Seven Pivotal, Profound and Everlasting 1911

CHAPTER SEVEN

Pivotal, Profound and Everlasting

The collective/co-operative concept to establish a stock and station agency in South Taranaki, owned and operated by the farmers never slept – just rested. What happened next in the continuing quest to establish a farmer-owned stock and station co-operative by South Taranaki farmers has become an enigma. There is no evidence that any specific organisations or other individuals, were backing the determined George Buckeridge on this quest. Tacit encouragement and support was no doubt provided by many dairy co-operatives, their shareholders and directors and N.Z. Farmers’ Union members. In the beginning he appears to have single-handedly undertaken the enormous challenge of promoting the ‘co-operative cause’. Meticulously researching and studying the subject both from a local and international perspective, George became an expert on the establishment, operation and application of this type of enterprise. No mention can be found of a new enterprise in the minutes of Farmers’ Union meetings, although a number of Taranaki Farmers’ Union branch presidents eventually became heavily involved in it in later years. What is known, though, is that on Saturday 16 December 1911, on his own initiative George Buckeridge convened a meeting in Hawera ‘to consider the advisableness of starting a co-operative business’. It was ‘attended by 25 persons’. Mr C. Tarrant was voted to the chair. Mr Buckeridge indicated that he was very pleased to meet so many farmers from the district, representative of various parts of the centre. He had brought them together to discuss a proposal that he felt would be of benefit to them. He went on to explain that the history of co-operation in Taranaki outside the dairy industry had been ‘one of almost complete failure’, and he did not think that they had far to look for the reason for this: The farmers had run away with the idea that a business run by the farmers for the benefit of the farmers could run without money. He did not know any business which could run without money, and he was quite sure that the cause of failure of the co-operative enterprise in Taranaki, more so than in any part of New Zealand, was attributable mainly due to the want of capital. The first essential in any business was strong finance. Without this no business could be carried on successfully. Want of capital hampered the directors and management and without good management a business could not be carried on efficiently. Mr Buckeridge pointed out that in the early days of co-operative dairying it had failed through insufficient capital, but this had been improved as the result of experience and today they knew what a splendid success was being made by co-operation in the dairying industry. He had taken the disposal of stock as the commencement of their business and he would not advocate the store business at present, but he could not see any reason why farmers should not aim at that and work it successfully, for co-operative stores had been run successfully in the district in connection with the dairy factories. They might also take into consideration the advisableness of going in for cooperative auctioneering which could be used for the disposal of their manures, seeds etc., providing the concern was properly capitalised. He wished it to be understood that the concern must start out with a prospect of success, and to induce farmers to support it. He had been interested in co-operative

enterprise for many years, and mentioned that he was one of those who started the now successful Eltham Dairy Company. To instance the success of co-operative business among farmers in other districts, Mr Buckeridge referred to the Waikato, Wairarapa and South Canterbury. The business in the Waikato had been a magnificent success, and had grown phenomenally. He was sure that in such a wealthy district as South Taranaki that the co-operative movement would be a success. There were better opportunities here than in any district in New Zealand.

The Chairman considered that the proposal was a good idea, he was in the Waikato when the cooperative business was started and knew that it had been a success. It was bound to be a success in South Taranaki if run on the right lines.

Mr J. D. Wills asked if there was not a co-operative company already registered.

Mr Buckeridge replied that he thought there was, but as it had not been in business it had been struck off the roll. To start with a capital of only £50,000 would court absolute failure, they would require a larger amount than that.

Mr Wills remarked that he was one of the directors of the original company, but when he found there was difficulty in getting support he withdrew. He was favourable to the present proposal provided the support was forthcoming.

Mr Buckeridge thought that it would be a good idea to make a canvass of the district to ascertain what support the project was likely to receive; personally from the gathering present that morning and from his interviews with many farmers he believed it would meet with success. He considered the concern should only operate in South Taranaki and to do this £250,000 capital would be required. In a few years he hoped they ought to be able to increase their capital and extend their field. To work the whole of Taranaki they would want a capital of one million pounds, and he did not think it would be advisable to consider a wider scheme.

The Chairman said he thought the time had arrived to have something of the kind proposed in South Taranaki and he would move that the committee be appointed to canvass the district and to report at a future meeting as to the support that would be accorded the venture. Mr Wills seconded the motion, which was carried.

