A History of Clydebank Co-operative Society

rear of the butchery was allocated to the Committee as a meeting room. As furnishings, one armchair, eleven wooden chairs, and a table with four drawers were provided.

There appeared some lack of confidence-not altogether unwarranted, as later events proved-about the Society’s ability to conduct its own fleshing department. Some thought that it should be let to a private butcher. The 100 per cent. co-operators won the day, however, and the business was begun under the complete control of the Committee.

Keen competition took place for occupancy of the 15 dwelling-houses above the shops, and the allocation was made on the Art Union principle.

The proud members were horrified when someone sought to erect a byre at the rear of their fine new building, and they were not particularly satisfied with the assurance that while the byre could not be prohibited its removal could be ordered if it proved a nuisance.

Opening of the new premises had a decided propaganda value, and there was a heartening response to a printed appeal by the Committee who as for “largely increased business” and trusted that “every member will make an effort to increase the membership by doing their utmost to redeem their fellowmen from the greedy grasp of the middleman.”

During the subsequent quarter 40 more persons sought the benefits of the Co-operative trading, and membership approached the 200 mark.

It was with no little pride that the Committee received a deputation from the Milngavie Society, who had asked permission to view the Clydebank building with a view to undertaking a similar enterprise.

Although shop hours were better than those endured by private trade shop salesmen, there was little change from those fixed at the beginning of the Society’s history.

One concession was that the hour of closing in alternative Fridays was an hour earlier-9 p.m. instead for 10 p.m. Trade unionism had still to make its presence felt.

Neither was there any sign of political consciousness, as “no action” was taken in response to a letter signed by a Mr M’Dermid who urged retaliation against local private trade grocers who had taken action against the Society. What that action consisted of is not clear from the records although it involved “putting paragraphs in the paper.”

First female employee entered the service in 1887-a cash girl, who received 7s. a week.

Purchase of the first horse and van also took place in this memorable year. Refusal of a local carrier to convey goods to Radnor Park forced the Committee to begin their own delivery service and to build a stable. With the acquisition of the horse and van and the appointment of the first vanman, the ancient three-wheeled peramular rattled no longer over the town’s cobbled streets.

Vulcanite tokens for use by the members were another novelty.