REGISTRATION OF RULES; ORGANISATION;

CONSOLIDATION; THE GARRET BECOMES Too SMALL; Two GROCERY SHOPS OPENED; BREAD BAKING AND CLOG AND SHOE BUSINESS COMMENCED; READING-ROOM ESTABLISHED ;

No CREDIT BUSINESS ALLOWED.

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."

NOT only did the result of the first quarter's working stimulate the members, but it at the same time caused the laughing and jeering private tradesmen to prick up their ears, and scent danger ahead. Considerable difficulty was experienced in securing a shop, owing to this opposition of the tradesmen; but at last one was secured in Bradshawgate, which had been previously occupied by a Mr. Glover, and is now No. 97-the rent of which was £16 per annum.

Our pioneers were determined not to let their light shine under a bushel, for with success came greater courage, and they determined to make a bold bid for general public support.

In the Leigh Chronicle for December 19th and 26th, 1857, appears the first public announcement of the society's existence, in the following terms :

"CO-OPERATION, CO-OPERATION, CO-OPERATION.
"Working men look to yourselves.

"The public are respectfully informed, that a cooperative store is now open, in the large room over J. Cook's and T. Hindley's, at 7 o'clock p.m. every day except Saturday, when it is open at 4 o'clock p.m., for the retail sale of provisions.

"Entrance from the entry opposite to the Mechanics' Institution, Newton-square. Persons desirous of becoming members may leave a deposit of 6d. with the persons serving in the room, on any night; the same will be laid before the committee at their next meeting.

This society has advantages never before equalled in this locality. No person will be allowed to take up less than five or more than one hundred shares, at I each; payable at 2d. per week or 2s. 2d. per quarter. Shares can be paid in advance. Interest is paid on all paid-up shares, at the rate of five per cent per annum. Profits will be divided according to their purchases at the store; so that the more goods a member purchases, the more profit he will get.

Come forward then, and be members of the Leigh Friendly Co-operative Society.

"N.B.-The rules will be ready for the members on New Year's Day, when a general meeting will take place, at two o'clock in the afternoon for the appointment of trustees, treasurer, and other officers."

The general meeting, however, was held on January 20th.

In fixing January 1st, the committee had evidently not made allowances for the red tape proceedings in connection with obtaining the registration of the rules.

On January 18th, 1858, the society's rules were enrolled under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1852, and from this time the society dates its legal existence.

At this date there were ninety-eight members, and their total subscriptions amounted to £221. IOS. 4d.

The following is the list of members' names, and is given in the order of the date at which they commenced to pay subscriptions: