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The Rapid Growth of Co-operative Work in Handling and Marketing Pro- vincial Crops. No branch or class of legislation has received more careful attention at the hands of the present ad- ministration than that affectmg and designed to assist in the devel- opment of the agricultural interests of the province; and the brief outline which it is here possible to give of the scope and provisions of the various statutes can hardly be expected to convey to the reader more than a general idea of thj amount of practica'. assistance afforded to the agricultur' 1 interests by the legis- lation now under consideration. The importance of associations having for their object the uniting of the agri- cultural classes, with power to promote and protect the mutual interests of the members, and to procure and disseminate information respecting modern methods, inventions and appliances is now uni- versally recognized, and has at the hands of the government received careful at- tention. We Avill, therefore, in the first instance, deal with the legislation af- fecting these associations. The original act was the Agricultural Associations act which was consolidated as chapter 4 of the Consolidated Acts, 1893, and is now chapter 12 of the Revised Statutes, 1897. In 1890 a further statute was passed at the instance o^" the government which while extending the objects and powers of the original class of associa- tions, made provision to include in ad- dition to, or rather to combine with ag- riculture and its interests, horticultural and cognate interests as well as provid- ing for the creation of a Provincial Horticultural and Fruitgrowers' associ- ation, having for its object the general advancement of the interests of the fruit growers throughout the province. With the view of empowering the pro- \ incial association to practically benefit provincial farmers and fruitgrowers, it is empowered to hold meetings and ex- hibitions, and to distribute prizes, dip- lomas and awards of merit; to obtain seeds, plants and trees for distribution for the purpose of improving existing stock and to procure the introduction and cultivation of new kinds and varieties; to adopt a systematic method of procur- ing and distributing practical informa- tion respecting the objects for which it is formed and generally to exercise all necessary corporate powers for the l)enefit of the agricultural classes throughout the province. In addition to this provincial board the old provisions respecting local as- sociations are kept in force, being, how- ever, improved in many respects, and the associations given all necessary pow- ers to enable them to be of practical assistance to the members and the farm- ing classes generally. THE PRUITGROW^ERS' ASSOCIA- TION. Under the powers conferred by these acts a number of agricultural associa- tions have been formed throughout the I country for the purpose of holdlug exhi- bitions and for mutual improvement, to v/hich the government has extended lib- eral aid. Among the most important of these may be mentioned the British Co- lumbia Fruitgrowers' Association, or- ganized, under a special act, in 1889. Ihis association has been verv success- ful from the outset, and at the time it was formed created a grent -leal of in- terest in the subject of fruit growing, uud gave an impetus to that industrv whi-.h has been developed on the lines then laid down. This association was started when there was practical! v ik) agricultural depart- lent to perform similar work, and in addition to bring- ing the farmers together and uniting tliem for the purpose of carrving out common objects and improving the in- dustry, it was instrumental in dissemin- ating very much valuable information, both in regard to the agricultaral capa- bilities of the province and as to the best methods to be employed. It also did much towards placing within the reach of Its members information respecting the prevention and extermination of insect pests, which began to make their appearance early in the history of the association. Latterly the work of the Fruitgrowers' association has been large- ly taken up by the oflicers of the depart- ment of agriculture and the board of horticulture, which have carried on the work then commenced with greater sjs- tem and completeness. One special fea- ture of the work of the association dur- 'ng the past ; wo or three years has been the encouragement of co-operation on practical lines for the purpose of finding new markets and of affording better lacilities and better methods of mar- keting. Under its agents several fruit exchanges have been established and the one on the Fraser valley has done an im- portant work in this respect, and its op- <?rations are rapidly extending. It has succeeded in finding a market for Brit- ish Columbia fruit in the Northwest markets, in obtaining concessions with regard to freight rates, and obtaining •co-operations among its members for the purpose of disposing of their prod- uce. This will undoubtedly develop in- to an important agency, and its effects are already quite appreciable. It is pos- sible that in the near future