Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-17
POTATO MARKET
not IMPROVED
April Fails to Show Expected
rices-Plans Maturing for
Union Meetings-Eighty
Locals Now in Existence

Waterville, Me-, Apr. 16.-(SpeciaD.-
In spite of the many predictions that
the potato market would be very high
in April these predictions have not
materialized. On the 18th the market
in Boston was s1.1O per bushel deliver
ed on tracks Boston rate. Twenty cars
arrived, 81 were used and II cars left
over mbid for. The price a month ago
ranged about $1.25 per bushel. While it
is difficult to determine the amount of
stock now in the hands of the Grow
ers and shippers it is generally found
that any estimate that might be made
is below the actual supply.
Union Activities
AS the weather conditions become
better and the roads more passable,
the activities of the locals, affiliated
with the Farmers Union is again nor
mai and plans are being made for
many meetings.
On the 22nd there will be a joint
meeting Of all the locals in the vicin-
ity of Portland in which the unions at
Biddeford, Westbrook, Eliot, South
Berwick, White Rock, New Gloucester
and Freeport will participate. This
meeting will be for business purposes
and the future methods of the Union
will be discussed and plans made for
an active campaign along business
lines.
The Westbrook Farmers Union
whose members have shown very
progressive spirit from the start will
celebrate the entrance of their second
year by holding a meeting in West
brook on the 2Sth. The officers of the
Farmers Union of Maine will be pres
ent and the business methods of this
local will be discussed at a banquet
given in honor of the event. The an
nual meeting of the State Union will
be held at Waterville on June 2Sth. On
the evening of the 18th there will be a
public meeting and speakers will be
present from out of the State as we'll
as within. While business conditions
in Maine along farming lines has been
distressing in the extreme the various
Unions will be in position to make a
very favorable report. The Union as a
whole has had many evil influences to
combat during the past year and these
influences are still working in an I'M
demanded way trying to bring discred-
it upon the movement, but they forget
that this farmers movement was laid
upon firm foundation and conse-
quently the membership have full con-
fidence that their business is being hon.
estly and correctly handled. However,
it may be found necessary to take ac-
ton soon having in view the elimina-
ton of those who would like to con-
troll the future of the movement which
would mean it's downfall.
Eighty-two locals are now in exist
ence. These locals have erected % ship
ping houses, rs grain stores, 6 grocery
stores, wholesale grain house. dis
tributing house. The first year the to-
tai business amounted to $1,000; second
year $342, 900; third year 100000 and
this year it will he much larger. There
has been one steady growth and no
influence from the outside has been
able to stop this growth.
This movement is for the good of all
Maine and 81 doing more to develop
Names resources than any other in
fuence If Maine is to prosper the start
must be made at the farm for the
wealth of the city is but the reflection
of the wealth of the farm.