The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-11-30
A Workingmen's Cooperative Society.

manufacturing ulSITlCtS Vi England IS
past belief till one has seen some such a
center as Leeds. Here the British work
man may be seen at his best and at his
worst. His liberal patronage of the gin
shop, and his love for the gentle bull pup,
1t is more agreeable to report what he has
shillings into federal union of dividends
and to teach himself and children sobriety
and thrift.
Here is a tangible expression of York
shire common sense-a handsome four
story block of stores, splendid in plate
glass, carved stonework, and architectural
display-the stores of the "Leeds Indus
trial Cooperative Society, Limited" Al
Dion street, Leeds. 1t may be Saturday
afternoons half holiday in the mills
and the streets swarm with work-people
of every age and condition. Albion street
is none too wide for the traffic that pours
along its sidewalks and roadway, and
gathers about the open doors of the
Leeds INDUSTRIAL" actually struggling
in and out, and pressing thickly up to
the counters. One door leads to a
grocery store, the next to drapery
store, another door leads upstairs to
the house furnishing ware rooms, the
out-fitting department., and the boot
and shoe store. There is no display in
the windows latter the cooperative
manner), and we may follow the multi
tude inside to watch the active trade.
Plain. hard working people, perhaps
grlmy from their toll, they press up TO
the counters, cash in hand, ready to buy.
The statesmen have evidently prepared for
a good demand, and the staple goods, al
ready put up in convenient packages, are
piled in enormous heaps on the counters.
They deal out the bundles with wonder
full speed, take the money, make a note
in sales book, tear off the voucher Tor
half-leaf), and give it with the change to
the customer. Each one takes his or her
goods, and moves away as quickly as pos
sible to make room for others. Near the
door, in tiny office, such as is some
stores, sits young girl. Each one pre-
sents the fy-ieaf to her, and receives a tin
or brass token representing the amount of
the purchase. This is the evidence of
trade at the society's stores, and will be a
guide in estimating the ALLEGATION of prof.
its next dividend day. For every bag of
flour the member may buy he will receive
back bonus or dividend of two shillings
and sixpence. On all other goods the
bonus will be two shillings and twopence
in every pound these tokens represent.
This is the key to this active trade; this
explains this eagerness to buy this is the
excuse for being" that the society can
show.
The shops seem to be equal to the best
of their class in London or New York.
The stock is very large, of apparently the
best quality, and is admirably put up,
ready for Immediate sale. Going up
stairs, we find the building blockaded
with people intent on trade. A woman
coming downstairs, her three boys max
ing much clatter with their new wooden
shoes, brushes past q man with a wicker
baby carriage under one arm and a mop
broom under the other. There is plenty
of roughness, broad Yorkshire dialect,
oil-stained clothing, and good English
push and scramble; every man for Him
self; but, with all, there is a feeling for
order and honest good-nature.~ Above.
stairs, there are halls and corridors
packed from floor to ceiling with
boots and shoes, brushes, kitchen
ware, household goods, and ready
made clothing. The people swarm
into every nook and corner, be-
siege the statesmen, and drive q
lively trade. These busy shop.
pers and anxious buyers are the members