The following were appointed the committee: Messrs Tarrant, H. Spratt, Wybourne, Batten Jnr. Hunger, A. Campbell, Barclay, S. Pratt, Cochrane, Ogle, and McLean.

It was further resolved that Mr Buckeridge call other meetings in outside districts and ask them to appoint committees to canvass their particular centres.

Charles Cleverley Tarrant played a landmark role chairing this meeting, using his standing in the community as a respected citizen and local councillor, to bring people together and adding weight to the initial representations and presentations being made. Apart from early organisational meetings he would play no further part as he travelled overseas and was away from the district. However as the story unfolds the Tarrant family are found in positions of responsibility both locally and nationally in the agricultural scene throughout the century. Charles’ grandson Thomas Cleverley Tarrant would eventually chair the board of the organisation that his grandfather championed in the early years. Charles Tarrant recognised the importance of this groundbreaking opportunity and indeed the qualities of George Buckeridge.

George Buckeridge travelled throughout South Taranaki speaking at many meetings of farming- related organisations expounding the benefits of a co-operative organisation. The subject was delivered to an eager, willing and waiting audience. The meeting at Kaponga in 1912 was typical:

FARMERS AND CO-OPERATION Address at Kaponga At a meeting of the suppliers at the Kaponga Factory, in the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon, when there were about forty present. The chairman explained that the meeting was not a factory meeting proper, but would give them an opportunity of hearing Mr Buckeridge explain the proposal which had been formulated in the district to establish a big co-operative society for the carrying on of their own means of distribution, etc. He then called on Mr Buckeridge to address the meeting.

Kaponga township in the early 1900s. (Unknown photographer, Township Series 274.)

COURTESY OF COLLECTION PUKE ARIKI. PHO2009-165

Mr Buckeridge spoke for about three quarters of an hour, during which time he fully showed what kindred societies to the one now proposed were doing in other parts of the world – in England, Scotland, Ireland and Belgium. He then dealt with the history of co-operative enterprise in Taranaki – both dairying and otherwise and the causes that led to the failure of almost everyone outside of dairying. He showed the immense successes that were being made of similar institutions to the one proposed in other parts of New Zealand, where they were adequately capitalised and efficiently managed, and urged upon the farmers present that they should similarly combine to manage their own affairs to their own betterment. Mr Buckeridge was attentively listened to throughout and frequently applauded.

At the close of his address he answered numerous questions and a motion, ‘that this meeting is in full sympathy with the objects of the proposed society’, on being put to the meeting was carried without a single dissenting vote.

Votes of thanks to Mr Buckeridge, wishing him every success in his endeavours to organise the farmers on the coast, were made by the chairman.

Other meetings were convened in the shadow of the mountain in the southern districts of the province – and almost all showed considerable support for this timely venture into the establishment of a farmers’ trading company. At a Meeting held in the Borough Council Chambers, Hawera, on Saturday 26 October 1912, the following resolution was unanimously carried: ‘That this Meeting of Farmers is in sympathy with the movement to start a Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society for Taranaki; and will support it if it can be successfully started and with adequate capital’. The following gentlemen (with power to add to their number) were elected as Committee to forward the objects of the Meeting:- Messrs C. Tarrant, A. E. Death, Jas. Barkla, C. E. Gibson, H. Batten, A. T. Wills, and Geo. H. Buckeridge.

Some of the objects of the proposed Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society are briefly as follows:To follow the precedent of kindred Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Societies, as established by Sir Horace Plunkett in Ireland; to extend the principle of co-operation as applied to dairy factories, to the purchase of seeds, artificial manures, agricultural implements and general supplies and farmers’ requisites of all kinds, and including auctioneering in all its branches, land and general commission agency and cooperative banking.

During the past few months a number of the Co-operative Dairy Factory Companies in the district have been asked by their shareholders to establish, in connection with the Factory, bulk stores at which suppliers may be able to obtain their requisites.

In order for these stores to be of advantage to the Shareholders, it is imperative that the goods should be purchased at the cheapest rates. Otherwise it is not possible to compete successfully with opposition that may be expected from business concerns that are already established in the district.

