The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1918-10-03


said Mr.. Drayton. "Put enough
money in the treasury to insure sue
cess and then stay with your ex-
change"
He told of other exchanges over
the United States and what they had
done for the farmers; how success
full they had become, and urged more
loyalty on the part of the members.
Following Mr.. Drayton's talk the
executive meeting was held. The re-
port of the years business was read
by John L. Boles. There may have
been few who were disappointed
with the report, but we have not run
across them, and if there should be
any they are not aware of the trying
conditions that have beset even old
established businesses, to say moth
ing of those just organized.
To our way of thinking the report
was good one, an excellent one for
the first year, the period of construc-
ton. True enough but little money
was made, but the business was
doubled several times, and the ex-
pansioR the constant changing of
help owing to war conditions, and the
high prices necessarily paid for help,
the organization of cream routes,
selling stock and collecting notes, all
combined worked to keep down prof
its. There are few businesses of
that nature that have made a profit
since the war started, and considering
that the start was made right when
conditions were changing, we think
we can safely say that the first year
was a success.
At the present time the organiza-
ton is supplied with competent help
who have learned the business and if
there is not too many changes there
is no reason why the coming year
should not show a good profit.
There are two things that work
hardship upon the officers and the
management. These are two things
that can be easily overcome if the
members will get busy and do it.
The first drawback is the lack of
capital. If the members will put in
more capital the business can be
handled much more economically and
stop a lot of interest. The notes
should not only be paid promptly, but
all who can should leave their divi-
dends in the treasury and take out
more stock until the organization is
on sound financial footing.
Another thing that is costing good
money is the crowded condition of the
plant. More room is needed, as it is
waste of time to work in such
crowded conditions when help is so
high and scarce wasted time is the
most expensive thing in the world.
We have followed the business of
the Creamery closely. We know how
hard Mr.. Boles, Mr.. Harnden, Mr..
Edison and the other members of the
executive board have worked, and the
painstaking effort they have given
the business, and they have made
their work count. 1t is hardly likely
that any other business in the south
west has made such phenomenal pro-
gress as the creamery, and all this
badly handicapped for room to work
and capital to carry on the business.
1t is remarkable, and the members
should feel grateful to these men who
have labored hard and built up such
great business under such trying
conditions. =,
At the close of the session direc-
tors were elected. Mr.. Harnden was
elected for the period of five years
Mr.. Boles for four years; Mr.. King
for three years; Mr.. Nichols for two
years. On account of ruling of the
Corporation Commission it was neces-
sary that one of the members from
Oklahoma be changed to Kansas
man, and the place formerly held by
Mr.. Grimm was filled by the election
of w. E. Bloom. This was the only
change made in the directorate, and
while we hated to part with Mr..
Grimm, who has been loyal booster,
we cannot but feel that the selection
of his successor was a wise choice.
Now it is up to the members to get
into line and do good job of boost
ing for the coming year. True con-
ditions are not going to be the most
favorable for business, but if every
member will do his best, will put in
little money and sell few shares Of
stock, will leg for business for the
institution, despite the poor business
conditions the Creamers can be made
to pay a profit next year that will
make up for lost time, and within
few yeast it can be built up until it
will be one of the largest businesses
in this whole southwest country.
Let's do it folks. 1t is good thing
and no one need have any hesitancy
in getting in on it.