A COOPERATIVE BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Sin,—A London Association of Builders, organised on the principle of industrial partnership, has just held its first annual meeting, and has already achieved a remarkable degree of success, which may thus lead to the more general adoption of this form of co-operation. At the close of one year's work, valued at £22,700, a proportion of the- net profits, amounting to 2481, has been assigned to the workmen as their share. Each will be credited in the books with a stun equal to is. 6d. for every £1 earned during the year in wages; and this will constitute the workers' capital in the concern. On such annual credits amounting to 215, he will be entitled to vote at all meetings as a duly qualified member of the Association. There are at present one hundred and ninety men who are registered as share- -holders under this arrangement, and the amounts thus. credited range from 15s. to 213. This share capital cannot- be withdrawn, but it will bear interest ; and it is proposed. that, after a certain number of years' connection with the Association, and after a certain age, any member may apply for the investment of the sum standing to his credit in the purchase of a Government annuity.
The general aim is, first, equitable participation in the results of joint labour, after payment of interest on capital at 5 per cent. ; and, secondly, good faith towards the customer in respect to quality of material and of work. Custom is
invited, not on the ground of cheapness, but of excellence; and it will be recollected that the great success of the similar society of Leclaire et Cie., in Paris, was due to the fact that the best work was invariably given.
This undertaking is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, by the title of the Co-operative Builders, Limited, and has been formed under exceptionally favourable circumstances. A very able architect, an equally able foreman who has the gift of gaining the confidence of the workers, and a gentleman who has long studied co-opera- tion in all its forms, have taken this matter in hand, desiring to &die a great social problem and realise success based on justice all round. The office of the Association is at Burton Road, Brixton.--I am, Sir, etc., X. Y. Z.
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