To be able to purchase all the requirements to the best possible advantage, and so to sell them at the lowest possible cost to the consumers, it is necessary for them to be able to buy in large quantities for cash, so as to secure all the discounts obtainable, and to be able to buy direct from the manufacturers, or else to manufacture the goods.

To undertake the auctioneering, land sales etc., it will be essential that the Society should be in a position to finance clients when called upon to do so.

This will entail the necessity for a very strong finance so as to place the Society in the position, from the start, of being able to carry on its operations on thoroughly sound business lines; to purchase in large quantities, and for cash, and to obtain the services of the very best management procurable.

From enquiries made and promises of support to such a scheme it is considered the time is opportune for the establishment, in this district, of a Society on the above lines, and to place Taranaki on a level, in this respect, with other places in New Zealand.

It has been decided to call a further meeting to fully discuss the proposal and to consider ways and means of bringing it to a successful issue, and the Committee would be glad to see you present in the Foresters’ Hall, Hawera, on Saturday 23 November 1912: Convenors C. TARRANT, C. E. GIBSON, H. BATTEN. A. E. DEATH, GEO. H. BUCKERIDGE, JAS. BARKLA, A. T. WILLS,

Sir Horace C. Plunkett, 1854–1932. Plunket was an Anglo-Irish unionist, later Irish nationalist, agricultural reformer, pioneer of agricultural co-operation, politician and MP in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

The work of Sir Horace C. Plunkett, 1854–1932, an Irish statesman and agricultural reformer, had been noticed with interest on New Zealand shores and in particular Hawera, South Taranaki. This extraordinary man was an ardent exponent of farming co-operatives. His legacy to farming in Ireland was aptly described by one of his close friends, Lady Fingall: ‘Ireland had laid her burden on him’. An appropriate comment because his was indeed a dedicated life and one that would impact far beyond the shores of his green isle in matters relating to the development of co-operative agricultural organisations; indeed representatives of Farmers’ Co-op would eventually meet with him in later years.

Critical to the overall project was obtaining the confidence of the whole rural population to provide a smooth passage through what could be stormy waters. Previous attempts to establish a lasting and durable co-operative organisations had provided some insight into the many pitfalls and difficulties that might be encountered. The farming community held the key and they alone would determine the success or failure of this new enterprise. Gaining consensus was also a challenge, with expectations from the whole farming community and so many prominent interested parties. Subsequent to the October 1912 meeting in the Hawera Borough Council Chambers, a further

meeting was held in Hawera on Saturday 23 November 1912 at the Foresters’ Hall. Mr C. E. Gibson was voted to the chair and, ‘called upon Mr George. H. Buckeridge to explain the objects of the meeting’. It was at this meeting that a committee was appointed to carry out the objects of the proposed ‘Association’ and to submit a report to a further meeting at Stratford on 30 November. The earlier committee was dissolved and the following individuals were elected with power to add to their number: ‘Messrs. C. E. Gibson, A. E. Death, Hollard, Brown, Simpson, Barkla, Buckeridge, Batten, C. Tarrant and A. T. Wills.’

The Stratford meeting held in the Borough Council offices was once again chaired by George Buckeridge and after delivering an explanation concerning the objects of the proposal it was resolved to hold a further meeting at Eltham on Saturday 7 December 1912, and that Mr Buckeridge would ‘prepare a draft Prospectus to be submitted to that meeting’. The meeting was convened at Eltham and a ‘Draft Prospectus and Memorandum of Association’ was submitted for approval: Meeting of Committee held at Eltham at 12:30 pm on 7 Dec. 1912. Present:- Messrs Hollard, (Kaponga), Simpson (Inglewood), Death and Barkla (Hawera), Buckeridge. Apologies were received from Messrs A. T. Wills (Hawera), Brown (Midhurst). Proposed by Mr Buckeridge seconded by Mr Simpson that Mr Hollard take the chair. Carried. Minutes of previous meeting read & confirmed. Death – Barkla that Mr R. W. Baker be appointed Interim Secretary. Carried. Death – Barkla that the Draft Prospectus & Memorandum of Association be approved. Carried. Hollard – Barkla that Mr Buckeridge be asked to visit the various factories and centres in the district and place the objects of the Society before the public with a view to the appointment of a sub-Committee in each centre to carry out its objects and to the appointment of Delegates to the first General Meeting at Hawera. Carried. Geo. H. Buckeridge, Chairman

