88 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 3. 



and it is therefore little wonder that none of them are better 

 than ordinary third-rate Inns. With difBculty a dish of ham 

 and eggs can be procured at the leading hostelries by giving long 

 notice, while often bread and cheese are all you can procui-e. Such a 

 state of things is simply a disgi-ace, not only to the owners and keepers 

 of the Inns, but to those who patronise them. The remedy lies with 

 the public. Only let them " send to Coventry " those Innkeepers who 

 refuse to make ample provision for travellers and visitors, and the 

 thing will be done. Clean and cheerful hotels will replace the present 

 dirty and squabd-looking drinking shops, and publican and the public 

 alike will be gainers. But Longi-idge people are by nature obstinate 

 and fond of old ways, and we shall be surprised when any change for 

 the better does take place. 



Drunkenness is almost unknown in Longridge — a change which has 

 taken place in the last 1 or 1 2 years. To what it is due I hardly know. 

 Certainly the Temperance Societies have worked hard, but I should 

 say thrift and prudence, which have been fostered by the Co-operative 

 principle, and the Friendly Societies, are chiefly responsible for this 

 gratifying improvement. 



The establishment of a Co-operative Store in Longridge in 1874 

 has completed the work begun by the late George Whittle. A brief 

 sketch of the Co-operative Society is interesting : — 



The following five persons, viz., Isaac Willdnson, James Pye, Wm. 

 Waring, Thomas Coupe, and Henry Slinger, originated the Society 

 in Messrs. Waring Bros.' quarry. A meeting was called by them, at 

 which about 30 people attended. The result of this meeting was the 

 appointment of a Committee, to make inquiries prior to the formation 

 of the Stores. Soon after the Society was formed, 20 members 

 joining ; two cottages in Fell Brow were converted into a shop, the 

 Committee acting as salesmen at nights. From such a humble start 

 did the present wealthy Society spring. The shopkeepers were 

 alarmed, but comforted themselves with the assurance that, " it could 

 not succeed." The Society was Eegistered on March 24th, 1874, and in 

 1875 a branch Store was built in Pitt Street. In 1 880 the Central Stores 

 were built, the corner stone being laid on May 24th, 1879, by Mr. 



