With such experiences it is scarcely necessary to say that when the grain growers' movement started in Manitoba Roderick McKenzie occupied a front seat. He was singled out at once for a place on the platform and was elected Secretary of the Brandon branch of the Association. At the annual convention of the Manitoba locals he was made Secretary of the Provincial Association, a position which he filled until 1916, when he became Secretary of the Canadian Council of Agriculture. His activities in the interests of the Association have made him a well-known figure in many circles. From the first he had been very much in favor of the farmers' trading company and only the restrictions of his official position with the Association had prevented him from taking a more prominent part in its affairs. As it was, the benefit of his experience was frequently sought. McKenzie was plowing in the field when the boy from the telegraph office reached him with John Kennedy's message. "They don't say what they want me for; but I guess I'm wanted or they wouldn't send a telegram--Haw! Back you!" And like Cincinnatus at the call of the State in the "brave days of old," McKenzie unhitched the horses and leaving the plow where it stood, made for the house, packed his grip and caught the next train for Winnipeg. John Kennedy met him at the station. "What's wrong?" demanded the Secretary of the Manitoba Grain Growers' Association at once. "I came right along as soon as I got your wire, Kennedy. What's up now?" "The editor of the _Grain Growers' Guide_. Partridge wants you to take his place." "ME? Why, I never edited anything in my life!" cried McKenzie, standing stock still on the platform. "Pshaw! Come along," laughed Kennedy reassuringly. "You'll be alright. It ain't hard to do." CHAPTER XI FROM THE RED RIVER VALLEY TO THE FOOTHILLS It ain't the guns or armament nor the funds that they can pay, But the close co-operation that makes them win the day; It ain't the individual, nor the army as a whole, But the everlastin' team-work of every bloomin' soul! --_Kipling_. At one of the early grain growers' conventions it had been voiced as an ideal that there were three things which the farmers' movement needed--first, a trading company to sell their products (with ultimately, it might be, the cheaper distribution of farm supplies); second, a bank in which they could own stock; third, a paper that would publish the farmers' views. So that if the new Executive of the Company had done little else than break ground for better financial arrangements and a farmers' own paper, their record for the year would have shown progress.