the Fruit- growers associations may become merged into the Central Farmers' Institute, the scope of which includes all that is con- templated and performed by the Fruit- growers' association. It. however, de- serves, special recognition on account of the pioneer work performe-' under its auspices. The Flockmasters' association and the Dairymen's association are other insti- tutions which have come into life within the period referred to: Their sphere of operation is not so extensive as that of the Fruitgrowers' association, but thev have done very useful work. It is pos'- sible that these, too. may become merged into the Farmers' Institute, but that de- pends of course upon the disposition of the members themselves. PROVINCIAL BOARD OF HORTI- CULTURE. In order to further assist the provin- cial fruitgrowers, and to render them protection as well as assistance, there was passed in 1894 a statute which with its amending acts, is consolidated as chapter 94 of the Revised Statutes. 1897, and is known as the "Horticultural Board act." This uct as amended in lo9( divides the province into three dis- tricts as follows: (1) The first dlsfict- comprising A'ancouver Island uiiu the islands adjacent thereto; (2) the second district comprising the electoral districts of New Westminscter city, Vancouver city, Westminster, Cassiar, and that por- ii"?l-^u 9,*^'?^'^^' l.v'ing on the mainland of British Columbia; (3) the third district coniprising the remainder of British Col- umbia not included in the two other districts. The act creates a provincial board of horticulture composed of the minister of agriculture and the deputy minister of agriculture as ex-offlcio members, to- gether with three members to be ap- pointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, one from each of the above dis- tricts; the appointed members must re- side in the district for which they are appointed; they are selected with refer- ence to their practical knowledge of and abilities in the classes of objects to be dealt with by the board, and hold office tor a term of four years. The objects of the board are. first, to prevent the spread of contagious diseases in orchards and gardens and among fruit and fruit trees, and for the prevention and extir- pation of fruit pests and the diseases of fruit and fruit trees and orchard and nursery stock, and, second, to prevent the importation of any diseased fruit trees, plants, or mirser.. stock. 1"r effect these purposes the board is empowered to make all necessary regulations and to take all necessary steps for the purpose of preventing the spread of contagious diseases in orchards and gardens and among fruit and fruit trees, and for the prevention, treatment, cure and exti;'pa- tion of fruit pests and the diseases of fruit and fruit trees, for the disinfection ot grafts, scions, or orchard debris, em- pty fruit boxes or packages, and other suspected material or transportable ar- ticles dangerous to orchards, fruit and fruit trees, and for the inspection and 3 disinfection or flostruclion thereof or of non-fniit-beorinK trees or shrubs which may carry contagion, and also for re- qiiinnK all cases of contagious diseases or fruit pests ta.be reported to the board. Ihese regulations are circulated in print- ed form by the board among the irtiit growers and fruit dealers of the nrov- iiice. PRACTICAL RESULTS. Regarding the practical working of the board of hcrticulture a gre.it deal might be said. However, it is unnoces- sary here to deal with it in a compiehen- sive way. The work of the l)o,ird. al- though not so fully appreciateii a, id so well known as it should be has been most beneficial. The members )<av(. de- voted a great deal of time and put forth very earnest efforts towards accomplish- ing objects sought by the legis'ation creating the board. Its work has been three-fold in character: (1) As to the inspection of fruit and nursery stock in order to prevent the importation ot dis- eased fruit or nursery scions; (2) in fram- ing and enforcing regulations for the conduct of the fruit industry in respect to the prevention and extermination of fruit pests concerning which the province was at one time seriously threatened and It has only been by constant vigil- ance on the part of the oflicials that com- parative immunity has been obtained; and (3) in respect to educating the farm- ers and fruit growers of the provin..^ as to the science and best methods of hor- ticulture in every department, 'ncluding planting, cultivation, pruning, harvest- ing and marketing. The members of the board, who are all zealous and effi- cient men, have travelled over the por- tions of the province in Avhich fruit growing is carried on. and visited in- dividual orchards, have instructed fann- ers, delivered addresses and i;i ni.