biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1873-04-19

ADMISSION :—Adults 3d; Children under Twelve
2d ; Ditto under Sin Id.
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will admit on all occasions essept the Grand Show ha
Jane next.

H. G. QUILTEIt, Proprietor.

Will be Published ex Mau*, Neat,
FICHOUGHTS ON THE NEW SCHEME
1 FOR STOURBILIDON GRAMMAR SCHOOL,
by J. C. A. SCOTT, Esq., MA., (Reprinted from the
County Exprebe)—To be had from all local Bookselien,
or from IC 81'000.111611, Publither, tourbridge. Prioe
Tuopunce.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1873-04-19

CO-OPERATIVE CONGRESS.

Yhe fifth annual Co-operative Congress of delegates
of co operative societies of Great Britain and Ireland
commenced its sittings in the Mechanics Institute,
Newcantie•on-Tyne, on Saturday, under the presidency
of Mr. Joseph Cowan. There was a large attendance
of delegates from all parts of the country, and amongst
those present were—Mr. Thomas Hughes, M.P., Mr.
Waiter Morrison, M.P., Mr. Alderman Carter, M.P..
Mr._Vantrittart Neale, &e. . .

Mr. Cowen, in the course of a lengthened address, re-
ferred to the rise and progress of the co-operative
movement in various parts of the kingdom. In
Lancashire and Yorkshire these so ieties are to be found
in considerable numbers, and in Northumberland and
Durham they are increasing almost daily, both in
numbers and activity. In Cumberland, Derbyshire,
and Cheshire there are also numerous co-operative
societies but among the southern counties of Sussex,
Hampehire, Wilrehire, Dorset, and Devonshire, the
movement cannot be said to have taken any substantial
hold. The returns which have been made to Parlia-
ment are not complete, but 746 societies in the year 1871
had 262,188 members, possessing • capital of £2 521,000
doing business, to the extent of £9,439,471 per annum.
The profit made by these 746 el.ores was little short of
2,800,000. The most remarkable thing, however, in
connexion with co-operation was, probably, the success
of the wholesale stores in Manchester. That establish-
ment has 277 shareholding societies; it has 500 societies
doing business with it; it has a capital of £140:000, and
does a trade to the extent of £1,250,000 per annum.
During the last eight years it has done a trade amount-
ing to I:1,600,030, and in the same period it has only
made £2OO in bad debts. He thought that was the
most encouraging feature in connection with the
report. One circumstance worthy of remark
was, that although the people of Scotland are renowned
for their thrift, carefulness, and shrewdness, co-opera-
tion has made little progress with them. In the whole
of that country there were but 250 societies, only 70
of which have reported to Parliament the state of
their funds. The chairman concluded his address by
enforcing the social advantages of encouraging. the
working :lasses to acquire business habits by giving
them an interest in trading societies.
On the motion of Mr. Hughes, M.P., seconded by
Mr. Greenwood, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr.
Cowin for his addrew.