Page 48 - 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. —
" A more delightful meeting of co-operators I never attended,"
wrote a correspondent of the Co-operator in the issue of that journal
for May, 1863. " Delegates were present," he continued, " from
places as distant as London and Dublin, though the greater part
were from Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire. The sitting began
in good time, with an interval for dinner. Opinions were freely
expressed, but the utmost order and good feeling prevailed. The
general opinion was in favour of the combination of an efficient
central wholesale agency with a small depot."
Another and more lively account was contributed from " The
Strangers' Gallery " by J. H. Salkeld. He wrote of " two hundred
delegates " and of a " Babel of discordancy " when the Central
Wholesale Agency became the subject of discussion. " Would not
" was the cry. Mr. Salkeld
the small stores receive all the benefit ?
thus continued his free report
Speaking is necessary, especially at a conference; and it matters little what
the topic is so that a speech is made upon it. We need not wonder, then, that
—
to the motion proposed by Mr. A. Greenwood "That a Central Wholesale
Agency Society (after the plan laid down by him) be formed," a score or two
speakers found their legs; that many thought a depot alone was preferable.
An amendment was made to that effect, not very logically, certainly, seeing
that none denied a depot would take a large capital to work it, and all admitted
that a small capital would be hard to raise. Then it was found that taste was
governed by locality; and while one sort of butter would suit Halifax, another
description would be required for Huddersfield. Besides, the buyer for an
agency might be bribed, but the buyer for a depot would be above it. The
former also would have too much responsibility devolving upon him, and
might decamp with a good deal of money. Thus these two ideas were devoured
till the delegates grew hungry, and, neither of them appearing to grow more
palatable or digestible, Mr. Edwards was called upon to state the arrangements
for dinner. This was done, and, oh ! ye delegates who run up expenses, listen
to them: A tea dinner at 6d. a head, with plates of ham extra at 3d. each, and
an hour to devour it in. This was economical, and good into the bargain ; and,
coupled with a stroll into the open air, while the tables were being cleared,
wrought wonders in bridging over difficulties, and making delegates co-operative
in feeling as well as in name. Burnley and Manchester then put in their
voices for a compromise, and suggested that " depot " should be added to the
title of the intended new society. Mr. Greenwood held out his hand, the
bargain was struck, and, the amendment being withdrawn, " The Co-operative
AV'holesale Agency and Depot Society " was launched into being by the
unanimous votes of the assembled delegates.
The Manchester meeting determined that the new organisation
should be purely a federation of stores registered under the Industrial
and Provident Societies Act, with none but co-operative societies as
shareholders. A little later the committee, meeting at Heywood,
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