Rocky Ford enterprise., 1898-02-24
THE MELON GROWERS
Decide Not to Go Into Valley Organ
izatiOn.

Decide Not to Go Into n Valley Organ.
ization.
A very important meeting OF the Rocky
Ford Melon Growers Association was
held last Saturday. The object wns to
have an expression OF opinion from the
members as to accepting proposition
from the associations in the valley to con-
sol,date all associations under one man
agement.
1t was proposed that this management
should be an incorporated body. clothed
with what power We were not informed,
except that the proposed association
should shave general supervision over
the local associations" and that our body
which had inaugurated aud built up the
industry; had overcome all difficulties;
had made a business success; had n
greater acreage and larger membership
than all the others collectively, was to be
relegated to the rear and would only be
entitled to forty per cent representation
In the supreme council.
The proposition. by resolution passed
at a meeting OF representatives held OIL
the 18th inst, called for a meeting OF one
delegate from each association, he to be a
member OF his board OF directors, and
those delegates were to perfect an organ
ization of a general association to be
called the "Arkansas Valley Melon
Growers Association Of Colorado"
The members OF our association unnni-
monsly passed resolution instructing
the directors to enter into no combina-
ton which would place our business in
the hands OF any but eur own directors,
who must retain the privilege to name
the price at which cantaloupes should be
sold in the western markets. There was
no dissenting voice, while discussing this
question, and the matter was irreyocably
settled there and then.
The meeting OF representatives OF the
representatives Of the local associations
was held last Monday at Rocky Ford and
the delegates showed up. Most likely
they had credentials showing that they
had been chosen-they were not asked.
Three were represented by practical mel
on growers, and members of their respect
i've directories. perhaps. -Four were not,
We know, but no question WIS raised nor
was 1t important, as they were prominent,
intelligent business men. No notice
would be taken Of this il the gentlemen
had not forgotten that though they,
| themselves, We're not eligible as delegates.
they passed q resolution censuring the
Rocky Ford association and regretting
that it had not seen tit to enter into the
combination.
There was no friction at Mondays
meeting. Our directors explained the
situation and told the feeling OF our peo-
pie as expressed on Saturday, showing
| why, in the interest not only OF our mem-
bers but theirs, it was not wise to place.
| the management OF this large business in
the hands OF an embryonic corporation u
business OF which they with one excep-
tion probably knew nothing. And that
we could positively not afford to take any
risks. the stake was too large and the re-
suit too uncertain.
The gentlemen retired and during the
evening met and organized, at least such
is the report. 1t is to be hoped that they
and that they will overcome any obstacles
which may arise, and that eventually we
will all be able to harmonic and work
for the interest of the whole valley.
The only fully developed part Of the
proposition was that each local organiza-
ton should maintain its individuality
through its private trade mark. There
| was no diversity of opinion on this sub
ject as each locality has the utmost con-
| tidence in being able to raise cantaloupes
equal to if not better than any others.
THIS may be SO, Gf accepted as an Irish
bull, let it go) there is nothing SO far
known to prove that they can or cannot.
The experience OF the ensuing season
will be required t. demonstrate the
truth or falsity of the beliefs The opin-
ion of our board Was that the orders re-
ceived from consumers buying at uni
form fixed price would be the TEST of
this. II Rocky Fords were wanted in
preference to others mt the same price the
| inference would be that they were better;
if Ordway's proved to be better it would
be shown by the larger orders received
| for them.
| II the proposed organization had been
consented to, the chances are that it
would have dictated what proportion
each association would be permitted to
ship to any common point. In that
event the.buyers might and would have
been compelled to use an inferior article
sometimes, as when the best would be
| sold, the inferior must go at the stipu-
lated price This would be a great in
justice to both grower and consumer.
we cannot help believing that when
our friends from other localities look
closely into the matter. they will agree
with us that the FIXED PRICE is the
only criterion by which to gauge the
supply and demand.
Although it is not fully completed
Ellingwood & Hauck are occupying their
| new warehouse. And il was built none
too soon us they We're badly crowded be-
| fore.
j. NJ. Eelsay requests us to return
the thanks Of himself and wife to the
neighbors and stranger friends for their
kindness during their recent bereaye.