-my other ways have promoted interest and produced good results generally. It may be stated here that' the prov- ince of British Columbia has been the pioneer in Canada in respect to this im- portant work, and in no other province has such systematic efforts been put in force, and had a similar svstem been carried out in Eastern Canada, it •,\-ould not have been necessary to-dav to have enacted the stringent legislation that has recently been placed upon the sta- tute books of the Dominion, preventing the importation of foreign nursery stock which is now a serious matter to many of our farmers, owing to contracts whioh have been entered into, and to the diffi- culty which is experienced in obtaining a sufficient supply of the right varieties for orchards from the South where the conditions are similar. The regulations ot the deiiartmcnt have been carried out judiciously as well as effectivelv, and there is absolutely nothing to be c.jni- plained of in regard to the manner in which the duties of the board have been performed. ^, , DAIRYING. Closely allied to the agricultu.-.il and fiuit-growmg interests, and fully equal to them ill iKjint of importance; is the subject of dairying and the providiri," of means to render possible the consolida- tion of the individual resources of a district so as to insure a greatly increas- ed and more marketable product with a corresponding of profits to the individual tarmeT. To effect this purpose several acts have been passed, the first being the Dairymen's Association Act, 1S94 i *l ^^o^"^^' ^''^^ Dairymen's Association A I' \ocd: "V,\\ *^^ th'i"fl the Creameries Act, isyb. Ihese acts have oeen con- solidated in the above order as Part I Part II and Part III. of the revis'^d Dairy Associations Act, chanter IS of the Revised Statutes, 1897. " Part I. provides for the incorporation of a Provincial Dairymen's Association, which IS given a charter covering the province with power to hold exhibitions u- u ^'•'^I'l'^y of dairying products for which prizes, diplomas, or other awards pt rnerit may be given; to purchase such implements of dairying as may be deem- ed advisable for the purpose of experi- mentmg and for the education of the public 111 the art and science of praftieal dairying; to purchase, hold and dispose of lands, erect buildings, and obtain all necessary ecjuipments therefor for the purpose of experiment or instruction in the methods of dairying, or holding ex- hibitions, or the establishment of a col- lection of products, articles and iniple- nicnts pertaining to the study of dai v- ing; to organize, establish, and condi-t a bureau for the collection and dissem- ination of information bearing on the science of dairying and a department for the promotion of that science. Part II. provides for the formation of local dairying associations for the ob- jects following: (a) The manufacturing of cheese and t<utter; (b) The keeping of swine and the man- ufacture and sale of the various prodacts resulting therefrom; and (c) The dealing in swine and vttle foods for the purpose of supplying such foods to the patrons of such association. Any associations under the origin.il act as to include all objects authorized by are empowered to extend their objects so the revised act. These local associations are given full power to carry out their objects of incorporation. Part III, deals with the establishment ot co-operative creameries and empowers thf Lioiitonnnt-CJovernor in Council to lend out of the itublic iuon(\VH of the province to each dairy association incor- porat*?(l for the purpose of carr.viiii,' on a creamery upo the co-operative svsreni. (wihhc is defined as bein^ a system which secures to all members of Jh<' aa- Bocuition a share in the protits thcivto in proportion to the better fat in the milk supplied by them after payment ;if a dividend upon the capital stock not ex- oeetliiiK <! per cent, per annum) a sum not exceedinjr .t!2.(M»() to each association. Every loan made under this part of the act is subject to a low rate of interest, and is repayable in three instalments at 2 r? and 4 years, and in order lo obtain such loan the association must i)rove its compliance \> ith certain reciniremeuts which are: (1) That the district within w!ii«!)i it is proposed to erect or operate a .'reamery 18 competent and fitttnl for its support, and that there is a reasonable i)ros,iect of the same beinj,' a financial suc-ess; (2) That contracts contingent upon the operation of the creamery have he-ni en- tered into for the supply thereto of the milk of not less than 300 cows, or that such supply is otherwise sufHciently guaranteed or secured; (;{) That the location of the creameij is such as to prevent encroachment up- on the limits of an established cream- ery, while allowinjr a radius to the pro- posed institution of at least six Miles; (4) That the subscribed capital of the company or association is sutli.