The premises are neat and commodious,

30th, under very favourable auspices. and are prominently situated in Greenside. Already the society numbers 120 members which are daily increasing. The object of the society is to supply pure groceries and other articles of provision, as also broad and other cloths not made from "devils' dust" and "pigs' wool." The takings over the counter on the opening day exceeded a sum considerably over the most sanguine expectations; with such a good beginning success is certain under proper management whith the committee are determined to carry out.-W. P.

FARNWORTH.-A manufacturing company has been established here, and bids fair to become one of considerable magnitude. The share list is announced as open for new shares without the payment of arrears or premiums.

FISHER STREET COMPANY (Blackburn). This company has a paid-up capital of £4,000. The shareholders are few in number, and are not entirely of the operative class. They are going full time, and work to order only. The nominal capital of the Blackburn Redemption Company is £60 000 of which bnt a trifle has been paid. The Weavers' Association are the parties principally interested in it pecuniarily. The distress falling the heaviest on this class of men, we sincerely trust to see "Redemption" days return and help them onwards to the completion of the scheme.

GLASGOW.-The Glasgow co-operative society is going on rapidly and successfully with its new building, £920 having been advanced by the members on loan during the last month, which will enable the directors to complete the undertaking without mortgage. There are several old co-operators in the Glasgow ranks who know full well the power within the working classes themselves when once aroused, and wisely and honestly directed to secure their release from underpaid, overworked, and degrading toil.

HALIFAX CO-OPERATIVE INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY.-The half-yearly meeting of this society was recently held in the Odd Fellows' Hall, the large room being conveniently well filled. Mr. J. Whitehead occupied the chair, and in a few pithy sentences introduced the business of the evening by calling on Mr. S. Holden to read the report and balance-sheet, which were of a highly encouraging character. Two new branches had been opened during the past half year, one in Skircoat Green, and the other in Church Lane, and the amount of business done at the central stores and its ten branches was equal to £34,769 8s. 2 d., which gave a nett profit of £2,509 2s. 74d., which enabled the society to declare a dividend of 1s. 5d. in the pound upon all purchases, and leaving a surplus of over £40. After some considerable discussion the balance-sheet was unanimously adopted, and a sum of £20 voted for the relief of the distressed operatives of Lancashire. A resolution was also passed to subscribe five guineas annually to the Halifax Infirmary. It was also announced that the society had been accepted as members by the Sowerby-bridge Flour Society, which was received with applause.

[Will our Halifax friend send his report earlier in future?]

HAMILTON CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.-This society held its second quarterly meeting in the temperance hall, and was well attended. We take the following items from the report which was read to, and unanimously adopted by the meeting. Number of members 930. Amount received for goods sold during the quarter £2,007, of which £251 was for bread alone. After deducting all working expenses a net profit was left of £73 13s. 7d. which amounts to a dividend of 1s. 4d. to members for every pound laid out at the stores.

HULL CO-OPERATIVE AND MUTUAL ASSURANCE The second annual tea meeting of this society has Institute at which about 300 persons sat down.

SOCIETY (Bridge Street).— been held in the Sailors' Mr. Wright presided, and

Mr. John Powell, the secretary, read the report, giving the history and progress of the society from its commencement. From a few men at the beginning they had risen to 300 strong, and with a capital of £70; at the end of their first quarter it had grown to £310. They had been kindly assisted by J. C. Pearson, Esq. (Mayor) with a loan of £80 of which £60 had been repaid. The business done during the seventh quarter amounted to £1605, producing a net profit of £151 or a dividend of 2s. in the pound on members' purchases, leaving a balance in hand of £75. Since the formation of the society the members had received on their shares and in bonuses something like £240. Several good speaches were delivered by Messrs. Halley, Oliver, Kelly and Brown, and all went off well.

LEITH CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.-This society we are informed is progressing at a rapid pace, and has opened another branch store in North Leith which is visited continuously by customers anxious to establish co-operation in this locality. Not to be partial purveyors of a peoples' wants the committee have wisely attached a bakery to the store where the "staff of life" is prepared and sold pure in preference to the whims, and fancies of an adulterate and vicious palate. -R. M'C. [This is right. Excelsior!]

LIABILITIES OF CO-OPERATIVE SALESMEN.-During the past month the trustees of the Tollcross co-operative society, to test a point in law, took occasion to sue their former salesman in the Small Debt Sheriff's Court, Glasgow, for a deficiency in the profits which he ought to realise on the goods sold during the quarter. The solicitor for the defence urged several objections to the relevancy of the claim, but they were all overruled by the judge, who clearly laid it down that every such shopman was bound to account for all the money for goods sold at the prices fixed by the society's committee, unless he could prove that any loss had been sustained by causes over which he had no control. Judgment accordingly.

