437 Spencer Street

August 12^th, 1880, a prospectus for a new enterprise was issued for a firm called the West Melbourne Co-operative Company. The aim of the new venture was to establish a grocery store based upon the co-operative’s principles.

“Economy in the working of the company, consistent with a proper and intelligent management and supervision of its affairs, soundness in the articles bought, and comparative cheapness in its articles sold, and a strict adherence to the cash system, are the great principles to me aimed at, and such principles being carried out with the utmost strictness, it cannot be doubted that the company will have a prosperous career, and soon extend its influence into other branches of trade’’.

A meeting of intending shareholders will take place this (Thursday) evening, 12^th August, at 8 o’clock, at the Literary Institute, William Street, Melbourne. The public are invited to attend. Applications for shares on the West Melbourne Co-operative Company, Limited, forms of which accompany prospectus, are to be addressed as below, John McIndoe, Secretary, pro tem, 66 Chancery-lane or 22 Lothian-street, Hotham.

August 28^th, 1880.

A meeting of the proposed West Melbourne Co-operative Company, Limited, was held in the literary institute, William-street, yesterday; Mr. John Sadler in the chair, and about forty persons present. The secretary, Mr. M’Indoe, read a report showing that the sale of shares is progressing satisfactorily; and, on the motion of one of the shareholders, it, was decided that business operations should be commenced as soon as practicable. The extension of the capital to £5000, and the reduction in the price of shares from £2 to £1, has proved to be a wise step, as many members have joined at the cheaper rate who would not otherwise have been, able to take up shares. A fresh prospectus of the company will shortly be issued containing all information as to the conditions on which shares can he obtained. Mr. David Munro, of Queen-street, has been requested to become a provisional director of the company, and it is understood he is willing to act in that capacity.

December 11^th, 1883.

WEST MELBOURNE CO-OPERATIVE COY. LIMITED —In consequence of the adjourned half yearly meeting having lapsed for want of a quorum, any shareholder, upon application to the manager, may inspect balance sheet and auditors’ report for the sixth half. J. B. GOULD, Manager.

June 22^nd, 1886.

The half yearly general meeting of shareholders in the West Melbourne Co-operative Company Limited was held at the company’s store, [59] 61 Spencer-street, last evening. There was a good attendance, Mr. R. Bowen in the chair. The report and balance sheet were submitted, and were of a most encouraging nature, and showed that the sales for the twelve months amounted to £6902 9s. 10d., equivalent to 20.5 percent, on the paid-up capital. The net profit was £252 7s. 2d, returning 6 per cent on the capital, and 2.5 per cent, return to purchasers. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Five of the retiring directors were re-elected, and Messrs. D. Locke and H. Bindon were elected directors. The retiring auditors were re-elected. Votes of thanks were accorded to the directors, and to the manager and his assistants for their services during the past year.

December 6^th, 1886

N0TICE. — J. B. Gould is no longer manager of the West Melbourne Co-operative Grocery Company Limited. Henry Herbert Bindon, Chairman Board of Directors.

July 11^th, 1888.

Notice Is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Shareholders of the West Melbourne Co-operative Company Limited will be held at Nippard’s Hotel on Wednesday, the 11^th day of July 1888 for the purposes of voluntarily winding up the Company, in accordance with a resolution passed at the Half Yearly Meeting held at Nippard’s Hotel, 27th June 1888.

September 4^th, 1888

TO Parties in Search of a Splendid Business. — Tenders will be received up to 8th September by the liquidators of the West Melbourne Co-operative Company Limited, for the Purchase of the Company’s Business, including of groceries, ironmongery, crockery. book debts, &c., together with working plant and unexpected term of lease four years and one month to run, at a low rental. To be sold as a going concern. Full particulars to be obtained at the store, Spencer-street. Tenders to be accompanied by 10 per cent, on amount of tender. The highest or lowest tender not necessarily accepted.

December 17^th, 1888.

West Melbourne Co-operative Company Limited wound up.

various newspaper clippings