The draft Prospectus & Memorandum of Association also stated that: Forms of application for shares may be obtained from any of the Provisional Directors, at the Registered office of the Society at Bridge Street, Eltham. The capital of the Society is £500,000 divided into 50,000 shares of £10 each. Of the total share capital 10,000 shares to be called ‘A’ issue which shall be issued in respect of shares that may be allotted to any person, firm or company in lieu of purchase money to be paid for any businesses that may be acquired from time to time by the Society. 10,000 shares to be called the ‘B’ issue which shall be issued to affiliating Co-operative Companies in the manner as provided for in the Articles of Association of the Society. 30,000 shares to be called the ‘C’ issue, shall be payable by £1 on application, 10/- on allotment; and, up to £5 per share, by calls not exceeding 10/- per share, at intervals of not less than three months as required. The whole of the shares in the ‘B’ and ‘C’ issues are now offered to the public for subscription. [The Prospectus continued…]

The purpose of the Society being formed was described in the Memorandum of Association as: To carry on the business of a Co-operative Association in all its branches; to follow the precedent of Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Societies by forming a Co-operative Society of Co-operation; to extend the principle of co-operation to dairy or other companies; to buy and sell all classes of goods, including seeds, artificial manures, agricultural implements, and general supplies and farmers’ requisites of all kinds; to carry on auctioneering at all its branches, and land and general commission agency, and the manufacture of general requirements for farmers and others; to carry on co-operative banking and also the sale of farms and factory products of all kinds.

However, more specifically: To carry on such business or businesses (both wholesale or retail) as the Company in general may from time to time consider will be in the interests of the Society and in particular, but without affecting the geniality hereof the business of Produce and General Merchants, Manufacturers, Owners of Freezing Works, Freezing, Millers, Ship Owners, Shipping Auctioneers, Land, Estate, Stock, Financial, Insurance and General Agents, and Fire, Marine, Life and Accident Insurance business or businesses, Financiers, Contractors, Farmers, Common Carriers, Printers and Publishers, Book Binders, Saddlers, Boot makers, Engineers, Butter and Cheese Makers, Factory Proprietors, Exporter, Ironmongers, Drapers, Warehousemen, Storekeepers, Grocers, Butchers, Stationers, Coal and Wood Merchants, Coal or other mining, and Indentors, in any part of the Dominion of New Zealand or elsewhere, and to buy and sell (for cash or on credit) and generally to deal in all goods, stores, consumable articles, wares, livestock, chattels and effects of all kinds, and merchandise, applicable or suitable to or for or in connection with any of the said businesses. …

Success was now paramount and circulars were forwarded to all co-operative companies and ‘as many as expedient of the proprietary dairy companies’ throughout the Dominion enclosing copies of the prospectus, asking them for support, and endeavouring to arrange meetings to send deputations of directors so that the objects of the new company could be fully explained to them. With all these various factors in mind as well as the pending requirements of the proposed Farmers Co-operative, James Corrigan had been in England on holiday for 10 months during 1912 visiting both Scotland and Ireland and many parts of the continent of Europe with a keen eye on all matters pertaining to farming. He studied agriculture and the manufacture of dairy produce, also keenly observing how New Zealand produce was being received on the Home markets at a time when refrigerated produce was in good demand, with frozen mutton retailing at 6½d a pound. He tasted some ‘and found nothing to complain about’! James also relates to an incident in a country village called Echt in Aberdeenshire, northeast Scotland, where he noticed cheese and butter resembling

The office of Geo. H. Buckeridge, Bridge Street, Eltham c. 1917, commission agent and first chairman of The Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand Ltd.

COURTESY OF ELTHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

the New Zealand product. Following further investigation of a cheese crate he found it was branded ‘Federation Hawera’ and the butter box was branded ‘Normanby’. The storekeeper did not know where it came from but said, ‘he knew that the cheese and the butter was good stuff’. He also spoke of the new margarine product, a substitute for butter that ‘was largely sought by certain classes’, being made in 40 different grades, which he had also tasted and found it to be ‘a good wholesome food’. He compared products and farming methods with New Zealand and differing means of distribution and felt that:

As far as our methods of co-operation are concerned, … and as far as they go, we have nothing to learn from Denmark or anyone we are competing with. But we don’t go far enough. If we are to make cooperation successful, we must carry it right home to the port where we disperse the stuff.

