c. 
Now, the first thing that I generally hear is about the cost and where the 
money is to come from? But this is an old cry. If funds are required for a 
picnic, cricket or football club, or for any other amusement; they are easily 
procured, but I acknowledge the apathy shown in trying to raise funds for 
industrial purposes. Still, I have not heard of many concerts failing in the 
country districts either for want of funds or people to carry them on; and this 
thought comes to me whilst writing, that if we wish our society to succeed we 
must have harmony, and a social evening with slight refreshments contributed 
by our country friends would be appreciated by one and all occasionally. T am 
sure the good which could be done would be incalculable. 
Will one of our newly formed farmers’ associations take this up, get all 
the members to assist, form a good energetic committee, pick your enthusiastic 
workers, and start the ball rolling? Others will learn and follow the lead. 
