The Wrangell sentinel., 1922-08-17
Southeastern Alaska
 Country Fair Opens
 Juneau Next Month
W. E. Parrott of the Exhibit Committee Will See That
 Wrangen Is Represented.

ket for home products and creating a spirit to buy locally every article that can possibly be obtained in the home market isn't business handi- cap that is confined exclusively to Southeastern Alaska. Every new country and every new community has been compelled to solve these problems in their efforts to build up their industries. The only difference in this struggle for business inde- pendence has been the nature of the articles and products which each community has been called upon to foster. The difficulty that was over come in each case was the same and still is the same-to mould the pub- lie prejudice that existed against the local products. into favorable and friendly public opinion in favor of the home article. in preference to the imported goods.
 The purpose of the Country Fair Is to promote interest in home grown farm and garden products, and to at- tempt to overcome the prejudice that exists in the minds of some Alaskans, against locally grown vegetables. The growing of farm products in Southeastern Alaska has progressed beyond the exper- imental stage A mere handful of farmers working under discouraging conditions have demonstrated that it is possible to grow very good grade of farm products in this section. And these men, working independ- ently. each man trying to solve his own marketing problem, have ere ated quite a creditable market for the home grown products. But the demand that has been created, isn't of sufficient volume to make farm ing in this section a profitable call ing up to this time.
 In order to develop this industry into a profitable one for the men who are now engaged in it. and to encourage other men to engage in in growing farm products for the To- cal markets, it is necessary that a greater demand be created for the local articles, in preference to the products that are now being import ed from Seattle.
 The farming industry of South eastern Alaska cannot be developed through the efforts of any one com munity or town. The quantity of vegetables consumed in any town is not sufficient to raise this industry to the plane which it's resources war rant. The greater benefits to be ob- tained in creating a demand for the local products. can only be realized by developing a market for Alaska grown products in every town and community in Southeastern Alaska. This is work thss should claim the attention of every plblie spirited citizen in this district.
 The residents of communities in which vegetables and other farm products are grown should bend their efforts to assist in creating a demand for the local products and in working out plan of distributing these articles in neighboring com munities which are not fortunate enough to produce their own food stuff. And the residents of communi- ties where farm products are not be- ing grown should cooperate in this movement and buy the Southeastern Alaska grown product in preference to the goods that they are now im- porting from Seattle.
 It is only through a movement of this kind that our farming industry can be developed to successful issue. And we have reached a stage in the development in this section. when a cooperative effort of this kind can be carried out to a very successful extent. There are several small gas boat lines connecting a great many of our communities with a weekly schedule. By taking a de- termined stand to enter into a closer relationship with our neighboring communities, instead of carrying on business with Seattle commission houses and other business men, we can turn very nice volume of busi- ness into channels that will greatly benefit the residents of our commu- mites, throw business to the owners of these small boat lines, which will be the means of ultimately affording us with larger gas boats plying be- tween our communities and perhaps connecting still more towns with this more increased business.
 There is at least q, ,000, 900 being sent out of Southeastern Alaska every year for foodstuffs and other articles that can easily Do kept at