Notes From Conisborough – The Co-operative Conference

October 1891

Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 16 October 1891

Notes From Conisborough – The Co-operative Conference

It is true, then, that the Ship Canal Scheme is not dead. We have it on the authority of Councillor Lewellyn that the matter is being proceeded with, and he is in the “know,” for he was of the special witnesses in connection with the movement.

I hope we may soon see some unmistakeable manifestation that the waterway is being deepened and broadened, and that there is a probability of larger and quicker vessels proceeding past Mexborough to the east coast with our merchandise.

The Councillor spoke of this at the recent co-operative conference at Denaby main. It was an exceptionally good gathering. The discussion- which I see was participated in by the curate-in charge was a superior kind to what I have often heard, and it is obvious that the delegates are alive to the necessities of the times.

Mr. Chamber, took the opportunity of speaking of the almost unprecedented success of the Denaby Main stores. “ Yes,” said a co-operator, we know the reason of that ; it is the amount of grog that is consumed.

This was uttered in a sotto voce manner, and therefore the manager the colliery did not hear it. But it is obvious that something than the usual sale of groceries, permits of so high dividend as £4. 10s. in the £. If it is in consequence of the drink consumed “off” the premises, the teetotaller, get an equal benefit of the profit, so that is some consolation. I can scarcely conceive any person, being so constituted as to decline to accept the pecuniary advantage.

The progress in the population in the neighbourhood of Denaby caused Councillor Llewellyn to remark that, if the people increased at such a ratio, it would soon be a saying –“Doncaster, near Denaby.” instead of vice versa, and indeed the observation is not very far-fetched, recognising great strides that are being made in this direction.

Mr. Chambers poetically remarked… Denaby is a little Switzerland in herself.” He did not believe in it being considered as tacked on to either Conisborough or Mexborough, and this spirit was likewise manifested in the speech of the Rev. Mr. Butler, who asked for practical assistance in order that he might the look after the spiritual needs of the flock. Their temporal affairs are all right for the present, at least, while the good trade lasts, and there is not the faintest prospect of a strike or the sad eviction scenes.

Now the rev. gentleman might to have no difficulty in raising the small sum he named in a community where such good wages are regularly received, and if he can only succeed in educating the folk as he wishes he will be doing a grand thing. I hope there is a bond of sympathy among all those who are religiously engaged in this populous centre, and that church goers and Non-conformists alike will be greatly encouraged.