Putting down the paper he looked round with an ironical smile.
"You will observe that the scheme is by no means modest; indeed, it strikes me as the most revolutionary project that has ever been suggested in this place. It is nevertheless my duty to ask those responsible for it to say what they can in its favor."
Kenwyne rose with a composed expression.
"Briefly, the advantages are these. With mechanical power we can plow more land than at present and at a reduced cost."
"That is far from certain," Mowbray declared. "We cannot take it for granted. These machines go wrong."
"With your permission, I will ask Mr. Harding to give us some figures later. We are missing opportunities by being content with rearing only a limited number of beef cattle. Winnipeg and Brandon are growing fast; new towns are springing up along the railroad, and there will soon be a demand for dairy produce that will counterbalance the rather frequent loss of a wheat crop."
"It will mean more paid hands and working all the land," some one objected.
"Exactly. I may add that this is our aim. The land must be developed."
There was a murmur of disapproval, but Kenwyne went on.
"Then there is reason to believe that we seldom obtain the prices we ought to get. Stockbuyers' profits and salesmen's charges are high, and we can't expect these gentry to look after our interests. We could best secure these by setting up an agency of our own, and hiring trained assistance. I'm afraid we cannot claim to be successful business men."