-ient, if fully paid up, to enable the comp niy or association to ac(|uire a site ainl to erect and thornughly eciuip an efJicient ere im- ery of a capacity to use the mil!: of not less than 300 cows; (5) That the lands of the .'reamerv building and the nature and cost of the proposed plant and equipment be submit- ted to the government for approval. Regarding the several associations the leading features of which have been out- lined, all the details necessary for their effective operation may be found in the several acts referred to. .Tust here it is pertinent to remark that in no other province is there such an abundame of legislation providing for co-operative ef- fort on the part of the farmers in the way of production and the methods that may be employed in carrying on the bus- iness necessary for success. Perhaps the most marked advance in agriculture in British Columbia has been made in the direction of the develop- ment of the dairy industry, and from a time when the province imported almost all its supply of butter from outside points, the several creameries which are established now are active competitors in the market and secure a large share of especially the fresh butter trade. The' dairy industry is only in its infaucv as yet, and with the efforts being put forth by the government and the various asso- ciation and joint stock concerns, we may safely anticipate that within a few vcars the dairy industty will be one of the most important branches of agriculture in this province. The province itself is, in respect to nutritious grasses, pure water, and r)ther essentials of dairying admirably adapted for carrving on" the industry, perhaps not on so large a scale as in the North West or in Australi:i, but sufficient to supply all the wants of tlie province even with the growing de- mands which are being made upon the market for local consumption. FARMERS' INSTITUTES. In this connection it is desirable to refer at some length to the Farmers' Insti- tutes, an act to establish which was- l)assed in the session otL IgQT with am- endments in 1898, and the most im- portant of all, the Mutual Credit Asso- ciations of the present sission. The e itablishment of the Farmers' In- stitutes was provided for in an act pass- ed in the session of 1897. nie legisla- tion is based upon that of Ontario and Manitoba, the best features of whi-'h are mcorporatefl. There are additional fea- tui>es applicable to the conditions of the province of British Columbia. In addi- tion to this also there is a section pro- viding for the speedy incoporation of as.sociations formed for the purpose of carrying out such objects as dairying, the establishment of fruit ev,.hanges fruit canning mutual credit assoMatious or other enterprises calling for the co- operation of farmers. Although it was- considered at first an act somewhat in advance of the uequirements of the province on account of the sparsitv of population in rural districts, its provis- ions have been taken hold of with earn- estness and zeal in all parts of the* prov- ince, and there are now twelve regularly organized institutes which are carryiig on their work under the direction of sk superintendent, appointed by the gov- ernment, in a practical and' systematic manner. The result of these, as was .-in- ticipated has been to cause the farmers, to take a more active interest in the problems of agriculture, and to draw them together more closely on the lines of co-operation. A number of well-in- formed and progressive farmers have been selected to address the meetings of the Fai-mers' Institutes on live topics, and much information of a valuable char- acter IS being imparted in addition to the increased interest which is being manifested and the improved methods: which are being adopted as » conse- quence. I I Agitation is the road which leads to reform of all character, social or politi- cal, and ;t has been through the agen- ciefi of such Institutions establiahed by the government that the agriculturists of the province have been arou^ied to an appreciation of the possibilities of agri- culture in thi'j province and have been led to seriously discuss methods and is- sues of vit/xl importance to their own interests. It is quite probable that through the agencies of the Farmers' Institutes, co-operation and organization on a comprehensive scale will be eject- ed, and as it is contemplated that the Farmers' Institutes should include a con Jideration and supervision of all ngr'- cultural matters, placing the control di- rectly in the hands of the farmers them- selves, it is not improbable that ail the subsidiary and auxiliary associations may finally be merged into them. AGRICULTURAL CREDIT ASSO- CIATIONS. Coincident with the establishment of the Farmers' Institutes came a move- ment in favor of obtaining che.iper money for the purposes of carrying on or- dinary farming operations where it wa'i necessary to borrow. In a young coun- try like British Columbia with the cur- rent rate of interest high and the neces- sities of farmers in the way of develop- ment many, it was natural that a iiieasure looking towards the reduction of interest would be forthcoming, as the difference between the rate at which money could be obtained by the jiovern- ment and the ordinary rate paid bv farm- ers on mortgages and loans (the latter being from 8 to 12 per cent.) means in Itself a large share of profit, and the n.oney required for paying off interest on mortgages or on loans necessary for temporary purposes the profits of ordin- "i'^' *'mP operations are entirely absorb- ed. Ihe question how this reduction of interest could be best obtained was a serious problem for the government mere were a number of systems c nsid- ered. including the Land Banks and Agricultural Associations of Europe, and the