The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-01-17 00:00:00

LYE.

CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY,—The forty-fifth report
of the society ending December 24th, has just
been published showing the society to be iu a very
flourishing condition. During the last six months,
the cash taken for goods sold is £9026, as compared
with £7993, taken during the first half of the year,
which shows an increase £1033. Making the two
sums together, viz., £1719, which represents the
aggregate takings for the years, and comparing
tiusu with the aggregate receipts for the year 1879,
an increase for the year of £1744. Fifty-one New
Members nave heed added to the society during
the six mouths, and fifty have either withdrwn,
or suffered themselves to lapse through neglect
leaving the number at present on the books at
796, but, as a considerable number of these do
but little business with the society, and conse-
quently, do themselves or the society but little
good by their Membership, the Committee will be
glad if the interested working members will do
what they can to bring up those who have been
lagging behind, so that yet greater prosperity may
be ensured, and the full privileges of member-
ship be shared by all. The funeral fund has been
drawn upon to the amount of £7, whiled 17 have
added, by a levy of 6/ per member, the balance
being reserved to meet future contingencies. The
committee are pleased to report that the general
condition of the society is good, for, although cir-
cumstances do occasionally arise, and events do
now and again transpire, which act as temporary
impediments to the progress of the society, the
facts stands out patent to all who will be at the
trouble to observe that, not only are the.old po-
sitions maintained, but, from time to time fresh
ground is tttken up and kept—the usefulness of
the society continues to increase—and the circle
of its influence is being extended year by year.
One significant fact is, that the different federa-
tions of working men in the neighbourhood, under
the names Trades' Union Lodges, Sick Societies,
&c., are opening their eyes to the fact, that
their surpins funds can be utilised, and usefully
and beneficially employed, by being invested with
your society hence there are four or five Sick
Friendly Societies„ and one strong Trade Union
Lodge, who have, and are, investing their funds
from time to time—being profited by the five per
cent, interest they receive:upon their investments,
and at the same time are helping you to solve
social problem of labour versus capital. In order
to covince you that the above is no mere twaddle,
or vapid boast, kindly and patiently wade through
the figures in the Balance-Sheets, and the fol-
lowing facts will be made evident to your mind:—
viz., that the working men in the neighbourhood,
connected with this society, are worth an aggre-
gate capital of some £5000; that the capital shows
an increase of nearly £lOOO for the year;—that
the amount of business done by the society has
yeilded a profit £l272,—which has been equit-
ably divided among its members, after providing
for reserve and other funds, at the rate of 2s for
every2l of purchase checks returned :—that the
society has rendered substantial aid to six families
in times of bereavement and death—helping the
sturdy and strong in their battles of life, and
struggles for independence--extending its hand
of sympathy and help to the disconsolate widow

and orphan children,—and, with open arms, gives
the invitation, and offers a welcome, to the poor-
est of the poor. Your committee would again
call your attention to the Co-operative News, a
weekly paper established for the advocacy of the
principles of the movement, —and. is it not a fact
that reflects anything but credit upon the society,
that, amongst a membership of upwards of 700,
scarcely a doze,' copies can be sold. It may be
had for a penny, weekly, at any of the stores;
and if you can only be prevailed upon to give it
your support, not only will the interest you will
derive from its perusal more than repay the out-
lay, but it will be conducive to the society's good.
Considering the increasing and ever-extending
circles of the membership, and the great diversity
of individual interests, it can scarcely be other-
wise, than that now and again the executive may
do something in the administration of the affairs
of the society, with which some portion of the
members may disagree; but as those members
cannot always possibly know the circumstances
that decide the subject with your committee, they
simply ask for your forbearance and indulgence;
and as we have all entered upon the active duties,
and have taken up the responsibilities of another
year's work, they again lay claim to your sympathy
and peronal help, in every possible way you can
render it. Above everything else, see that your
money to be spent, and your money saved, finds
, its way to your own Stores, so that, at the end of
the year, the committee in office at that time,
I through your mutat efforts and:personal good-will,
I one towards the other, may be able to report yet
greater success.