There are many counties yet to which the movement has not extended. For
the sake of those who may wish to extend it to them, we state that the
first step to be taken is to procure a copy of the rules of some society
already in operation. For this purpose, the Birmingham, the National and
the Westminster Societies' rules, which have been prepared with care, and
under the management of practical men, should be procured. They are
virtually the same as the rules of an ordinary building society, and are
certified by Mr. Tidd Pratt. The next step is the appointment of
trustees, directors, solicitor and secretary. This is very important.
The greater part of the failures which take place in working men's
associations arise from the incapacity or dishonesty of the directors or
their officers. Men of character and substance should be chosen for
trustees, and for directors men experienced in business, of persevering
habits, and of unquestionable integrity. The solicitor and secretary
ought to be favourably disposed to the objects of the society. The
offices for business ought in no case to be connected either with a
public-house or a Temperance coffee-house. Eating and drinking are bad
adjuncts to business. As every society must incur expenses, it is not
desirable to form societies in small towns or villages, but to connect
them with a large society. The National, for instance, has agents to
receive subscriptions in every part of the country. Indeed, many of the
local societies have become merged in it. In consequence of its
excellent business arrangements, and of its immense capital it can do
what local societies cannot. Already the Herts and Beds Society, the
Bristol Society and the Cardiff Society, have become incorporated with
it, and the arrangement has been found satisfactory to all parties
concerned, the National having the power to purchase an estate, when a
local society with its limited funds would be utterly unable to do so.
The same can be said of the Conservative and other larger societies.
Local societies have, however, this in their favour. The managers are
well known men. Confidence is felt in them; they appeal to local
sympathies, and they will have local support.