direct method employed in New Zealand of advancing money to fanners for the purpose of paying- off their mortgages, the government acceptin<' first mortgages for securitv. There were many things to be taken into considera- tion and many conditions to observe The government after taking everything into cciisideration decided to adopt a svstem wftich in many respects i-eaemb!es the agricultural credit assocations of Ger- inany and for all pr.xctical purposes is the same as the agricultural and village banks of Great Britain, with this differ- ence, that while these assooiaUons in Europe by the combined credit of the ni»>mber8 can obtain advances from Ihe banks at a rate of interest correspond- nig to the government rate in this coun- try, and are independent of government assistance, no such arrangement was possible in British Columbia .vhere in order to obtain by united crp.llt (heap money it was necessary for the gorern- ment to take the place of the p rivaie «"«™"tors in Europe. The systoin s based solely upon the PRINCIPLE OP CO-OPERATION. by which the individuals of the com- Ttm ?r' *^""' '''^'''. '^"'1 their Ts. sets for the purpose obtaining advances S^-nriivn ™r'" ^•'^u«"«''h the assocKii to individual members and for which sponsible, the association being author- ized to accept proper security, both real and personal, for repayment: The gov- ernment thereby does not deal dfrec^hr TL'-'^^V'^r^'' '^"t ^'th communities of individuals, and through the act, and by rules and regulationse to be proraul- fdlon„Ji"*^"^*^^ ^^*' P'-^^'des ^for an adequate system of supervision and for the reasonable safety of the operation ad«?fnf'^'*^"2' '''h'^h '« practically aS adaptation of commercial banking to agriculatural conditions. The priSarv off'1^* f '^^ legislation is n^t'^to paj off mortgages of farmers, although this may be incidentally accomplished to the extent to which the association has pow^ er to loan, but for the purposes of de- velopment and affording^fafnm-s crAtt i%}^% ^-^tent of the security they can offer for carrying on the ordinan^ ri^ productive business of farming, whether It be clearing, draining,, buvinff stock harvesting their crops, building ^or what Z; «*lJo»g a« the objects are legiti- mate, the methods intelligent, and the expenditure of the money properly mule Ihe measure of course must be more or less experimental and in the verv na- ture of things a tentative one. and ??- P^"^«ce in actual operation may sug- fdant itTo It''^^' -"^"^ amendments fo aaapt it to the requirements of the oro- nS Jh^«"^^««« of the system X pends to a large extent upon the hon- esty and industry of farmers themselv^." fh^'detaSs ' '®''""* administration of The inauguration of agricultural cred- it associations has been hailed bv many with satisfaction as indicating a deS on the part of the government to mill the needs of the agricultural community tL P'^'^f '^«1 ^^y-. and as the introduc- l,?Z^ 1 "■ Pi'ogressive policy of agrical- t ral development which, is as sifccess- ful as Its meritB deserve, will mean thn revolutionizing of agricultural mShodS 6 in tluH province, and the giving to tho induHtry u status far in advance of what it has ever heretofore had. The system has wori<ed out with Kreat suc- cess (»n the continent of Europe under conditions less favoral)le and with fewer opportunities than exist in British Col- umbia. If successful, too, it will set an example for the whole Dominion of (^aiuida and the continent of America and will solve many of the more seriouK prohlenis which at the present time con- front the farmer, who from the fierce competition wa>,'ed by the cheap labor of foreiKii countries has had for a num- ber of years past but a small margin to reward his necessarily laborious efforts. AID IN OTHER WAYS. Heference in the foregoing has onlv been incidentally made to the expendi- ture incurred by the government from year to year for agricultural purposes, which in all directions, directly and in- directly, has in recent years aggregated ^o or ,•}() thousand dollars a year, nor has reference been made to the large sums loaned to the farmers of the Era- ser Valley in order to assist them in re- covering from the disastrous effects of the flooding of the Eraser river in 1894. ihere is also to consider the very large snins that have been expended and are being expended by the government in connection with the dyking enterprises of the Eraser River Valley for purpose of reclamation and protection of the rich delta lands of the district affected by overflow, the result of which is that about lOO.CXM) acres of the best land ot British Columbia will be made avail- able for cultivation in the highest de- gree, and will render these lands capable of producing a vast amount of wealth in the years to come. In view of all that has been state<l in the foregoing, which merely presents an outline of the policy of agricultural de- velopment pursued by the government It cannot be reasonably maintainel by the most captious critic that the gov- ernment has not done all in its power to advance and promote the interests of the farming community. THE AGRICULTURAL DBPT. Jt has also instituted bv its