NAILSWORTH.-This society has lately held its third quarterly meeting, which was well attended, and the secretary, Mr. Washbourn, read the report, which in every respect is highly encouraginging to the shareholders and others desirous of promoting the principles of co-operation in the neighbourhood. It appears that the amount of cash taken for the ten weeks ending the quarter was about £468, declaring a dividend of 1s. in the pound. It is not quite twelve months since the formation of the society, and the following is an average of the amount of cash taken during each quarter-First quarter, four weeks, £108 6s., or £27 18. 6d. weekly; second quarter, thirteen weeks, £408 0s. 24d., or £31 7s. 83d. weekly; third quarter, ten weeks, £468, or £46 16s. weekly, thus shewing a gradual increase in money transactions, as also in the number of members being now 200 strong. The last quarter terminated at the end of the tenth week, in order to bring the society's accounts strictly in conformity with the enrolled rules. Nailsworth is a village adjacent to Bristol, and the stores are in Clayton Street, and it is hoped that all readers of the Working Man in the locality will find their way thither and give it support.

NEWCASTLE. On Wednesday, the 4th ult., the fifth quarterly meeting of the mechanic's co-operative society, Nelson street, was held at Weavers's Tower. There was a good attendance of members, and the chairman in a succinct address expatiated on the benefits that would ultimately accrue from their cooperative endeavours if guided in the proper spirit, and concluded by calling on the secretary, Mr. Procter, to read the report which gave satisfaction as to the progress of the society during the past quarter. Both in business and accession of members there had been a very great increase, and after paying 5 per cent. on paid up shares, allowing for depreciation of stock, and incidental expenses, enabled the committee to declare a dividend of 1s. 6d. in the pound on members' purchases. The committee was also pleased to announce that at the re

quest of a vast number of the inhabitants of another part of the town (Scotswood Road), suitable premises had been taken in Bath Terrace, and a branch store would be opened on Friday, June 6th, and they called upon those who lived in that locality to give their support to the store, and its success would be certain. After the transaction of other business, the election of officers for the ensuing year, and a cordial vote of thanks to those retiring. The meeting separated.

[We again ask our friends to send us specific reports rather than generalmembers, amount of capital &c. This oft repeated request ought to be attended to.]

NOTTING HILL AND KENSINGTON CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.-Having gone to press when the report of this society's soiree reached us, we could do no more than briefly notice it in our last number. We now give from our reporter's notes the following statement which was read by Mr. Elton, the secretary, showing the progress of the society sinc its commencement in November, 1860, when they began business with about thirty members having a capital of £7 13s. 6d. Their first quarter's sales (January 7, 1861) amounted to £41 19s. 11d.; their last quarter's (1862) to £434 17s. 1d., thus showing a gradual and successful increase. The whole amount taken for goods sold during the past year was £1,302 12s. 3d. As illustrative of the good co-operative effort could do among the working classes when honestly acted out, he would mention that one member had paid into the society 3s. 9d., and had received £1. Another had paid 7s. 10d., and had received £2 Os. 11d. Another had paid £2 10s. Od., and had now standing to his credit £5 0 0. These were a few examples, and he wished to see the working classes thus defend themselves from the profit mongers, and prepare something for themselves in their old age or for their posterity. The evening opened with a good tea and a plentiful supply of cake, and closed by some excellent addresses from Messrs. Edger & Jagger.

NOTTING HILL.-We hear of another co-operative society having sprung up in this locality, some where about the "clay pits." We should be glad to receive all particulars from some co-operative friend.

PENALEBURY. Recently a co-operative society has been inaugurated here, and judging from the success which attended the opening of the store, it is likely to become a leading feature in the village. It has already created considerable excitement and numbers are daily enrolling themselves as members.

PENALETON.—This society having grown in importance, has removed its business to more commodious premises in one of the principal thoroughfares in the town, and is doing a good business.

PRESTON. The depressed state of trade here has affected the stores to the extent of about £60 per week, still it is gratifying to see what co-operation has done for those who have sheltered themselves under its benign influences. They can better withstand "hard times artificially made, and only £70 of the society's capital has been withdrawn during the stagnation of employment. The manufacturing companies feel the want of capital as want of work among the toilers have caused a cessation of the flow of money, but there has been but few sales or transfer of shares, and the shareholders are sanguine and hopeful of better times coming.

PRESTWICH CO-OPERATIVE AND INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY.-We held our second quarterly meeting June 9th 1862, when a dividend on members' purchases was declared of 1s. 7 d. in the pound, and to non-members 1s. 1d. Our present capital is £294 17s. 6d., and number of members 126. We have good prospects before us.

ROCHDALE. The distress prevailing among the operatives here have induced the co-operative societies of the town to give £11 per week out of their profits

towards the relief of their unemployed fellow-townsmen. [This town is the metropolis of co-operation.]