His visit took in all the principal agricultural shows and he also studied the quality of draught and thoroughbred horses and felt that there was nothing to learn from the British in the method of production. He visited the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Offices and on returning to New Zealand spoke of the need to encourage immigration to help develop and increase New Zealand’s population. He felt ‘we could do with 15 million more people in New Zealand and Australia’. He also found time to visit importers and endeavoured to make arrangements with a number of firms including Messrs Lovell and Christmas, J & J Lonsdale and Co., Rawson Hodgson and Co., Mills and Sparrow to have ‘dairy produce sold at less cost, if sufficient support could be obtained to warrant a reduction in commission’. In his travels he had found a firm with the financial stability to enable them to do business of over £2,500,000 annually in dairy produce alone and had brands established in about 20 of the principal towns in the United Kingdom. This firm was prepared to transact the business for 1¾ per cent commission providing an assurance could be given of £500,000 worth of business. This guarantee to be for one year only.

James was pledged not to divulge the name of the firm unless he could get the minimum support of £500,000 worth of business guaranteed and that if this amount could not be obtained the proposal would fall through. He was prepared to hand over the arrangement to the Society at no charge and left it to the Society to reimburse him for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred interviewing factories in connection with the offer. It was indeed a handsome arrangement and the offer was accepted with thanks.

Ameeting of delegates and interested persons held in the Foresters’ Hall, Hawera, on Saturday 3 May 1913 attracted 46 farmers and interested individuals. Mr A. E. Death was voted to the chair and Mr Buckeridge from Eltham was called upon to report briefly on ‘the work already done in connection with the organisation of the Society’ and also to outline the objects: Proposed by Mr Corrigan, Seconded by Mr Dickie: That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that a Society be formed. Carried. Corrigan – Jones: That the Society be called ‘The Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand Limited’. Carried.

Symes – Buckeridge: That all the Delegates appointed be the Provisional Directors of the Society, with power to add to the number. Carried. Buckeridge – Taylor: That an Executive Committee of nine, five to form a quorum, to be appointed from this meeting, to make arrangements for, Bankers, Solicitors, Brokers, Interim Secretary and any other matters in connection with forming the Society. Carried. The following were elected to the Executive Committee: Messrs Corrigan, Buckeridge, Dickie, Hollard, Barkla, Symes, Simpson, Death and Gray. Corrigan – Shotter: That the matter of drawing up the Prospectus, Memorandum and Articles of

Association, as generally outlined in the Provisional Prospectus as submitted to the meeting (see fly leaf) be left in the hands of the Executive Committee to prepare and submit to a subsequent meeting of the Provisional Directors, to be called at a later date. Carried. Taylor – Petersen: That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Buckeridge for the great assistance that he has given in the organisation of the Society. Carried. A vote of thanks terminated the meeting. Confirmed: Geo. H. Buckeridge, Chairman.

A further meeting on 6 May 1913 resolved that the Bank of New Zealand be the Society’s provisional banker and that in the interim ‘the Registered Office be Bridge Street, Eltham’. This was no doubt in the business premises of G. H. Buckeridge at the same address.

Time was of the essence to maintain the momentum generated over many months of hard work and to incorporate the new Society. On 31 May 1913 a further meeting of the provisional directors convened to thrash out the final details of the draft prospectus. As always, people rather than events took precedence and the meeting stood in silence as chairman George Buckeridge moved ‘that the sympathy of this meeting be conveyed to Mrs S. Forsyth and family in their recent bereavement’. Simon Forsyth and indeed his family were prominent in the early days of colonisation and the Taranaki province had just lost a highly respected farmer, New Zealand Farmers’ Union member and advocate of the proposed Farmers’ Co-operative.

Even at this late stage a number of provisional directors felt that the shares should be £5 rather than £10 and following considerable discussion an amendment moved by Hill and seconded by Dickie was put to the meeting. The proposal for £10 was carried. In addition a motion was carried that it would not be advisable for the directors to undertake or proceed with any business until the whole of the district had been canvassed. It was at this meeting that the Prospectus, Memorandum and Articles of Association were submitted and approved.

The Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand Limited was incorporated under the provisions of The Companies Act, 1908, and the following schedule of provisional directors shows many familiar names of families still residing in the district today:

NAME ADDRESS OCCUPATION

Peder Jens Petersen

Midhurst Farmer John Morris Shotter Midhurst Farmer James Randall Corrigan Hawera Farmer Arthur Turner Wills Hawera Farmer George Henry Buckeridge Eltham Agent Duncan MacDonald Scott Kapuni Farmer Frederick Lye Otakeho Farmer Benjamin Booker Lowgarth Farmer Charles Dunsbie Dickie Waverley Farmer William Frederick Coombridge Te Kiri Farmer Alfred Francis Symes Patea Farmer Thomas Foreman Alton Farmer William Jones Kaimata Farmer George Blandford Hall Kaponga Farmer Percival Palmer Alton Farmer Joseph Bell Simpson Kaponga Farmer James Ogilvie Taylor Waiongona Farmer George Gwynne Kaponga Farmer William Herbert Robinson Riverlea Farmer David Todd Inglewood Farmer Archibald Christopher Johnstone Auroa Farmer

Harold H. Buxton Auroa Farmer Cecil Reginald Honeyfield Patea Farmer James Barkla Hawera Farmer Harold James Batten Inaha Farmer William Skedgwell Tuna Farmer Robert Bremer Waverley Farmer Edward Alexander Gray Lowgarth Farmer Albert Ernest Death Hawera Farmer Alexander De Wolf Cunnabell Oeo Farmer Frederick Gustave Bremer Whenuakura Farmer George Hollard Kaponga Farmer Percy William Allen Kaponga Storekeeper Thomas Herbert Otakeho Farmer

The Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand Limited. First provisional board of directors 1913 . Back row – standing from left: J. M. Shotter (Midhurst), A. E. Death (Hawera), C. D. Dickie (Waverley), T. Herbert (Otakeho), C. C. Woods (Hawera), W. Skedgewell (Tuna), G. Gwynne (Kaponga), D. M. Scott, (Kapuni), B. Booker (Lowgarth), R. W. Baker (Interim Secretary). Third row standing – from left: W. H. Robinson (Riverlea), G. B. Hall (Kaponga), P. J. Peterson (Midhurst), J. O. Taylor (Waiongona), P. W. Allen (Kaponga), J. B. Simpson (Inglewood), A. L. Campbell (Hawera). Second row sitting – from left: W. F. Coombridge (Te Kiri), G. F. Davidson (Lowgarth), H. Halliwell (solicitor), Jas. Barkla (Hawera), Geo. H. Buckeridge (chairman and organiser), J. R. Corrigan (Hawera), D. Todd (Inglewood). Front row – from left: A. E. Bullock (Taramaupu), C. C. Tarrant (Hawera), A. E. Gray (Lowgarth), Boy: Master Coombridge, W. M. Jones (Kaimata), C. E. Gibson (Hawera). Some provisional directors are absent from this photograph.

Charles Edmund Gibson Hawera Farmer George Thomas Davidson Lowgarth Farmer Charles Cleverley Tarrant Ararata Farmer Charles Clarke Woods Hawera Farmer

Witness to all the foregoing thirty-eight signatures: R.W. Baker Land Agent, Eltham.

Other than George H. Buckeridge, all but one of the provisional directors were farmers from outlying districts, this distinction going to Percy William Allen, Storekeeper, Kaponga. The family continues to reside in the province.

Many families mentioned in the early chapters of this book are still linked closely to their pioneer forebears and it is no surprise to find the name Symes prominent in the provisional directors and in fact as a director in later years. All are descendants of Mary and Francis Symes who emigrated from Somerset, England in the years 1856/57 with their six sons aged between two and 12 years, Alfred Francis Morgan Symes was born at Whenuakura and educated at Whenuakura School. Alf, with his wife Henrietta Jane Constance (Connie, née Brewer) farmed ‘The Grove’ at Whenuakura with his older brother Albert Edward Thorley (Bert) Symes. Bert won many prizes for stock and was a director of the Patea Freezing Works and a member of the Patea County Council. Alfred eventually moved to Hawke’s Bay in 1918 to pursue racing interests; however, the Symes family have continued their long and valued association with the company.