agricul- tural department a bureau of intelli- gence which has from time to time is- sued most valuable information not only for the benefit of the farmers in the various districts themselves but for the information of intending settlers. It was for a long time a standing ma.'k against the province that it was neces- sary to import so large a share of the ordinary necessaries of life which could be produced in the province itself, and that fact ha.4 exciten miii-h comment JtoMi witliin and outside the proviu •(«. )iy the policy of directing attention to our agricultural resources in a pravtijal way and affording facilities for develop- ment, it will not f»e longer competent for critics to point the finger )f scorn at the lack of production in British Col- umbia, but on the other hand, from be- ing an imi»orting population we will soon take rank as a population capable of ex- porting its varied products to other pro- vinces and other countries besides ude- (|uately supplying the ever increasing de- mands of home consumption. AX A(iRICULTURAL COMMISSION It is not, however, the intention of the government to stop here, but to extend Its operati(ms to new fields and in other directions. The hon. the Premier in his budget speech as Minister of Ein- ance. indicated the policy of the gov- ernment in respect to other important inatters which were having the atten- tion of the government. He referred to the problems of irrigation by which the dry belts of the interior might be made capable of much greater results, and to the subject of cold storage. He pointed out that by establishing adequate cold storage facilities at some convenient point in the interior that great advant- ages would ensue to the farmers there where cattle raising was a predominant industry. If farmers could sell their cattle in the fall of the year when in good condition, or kill and store the beef so as to be available to supply the coast markets regularly u great saving would be directly effected to the farm- ers, besides the many other advantages and benefits that would indirectly ac- crue. Pursuant to what was an an- nouncement of the government's policy provision was made in the supplement- ary estimates for the appointment of a commission which will have for its ob- ject a careful enquiry into the subject of irrigation, cold storage, the mortgage tax and financial difflculties of the far- mers and other matters affecting their interests not yet dealt with by the gov- ernment. An exhaustive report on these subjects may no doubt be anticipated, and undoubte(''.y it will have the consid- eration of the government with a view to^ further legislative enactment. The subject of the mortgage tax is one which has been prominently before the public for several years, and has had the serious consideration of the gov- ernment with a view to avoiding the in- cidence of taxation falling upon the mortgagors as it does at present in manv instances. This, however, is surround- ed with many difTiculties. It mav be stated here that mortgages are taxed by every known government and a similar <lifH(iilty has urinfii plsewhen? as to the inculeiKo of taxation. The problem has nowhere yet been satiHfactorily settled, but the government hopes to see its way clear to practical solution. In thi'a connection it may be stated that the at- titude of the government with rcsppot to the mortKage tax was well presented in a letter written by the lion, the Pre- sident of the Executive Council to his constitutents, an extract from which is here given: "(1) Repeal the Mortgage Tax. "To the first question I can only sav that I, as well as the rest of the gov- ernment and the government supporters, are anxious to have this mis-called mort- gage tax repealed, but repealed in such a way as to meet the wislies of the mortgages, viz.: to lift (.he burden of the tax from their shoulders. No solu- tion of this matter after various meet- ings has ben arrived at, and the difH- culties are of such a nature that the government has placed upon the supple- mentary estimates a sum of $1,000 for a commission to report on financial dif- ficulties of agriculturists, irrigation, etc.. which will include the mortgage tax (so- called). "I hope that this commission will, af- ter calling evidence and mature consid- eration, be able to suggest u solution o' what In my view is a most intricate problem. LITERATURE FOR FARMERS. As further evidence of the desire of the government to benefit the agricul- turist, a system of circulating libraries has been provided for, whereby rural or other communities may be supplied with suitable literatui >. This will include standard works of interest to the young- er people, both boys and girls, of his- tory, travel, and biography; and of the latest and best books in agriculture. Ihese will be passed on from time to time, so that in time every community will have the benefit of all ihe volumes purchased or available for ^his purpose As the great majority of the books so circulated, especially those of particu- lar interest and value to farmers, would otherwise not be available, great bene- fits should accrue from the ostoblidh- ment of such a system.