Imperial Valley press., 1908-09-12
MELON GROWERS TAKE STEPS TOWARDS FORMING UNION
 OF ASSOCIATIONS.
WISE MOVE WELL STARTED
Mass Meeting at BrawIey Brings Forth CantaIoupe Raisers From All Parts of the Valley, Who Decide That Best Interests of the Industry Demand Cooperation.

IhlpSIldl Ndley -S pOSSlDly Tn the way of obtaining much benefit from cooperation in the cantaloupe indus try-a cooperation which shall in- clude the entire valley, if present plans are carried through
 Under the auspices of the Imperial Valley Chamber of Commerce, a meet ing of cantaloupe growers was called for Tuesday afternoon at BrawIey. This brought forth cantaloupe grow. CTS from all parts of the valley, and resulted in a lively meeting that The Press believes will be the means of much good to the melon industry.
 John F.. Giles of Calexico was cleo ted chairman, and Herman Charles of Fl Centro was made secretary of the melon-growers' meeting.
 resolution was presented, calling for the selection of a delegation of two persons from each cantaloupe as- sociatiOn, to meet and organize a cen tral association. This brought forth a lively debate, in which the point was made that independent growers, not attached to any association, must be given consideration as we'll as as sociation men, if the plan of co-opera- tion is to become a success. While the discussion was spirited, at all times the thought was predominant that the general good> of the melon industry was sought, and fairness to all factors must be the basis of action.
 Finally the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
 Resolved, by the cantaloupe grow CTS of the Imperial Valley in mass meeting assembled in Brawley, Cali fornia, on this, the 9th day of Sep tember, 1908, that it is for the best interests of the industry that a cen tral organization of cantaloupe grow CTS of the Imperial Valley be formed, and be it further
 Resolved, that each aggregation of independent growers and each shed independent of the associations and each association in the valley be re- quested to appoint two delegates, which several appointeeS shall togeth- CT constitute a committee which shall meet at time and place to be named by said committee and formulate plans for the organization of a permanent central association having for it's ob- ject the successful growing of canta-
 
 perial Valley and the marketing of the same, the acts of such committee being subject always, until the perma- nent organization shall have been per fected, to the approval of the associa- tion making the several appoint ments."
 In order that the movement may be advanced as rapidly as is consist ent with sound judgment, steering committee" was appointed by unani- nous vote of the mass meeting. This committee is empowered to urge upon each association and each group of independent cantaloupe raisers i'm mediate action in selecting representa- tiveS to form the central association. They were appointed by Chairman Giles on the suggestion of the men present from each locality, and are as follows:
 Rrawley, w, P. Mansfield; Imperial, s. M. Bixby; Fl Centro, Geo. A. Car ter; Holtville, B. F. Mcleod: Heber, J. B. Hoffman; CaleXico, F. T. Thing.
 Methods of marketing next years crop were not entered into at the dis cussiOns of this mass meeting, The general feeling appeared to be that the creation of central association must be the first thing accomplished, and the subject of handling the crop could then be taken up and acted up on. During the meeting, however, reference was made to the successful methods now in vogue for handling the Southern California citrus fruit crop, and it was intimated that Inn perial Valley melon growers might be able to avail themselves of the dis tributing and marketing machinery of the citPuS unions