The York Co-operative Society.

This society had a very weak beginning, starting in 1858 with 130 members, but only £26 4s. 3d. capital, or 4s. per head. For twenty-five to thirty years the struggle was hard, but the right men were there, and, given these, it becomes only a question of time to overcome difficulties which success only could prove not to have been impossible. In 1888 the society had 438 members, with a capital of £635—not quite page 36 30s. per head—and an annual trade of £3420. It took a long time to accomplish this, and one can only marvel at the patience manifested by the devoted and earnest workers conducting this slowly-moving business. From that year things commenced to progress more rapidly. In ten years more—in 1898—the society had 6000 members, with a capital of £40,000—well-nigh £7 per head—and an annual trade of £126,000. In the last five years of that period £52,710 was divided amongst members on their purchases. Numerous branch stores had been opened, and a magnificent pile of buildings, costing £20,000, was completed and opened for business in 1899. In 1901 the society had 7700 members, and £67,417 capital, getting on well to average £9 per head. The year's trade was £179,243, and the net profit available for dividends upon members' purchases was £24,007—a success well worth working and waiting for.