The Newtown bee., 1889-12-27
Newtown's Milkmen Unite.

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 Pursuant to the call published in last weeks BEE, farmers shipping milk from Newtown and Botsford as sembled at the town clerks office in the Brick building, Monday afternoon, to consider the expedience of forming To- cal section of the Union of Milk Pro dueers for the supply of New York City, an organization which, though yet in it's infancy, is of vast extent and importance. It extends over the States of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, from which New York draws its vast milk supply. It aims to combine the in- dividual milk producer into local sect ions which have representation in the central union and thus, by perfect organ ization and combination. force the New York wholesalers to pay better prices for milk. It is stated that, whereas the re- tail price of milk in the city has not changed greatly for several years, the price paid farmers has gradually dropped until it is now 2S per cent. lower than some years ago. With the hope of in creasing their meager profits by thus combining, farmers crowded into the room, Monday, until standing room was at premium. Zalmon s. Peck, Esq. was chosen chairman and l.. B. Lake sec retary of the meeting. Mir Lake read the constitution of the association, which provides, among other things, that any 10 farmers may form local section and, by the payment of Sl per year, become members of the central union. Prices are to be fixed twice year and members are, if necessary. to withhold part of their milk until satisfactory rates are ob- tained, thus preventing milk contractors from taking advantage of a flush of milk to establish low prices. A circular, more fully setting forth the merits of the un- ion, was also read and MT Peck made a stirring speech in favor of the movement, saying that he had often tried such or ganizations, but had about decided to give up all efforts of the kind, when this was brought to his notice. It seemed so much better than any of it's predecessors that he had become quite enthusiastic over it and would heartily support it. Other organizations had failed, but this was so comprehensive and so fully con trolled the supply that the milk ex- change. which fattened on the blood of farmers, would be compelled to aecede to it's terms. Charles Beardsley of Mile Hill arose to remark that, for the last six months. patrons of the Newtown cream cry had received an average of 5-sc per quart for their milk. Figures were read showing that farmers who supplied the Boston market had, by organizing, ob- tained higher prices. Then Mir Peck called all who wished to become mem- bers to come forward. sign the eonstitu- tion and pay their dollar. Over 30 did so in few minutes and then, while off cers were elected, others came. until g. were on the roll. E. L. Johnson, who is both contractor and producer, was af- terward admitted by two-thirds vote and several more were promised. Z. 5. Peck was elected president, David c. Peck secretary, E. L. Johnson and J. E. Wheeler delegates to central union. App propriate remarks were made by E. l.. Johnson and others, MT Johnson saying it was peculiarly gratifying to find that Newtown farmers were at last awaken ing from their long lethargy. He was interested in better prices for milk and hoped they would obtain all they asked. This was the largest and most business like meeting of milk producers he had att tended for years in Newtown. It was voted to extend a hearty invitation to all milk producers in the lower Housatonic valley to join the section, which will be officially designated by number in few days and that they be informed that by signing the constitution and paying Sl to the secretary, David c. Peck, they would become members and reap the benefits of such organization and coop eration. It is sincerely to be hoped that this movement may succeed. for milk producers have too long calmly allowed themselves to be ruled by the milk con- tractors and have accepted shamefully low prices for their milk. The member ship of the section, at starting: z. s. Peck, L. B. Lake, c. E. Beers, H. P. Boyson. s. s. Scudder, w. E. Hawley, L. F. Camp, s. B. Camp. John R. Peck, Patrick Mccarthy, Joseph A. Blaekman, Patrick Blake, E. F. Northrop, J. B. Wheeler, Charles Beardslee, Dennis Cav anaugh. John R. Smith, Andrew Egan, C. B. Sherman. Henry Botsford, Eli B. Beers, George Beers, E. NJ. Botsford, James Farrell, Charles Skidmore, Lauren R. Skidmore, w. R. Ferris, Oliver North rop, D. G. Beers, A. ". Peck, H. Fair child & Co.,. H. s. Benedict, D. c. Peck, William Fairchild, J. B. Peck, H. B. Camp, C.. H. Beers, E. l.. Johnson.
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