No stone had been left unturned to ensure success. The work and enthusiasm of George Buckeridge was now about to pay dividends. An enthusiastic meeting was held in the Foresters’ Hall, on Nelson Street, Hawera on 6 October 1913, to make final arrangements for the incorporation of The Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand Limited. With George at the helm in the chair and subscriptions over subscribed, many delegates from various parts of Taranaki and as far south as Waverley spoke in ‘enthusiastic terms in respect to the new company’. At the conclusion it was resolved that the company was to be incorporated and three cheers were given by the members present for the new company and a further three cheers for Mr Buckeridge for his considerable commitment and hard work in connection with the company’s formation. There was a great general feeling of satisfaction that the company was at last to be established .

Solicitors Halliwell & Sellar confirmed on 8 October 1913 that the Society had been registered, the Certificate of Incorporation issued and 2001 £10 shares had been allotted. Herbert Halliwell was no newcomer to the pressing and often complex legal requirements of the districts blossoming commercial enterprises. Herbert Theodore Waterhouse Halliwell had a distinguished academic record. Born in Geelong, in Victoria, Australia in December 1861, he later moved to Dunedin with his family. Educated at the Otago Boys’ High School, he became dux of the school at the age of 15½, the school’s youngest-ever dux. Articled to Messrs Duncan and McGregor of Dunedin for nine years, Herbert passed his final law examination at the age of 21, coming second in the country in a class of 56 candidates. For this he was awarded a certificate of merit by the Canterbury Law Society. Herbert was admitted to the Supreme Court by Mr. Justice Williams in 1883 and later moved to Palmerston North where he became managing clerk for Herbert J. Hankins of Palmerston North. He came to Hawera in the mid 1890s and on Monday 3 February 1896 opened his practice in Princes Street near the then new Post Office. Herbert was secretary and later president

Herbert T. W. Halliwell, founding principal of Halliwells – Lawyers, Farmers’ Co-op’s solicitors from 1913 to 1990. COURTESY OF HALLIWELLS – LAWYERS, HAWERA

The Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand Limited, Certificate of Incorporation 8 October 1913.

of the Hawera Chamber of Commerce, and became the first president of the Hawera branch of the Taranaki District Law Society which was established at a General Meeting held in the Court Library at Hawera on 24 April 1914. The following year the Hawera Law Society appointed Patrick O’Dea and Herbert Halliwell as delegates to the Taranaki District Law Society. The Farmers Co-op were indeed extremely fortunate to have the services of this well regarded lawyer. The firm continued to act for the Society for the next 77 years.

Mr John Turton, Accountant, situated in Princes Street, was appointed auditor for the time being. Expectations were high and enlisting the support for the venture was one thing but now began the task of establishing an infrastructure and management to facilitate and support what was obviously going to be one of Taranaki’s largest farmer-owned-and-operated enterprises. Organisation to promote and market the company began in earnest. One thousand Articles of Association and Memorandum were printed for distribution and proposals were outlined in connection with the distribution of New Zealand produce in the markets of the United Kingdom and elsewhere and it was also resolved that delegates from the Society wait upon the directors of the various cooperative dairy companies to solicit support for the scheme. Directors met with representatives of the International Harvester Company at Palmerston North to view the range of machinery available and negotiate an agency arrangement.

George Buckeridge went to great lengths to impress upon all associated with the proposal ‘the necessity of doing their utmost during the next few days to get all the shares possible subscribed’ from farmers in outlying districts. A sample of those appointed to canvass were Mr Maxwell, (Rahotu), Mr J. B. Richards (Stratford), and Mr J. R. Hine (Tikorangi). A recommendation was also received from Mr Dickie that the Society’s operation be widened by appointing Mr J. Belton of Waitotara to

canvass shares in that district. Another member, James Barkla, was appointed to canvass the district of Hawera. James and his wife Annie and children had arrived at Wellington on 26 January 1909 and travelled north to settle on leased land at Ararata. His recent arrival in the district did not deter him from giving his unequivocal support to the project, spending many hours away from his farm. Apart from canvassing locally, it is known that he rode around the coast in his gig soliciting support for the new co-operative, encouraging farmers to take up shares. With a number of the other provisional committee members he became actively involved in promoting the proposed venture. The Barkla family continued to farm in the district throughout the century. Although there is no complete record of all who canvassed and purchased shares around the respective districts, the indices of this publication provide a first-hand account of many of the canvassers and shareholders.