Chap. 3.] SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 89 



Eobert Smith. In 1886 a second branch Store was opened in Lee 

 Street. During the present year (1888) the Central Stores have been 

 enlarged, and now form a huge block of buildings, 100ft. in length, 

 80ft. wide, and 60ft. high. The first year's sales were £1,800 ; the 

 sales for 1887 were no less than £17,000. The present number of 

 members is 722, while there were only 146 at the end of 1874. The 

 dividend paid is 2s. 2d. in the pound on members' purchases, and Is. Id. 

 on non-members' purchases. The capital now stands at £7,338. 



In connection with the Society is a Savings Bank, and a Reading 

 Eoom and Library, free to members and their children. A grant of 

 2^ per cent, per annum on the profits is made to the Library, which in 

 1887 amounted to £40. Originally, lectures were given under their 

 auspices, a work taken in hand by the Debating Society in 1881. 

 There are two large lecture halls in the building, which will seat about 

 1,.500 people. 



Nothing but praise can be bestowed on the Society and its Managers 

 for the great and good work they have accomplished, and we are sure 

 that thousands to-day bless the date of its foundation. 



To its founders, aU working-men, the Society is largely indebted 

 for their wise counsel and hard work 



Among other kindred institutions, the Friendly Societies, of which 

 there are seven in Longridge, must not be forgotten. For the sub- 

 joined facts and figures I am indebted to the Secretaries of the various 

 Lodges. The oldest Society is the Independent Order of Oddfellows. 

 The " No Danger " Lodge was opened at the White Lion Inn, Hother- 

 sall, on Dec. 25th, 1840. The Trustees are the Rev. F. A. C. B. Cave, 

 M.A., P.G. George Banks, and P.G. Eobert Booth. The Officers are, 

 G.M., W. A. Parkinson; N.G., Jno. Bamber ; V.G., Juo. Ormerod ; 

 Ass. Sec, John Eccles ; Perm. Sec, John Parkinson, Severn Street ; 

 Treasurer, Robert Howarth, Dog Inn. The number of members on 

 Jan. 1st, 1888, was 212 ; the amount of funds £974 19s. S^d. The 

 Lodge meets monthly at the Dog Inn. 



The United Order of Catholic Brethren, Blackburn Unity, St. Peter 

 and St. Pairl, Alston District, was established in 1844, at the White 

 Bull Inn, Alston. The first oificers were, Thos. Wilkinson, President, 



