Formation of a Co-operative Society at Denaby Main.

A large number of employees of the Denaby Main Colliery assembled at the schoolroom last night for the purpose of taking into consideration the desirability of forming a co-operative society for Denaby Main. For some time past a committee had been engaged in making the necessary inquiries, with the result that an offer was recently made to the Denaby Main Colliery Company of £240 per annum for the hire of the Denaby Stores, recently built by the latter, the sum to include fixtures, rent, and taxes. The company did not at first accede to this offer, but agreed to let the men have the stores for £300 per annum.

The committee thereupon passed the following resolution, which had the desired effect, the company agreeing to allow them to have the stores for £240 per annum:—That after full discussion and consideration, this committee, taking into account the competition they have to contend with by other co-operative societies, number of householders in Denaby Main being members thereof; and further, that trade will be entirely dependent on the state of work at the colliery and works belonging to the Denaby Main Colliery Company, and that, in the event of suspension of work from any of the various causes to which the colliery is more or less subject, they cannot recommend to the public or guarantee such a large fixed rent as £300 per annum. They therefore ask the company to reconsider the offer they have already made, viz., £240, that being the utmost they can with confidence recommend; and bearing in mind that the stores have been built merely for the accommodation of the inhabitants of Denaby Main, they feel confident that the company, when they consider the moral improvement and inducements for the practice of thrifty habits it will have on the employees, will be satisfied with a reasonable interest on their money.

Mr. Rhodes occupied the chair last night, and explained the objects of the meeting. He said if they started a co-operative society they must not depend on assistance from the company, but must work hard themselves. Mr. Hatton proposed, Mr. Walker seconded, and it was carried, that the work of the committee was satisfactory. Mr. Chambers said if £150 was promised there would be no difficulty in beginning.

The chairman moved that a co-operative society be formed, which was seconded and carried unanimously. The number of those in favour of joining the society was found to be 50. After some consultation the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to draw up the rules of the society and report to a general meeting:—Messrs. T. Walker, P. Hatton, R. Adams, Sylvester Cramp, Chambers, Holdsworth, Rose, Oswald, Dainty, Binns, Davis, and Chambers.

A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings.