Canterbury Farmers Co-operative Association

Canterbury Farmers Co operative Associations grain and wool store in Heaton Street Timaru p17387enz

THE CANTERBURY FARMER’S CO-OPERATIVE, 1899 Heaton Street Grain and Wool Stores. This is the Canterbury Farmers’ Co-operative Association’s grain and wool store in Heaton Street, Timaru, in 1899. The building was next to the main trunk railway line from Christchurch to Bluff – a vital link between wool and grain stores and the ports. Using this item PGG Wrightson  Reference: Eulla Williamson, Farmers in business, 1880-1980: one hundred years of trading by the Canterbury Farmers’ Co-operative Association Limited, Timaru and branches. Timaru

 

THE CANTERBURY FARMER’S CO-OPERATIVE, 1899 Warehouse and Offices, Cains Terrace.

 

Julius Vogel’s Economic Programme and Agricultural Impact (1869–1889)

1869

  • Julius Vogel’s Bold Proposal:
    As Colonial Treasurer, Julius Vogel proposes borrowing £10 million over 10 years to fund infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.

    • The plan is seen as radical, even shocking, by many in Parliament.

1873

  • Vogel’s Rise as Premier:
    Only four years later, Vogel becomes Premier of New Zealand.

    • He is hailed in both New Zealand and Australia as the "greatest borrower of all time."

    • £20 million had already been borrowed — double the original proposal — despite New Zealand's population being only 250,000.

1874

  • Warning Signs Emerge:
    A fall in wool prices signals potential economic trouble.

    • Critics argue that prosperity is due more to high global demand for wool and skins than to Vogel’s borrowing.

1878

  • Boom Peaks:
    After continued borrowing and economic stimulation, wool prices rise again, leading to an even wilder boom than before.

1879

  • Sharp Decline in Wool Prices:
    The price of wool drops sharply, exposing the fragile and debt-dependent nature of the economic boom.

By 1880

  • Export Realities:

    • Wool and its allied products (skins, tallow) dominate exports — making up 60% of New Zealand’s total exports.

    • Meat and dairy are not yet exportable due to the lack of refrigeration.

    • Other non-perishable exports include gold, wheat, and timber.

1880–1889

  • The Long Depression:

    • This decade is referred to as "The Long Depression of the 1880s".

    • It severely affects the rural economy and highlights the vulnerabilities in relying on overseas borrowing and commodity exports.

1880s

  • Co-operative Movement Begins:

    • During this difficult period, The Canterbury Farmers, based in Timaru, is established.

    • It becomes New Zealand’s first farmers’ co-operative, offering a new model of agricultural organization and resilience in tough economic times.

https://archive.org/details/farmers-in-business-1880-1980/page/n13/mode/2up?view=theater