1921 Annual Report - the RNA

STABILISING PRICES.The toast of "The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Associationof Queensland" was proposed by the Premier, Mr. Theodore, whoremarked that the formidable title of the Association indicated its widerange of activities. It was truly National in character, and deservedthe greatest support of the Government and the people generally. Thework the Association was doing assisted in encouraging a healthy rivalryin competition, and tended to bring about a great improvement of theirlive stock and products generally. The Association was doing a vastamount of good for Queensland. One thing that had struck him as likelyto concern the Primary Producers who were attending the Show, wasthe depression existing in Queensland and elsewhere owing to the failureof the markets of certain products. Much had been said about thenecessity for greater production, but the problem for the man on theland, in Queensland was to find better markets and conditions thatwould tend to assist the stabilising of prices. The Government and otherpublic authorities should do all possible to bring about a better organisationof the markets. Their dislocation in many respects was worse tothe producer than droughts, for what was the use of his producing ifthere were no markets to absorb the products? Better organisation ofthe markets was wanted, and by financing their products and poolingtheir resourses, they could do far more for Queensland and for progressthan anything else could do at the present time. In proposing the toastof the Association, the Premier paid a tribute to the good work done ,byits officers, especially mentioning the Secretary, Mr. . Bain, the President,Mr. ('. E. McDougall, and the Chairman of the Council, Mr. ErnestBaynes.DLI'CATIONAI, VALIUE OF TI llllSHOW.In responding, Mr. lHayies added ai word of welcome to the Vir.eregalvisitors. He referred to the visit of the Pri.nce of Wales, lastyear, and said that since that happy event, the King had 'conferred theword "Royal" on the Association, thus bringing it into line with thekindred Societies elsewhere. It was, lie said, almost impossible to overratethe importance of the Show-the educantional value was obviouslygreat. There was always something of National importance to be learnedat an Agricultural Show. The Associations' constant aim was toenlcourage the ever-increasing value of our herds and agricultural products,and, if possible, to prevent the dreadful waste that went on inour fruit season. With that end in view, the Association got into touchwith Mr. Morton, of Dehydration fame, amnd, at coniher:ahl cost, lII asection of the unit of one of his plants giving a practical demonstrationof dehydrating fruit and vegetables on the grounds. If this nwas goingto be a success, and he felt sure it was, then he thought that the Associationcould fairlv claim to have lone something for tlie fruit rowersof this State.One of the greatest troubles was want of space. The BrisbaneMunicipal Council could assist by consenting to the closing of tlhe streetthat divided the (irounds. It would not miean nmuch to the Council, buta great deal to the Association. He thanked the Council for allowingthe closure of the street for one month, this year."He referred to the magnificent work of the members of the Councilwith whom he was associated. These gentlemen did not receive remunerationof any kind whatever, but gave their knowledge in stockbreeding, business organisation, &c., and much of their time each year tothe conduct of the Association's affairs. Some had been nearly thirty