The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1917-05-10
n. Z. NJ. p. A. MEETINGS
To Discuss the Milk and Grain Situa'
tons


Alarmed by the growing scarcity
of grain and the soaring prices, OFF,
cials of the New England Milk Pro-
ducers' Association recently sent out
a call for mass meetings in 30 counties
of New England, at which the men
who produce milk may discuss the
situation freely with clergymen, ban
kers, editors, business men and man
ufacturers and endeavor to devise
ways and means TO avert a situation
which threatens disaster to the six
northeastern states of the country.
The date fixed for the meetings was
Monday, May 7, and, while nearly all
were held at the same hour, details
as TO time ard place we're left to the
heads of the county organizations OF
the association.
Producers we're expected to state
plainly and unequivocally the present
situation, what might be expected OF
them in the production of milk if ex-
listing conditions continue and the gen
eral result on dairy products if no
change could be expected.
Reports to the Boston headquarters
of the association are to the effect that
many producers all over the territory
are discouraged by the grain prices
and outlook; that hundreds of cows are
being sold for slaughter; that calves
are being disposed of, instead of being
held for renewal of herds, and that
the production of milk will be greatly
decreased during the next fewmonths;
to so great an extent, in fact, that the
supply will be wholly inadequate to
| fill the demand.
Dairying is New England's largest
single Industry and its great impor-
tance is not TO be questioned Yet,
at this particular time, when every
governmental effort is being made TO
conserve and increase the food supply
Of the nation, the situation in regard
10 this most important branch is rap
idly becoming precarious. 1t is with
the idea Of learning the unvarnished
facts and of securing evidence which
will furnish light on developments OF
the immediate future that the mass
meetings have been called throughout
New England.
As an adequate supply Of milk and
other dairy products is matter Of the
utmost Importance TO the public, it is
proposed to make the meetings COM
munity affairs, at which all who de-
sire may learn the truth from the lips
of the producers themselves. Minis
tors, bankers, editors and merchants,
particularly, will be urged to attend
/ in order that information Of logical
situations may come to them first
hand. II Is regarded as essential that
the people may understand the facts
directly in order that they may appre-
ciate the seriousness Of the situation.
Some solution Of the problem must
he found IL disaster would be averted.
I'VE are not to be regarded as alarm
lists, "said Secretary Richard Pattee Of
the New England MIX Producers As
sociation, "but we want the public to
know that the members Of this asso-
citation are doing all that they can 70
I improve the situation. More grain
and cheaper grain is the solution Of
the problem, hut where an increase in
supply is coming from or how the
price Is to be decreased DO not know.
We will talk it over and it is possible
some way out Of the difficulty may be
found. If there isn't ] fear for the
future"