Page 87 - The_story_of_the_C._W._S._The_jubilee_history_of_the_cooperative_wholesale_society,_limited._1863-1913_(IA_storyofcwsjubill00redf) (1)_Neat

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Codlings Your Friend/'
Northumberland and Durham are contemplating the establishment
of a wholesale co-operative society in Newcastle-on-Tyne." By
way of anticipating such a movement, one of the trio already was
circularising the northern societies. This merchant admitted that
it was necessary to buy through one source, either " a wholesale
store or some other enterprising firm capable and willing to carry
such an extensive busmess at the smallest percentage possible."
For the commercial house of requisite courage there was no need to
search. If the co-operative stores would guarantee a business of
£2,000 a week this firm itself would supply every article required at
net cost prices, carriage paid, plus £2 per cent on original and £3 per
cent on broken packages. But hard upon the offer from Short came
one from Codlin. The new friend loudly declared that his rival was
taking advantage of co-operative innocence. The offer meant a
" very handsome guaranteed income of £2,600 a year, say, less £500
working expenses . ' ' Codlin ' ' would greatly rej oice to do the business
at a less percentage, with the same guarantees and conditions."
It seemed as if the trustful co-operators might be embarrassed
between their two benefactors; but now came the third offer, which
gave reasons for rejecting both its predecessors. The newcomer
offered capital and premises exclusively for co-operators, provided
a sufficient number of stores supported him. However, the general
body of co-operators, being notoriously blind to their own interests
in becoming co-operators at all, remained unappreciative, and so the
great opportunities were lost.
Meanwhile the formation of the branch went on. The original
temporary committee, which seems to have been of indefinite
number, settled down into a regular body. Amidst the changing
personnel some names became persistent, including those of George
Dover (Chester-le-Street), T. Spottiswood and Humphrey Atkinson
(Blaydon), Thomas Can (Consett), and Joseph Patterson (West
CramUngton), while the Durham, Wallsend, Newbottle, Shotley
Bridge, and Newcastle Societies early were represented. The cost
of the preliminary meetings was partly subscribed, on appeal, by the
Northern Societies. Temporary premises were taken in St. Nicholas'
Buildings. Further appeals were made for subscriptions to wipe out
a deficit of £16 remaining on the formation expenses—the debt being
paid eventually by the parent society of Balloon Street. A manager
for the branch was sent down from Manchester and other employees
were engaged locally. Close upon the emboldening purchase of a
horse and cart for the business, the Newcastle Committee appealed
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