Page 208 - The_story_of_the_C._W._S._The_jubilee_history_of_the_cooperative_wholesale_society,_limited._1863-1913_(IA_storyofcwsjubill00redf) (1)_Neat

The Story of the C.W.S. "
The vested interests in the way were a gigantic evil; and they should be
determined to get into their own hands the control of the water and the gas and
other similar public affairs, and break down these vested interests for ever by
paying them out at fair rates, and get all the advantages for themselves. We
want no spoliation; we want full freedom for the entire body politic to manage
its own affairs in its own interest. Co-operators should fight for the general
good, and insist on improved government for London.
Before " 99, Leraan Street " was completed, a far-sighted purchase
of land had been made (1886) on the other side of the way, where
eventually " 100, Leman Street " arose.
The new building that stood up in VVhitechapel testified to the
C.W.S. in a city where such evidence most was needed. Yet the
cost for some time told heavily upon the weaker departments of
drapery and other "dry goods." One might almost say it forced
some of them to confess their actual state. For although the weight
of the statutory depreciations could be given in good faith as the
reason for the losses of 1888-9. a second cause was twice indicated.
This was the trouble previously experienced at Manchester, a trouble
always apt to recur. Provided they remain eatable, general
groceries have always some value; but last year's mantle or hat,
buttons or trimmings, or even prints and shirtings, may be like last
week's newspaper. It was because of these personal and fleeting
elements of taste and fashion which he had more obviously to
consider that the draper's young man used to consider himself as
some degree above his fellow shop-assistant behind the grocery
counter. In the early part of 1889 there was a change of manage-
ment. Mr. Waddington, the present head, who had seen the
beginnings of the drapery departments at Manchester and Newcastle,
and had come to London in 1881, was now put in charge. The
drapery stocks were " carefully revalued " and specially depreciated
by " some hundreds of pounds; " and again at the end of the year
stock was cleared out by means of special sales at a loss of £600.
Further depreciations followed, until the " palatial structure
of the soaring Southern co-operators was sharply criticised at
Newcastle. During 1890, however, the position became "fairl}^
satisfactory," and in 1891 a net profit was recorded, after which the
drapery departments ceased to call for special mention in the
general returns of London Branch prosperity.
The reader may be tiring of the records of new buildings and
extensions, and therefore one may pass lightly over the beginning
made at Longton in 1886. It grew out of the furnishing trade.
The purchase and collection of pottery m the Potteries instead of
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