South Yorkshire Times, March 26th, 1960
Ancient and Modern
The following extracts have been taken from Kilnhurst Co-op Society’s old minute books and correspondence etc., some are, (we think) humorous, all are (we hope) interesting. One aspect seems to stand out, that is, the constant concern for the welfare of the society on behalf of those who had its control in hand
May 1865 – “I agree to do the Mason and Bricklayer’s Work for the erection of two cottages, shop and outbuildings, find all tools, scaffolding, labour, and carriage lead Front Stone from Hooton, steps and delphs from Mangham and finish all according to plans ……for the sum of £172.”
June 1866 – “The Co-op Hall was let to the Primitive Methodist Religious Society for ‘not more than three services each Sunday’……at £8 per annum.”
December 1891 – extracts from a Builder and Contractor’s account: –
November 1931 “that we send ……a bill for 12/6 and 3d per week for rent of hen place.”
February 1932 “that the Chemist have 1 ½ hours for dinner and close at 7pm instead of 6pm, and that he be given 2/6 per week advance.”
(Quarterly meeting)
“that we ask for a Policeman to be present from 6.30 to 8.30 pm.”
April 1932 “that we deliver groceries to Langold fortnightly.”
“that to save the Secretary leaving the Office, the President take the money to the bank.”
February 1935 “that we protest against the amalgamation of Swinton and Mexborough.”
Proposed but defeated “that the method of voting be altered.”
May 1931 “that we accept tender for painting 40 cottages for £34 15s.”
July 1877 “I propose to paint the 20 cottages and to grain the front doors in Oak for the price of 18/- per house.”
May 1939 “that we grant the following concessions to employees joining the Territorial Forces – two weeks extra holiday with pay for attending camp. Time off to be allowed for drill and rights of position for joining Colours.”
March 1910 Extract of Letter Received
Dear Sir,
“I read with interest the report of your Society’s Jubilee, I being the son of one of the founders (Samuel Padgett). I was pleased …………to acknowledge the work of the noble men who were the Pioneers. I knew Mr. J. Smith, Mr. G. Clarke, Mr. W. Coucom, and I well remember going to Mr. Clarkes house for goods, and that my father was often engaged at night weighing goods for sale. I know that a good deal of self-denial weas practiced, and labour given without pay. My father used to tell me that Cooperation was necessary, not so much for profit, but to protect them against the ‘Universal Poacher’ of Adulteration of food.
Yours most respectfully,
George Padgett”