SOUTH LONDON' Co-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.-This society, whose premises are situated at 113, Borough-road, have recently been broken into, and property to a considerable amount carried off, including about £16 in gold and silver, which had been incautiously left in the till. The premises had been duly secured by the storekeeper before retiring to rest. Two men and two females of suspicious characters have been arrested, a quantity of tea and bacon being found at their lodgings, which they know nothing of.

SOWERBY BRIDGE.-The Sowerby Bridge cotton company have commenced the works for the erection of their new mill. The whole of the excavations are completed, and a large quantity of excellent and durable stone, together with other building materials have been obtained, and the mallet, chisel and trowel are heard loudly and lustily reverberating in the air.

ST. GEORGE'S.-We have received the fifth quarterly report of this society which is highly encouraging and indicative of success. The amount of business done during the quarter is £33 10s. 72d., giving a net profit (after paying interest on capital) of £63 10s. 102d., or a dividend of 1s. 6d. in the pound on members' purchases. Number of members 270. Amount of capital £440. Since our last announcement the committee have completed the purchase of premises (freehold) in Johnson Street, Wapping, for the purpose of bread making, &c., and on Monday, the 16th ult., the first batch of bread was drawn from the members' own oven, pure and unadulterated. They have an experienced baker-an old co-operator, and having ourselves visited the premises, can see a safe investment for working class earnings in the improvement of these spacious and may be made convenient premises. We wish then all the success an energetic and persevering committee deserves.

ST. GEORGE'S CO-OPERATIVE PROVIDENT AND INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY. - We have received their fifth quarterly report. The committee congratulate the members on the success of the society. They have now completed the purchase of the premises in Johnson Street, and established a bakery. The business done during the quarter amounts to £932 16s. 73d.; dividend 1s. 6d. in the pound, besides 5 per cent. interest. On their balance sheet they advertise that the Co-operator and the Working Man are on sale at the stores; this is a good example.

ST. JAMES'S CO-OPERATIVE SOTIETY.-This flourishing society has now taken possession of its new premises, No. 3, Broad Street, Golden Square, and have a shop well stocked with goods, and fitted up in a style which, for chasteness, can vie with any in the neighbourhood. They have a thoroughly business salesman and are open during the day, since which, the amount taken over the counter has considerably increased weekly, and a considerable accession of new members has been the result of the society being more prominently known through its new establishment. It is situated in a densely populated district of the West End "domestic " trades, and we hope they will avail themselves of its advantages.

THR DUDLEY HALD COMPANY.-The nominal capital of this company is £7,000 of which about two-thirds is paid up. The building is completed, and ready to receive the machinery, &c., but the shareholders who are nearly all working men are waiting better times. There has been no transfers, although the distress has been severe.

WEST CENTRAL CO-OPERATIVE AND INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY.-This Society held a public meeting on the 17th instant to hear the report of the Committee on the second half year's proceeding. This society has had, as many others, to contend against many difficulties, but we trust they are now fairly started; they

number now 56, have a capital of £60, and have done £216 business during the half year out of which they pay 5 per cent. interest, and declare a dividend of one shilling in the pound.

WEST LONDON TRADING COMPANY.-We regret to hear that the business of this company has been brought to a close, and their premises, 75, Titchfield Street, passed into private hands. We fear this will too often result from isolated co-operation-such as at present prevails in the metropolis-this must not be, and co-operators must look to it.

WIGAN. This town has its co-operative store, which, for some considerable time past, has been doing a good business, and, although the distress has been severely felt here among the operative class, it is believed the co-operatives are but little affected, and are as stable as ever.

WINSFORD.-The co-operative society established here has been very success ful, and is in very good working order. The annual meeting has been held during the past month, one of the local clergy occupying the chair. Several speeches were made during the evening, Mr. Farn, of Manchester, being the "star of the evening."

[Our friends will forget our constant appeal to send us numbers, &c., for our guide. This must not be.]

MATERIAL FOR BEDS.

MANY have said, with Locke, the philosopher, that, if we do but secure the main object of sleep, it makes little difference whether we rest on a hard bed or a soft one. It is said by some physiologists, that the soft side of a plank is as good as anything else.

When a person lies on a plank, hard or soft, the whole weight of his body, especially if he is lean, rests on a few square inches of surface; but when he rests on a soft, yielding substance, the amount of surface is increased. Is there no difference with regard to the soundness of our sleep in these very different circumstances?

Physicians often recommend to their patients a hard bed. What do they mean by it? A hair mattress, or a husk or straw bed. Such hardness, no doubt, is preferable to feathers or down, which, to the healthy, in any condition, can neither be desirable or salutary.

All beds should be sufficiently porous to permit a proper circulation of the air, and of such general character as to allow of a healthful play of the electric currents. With both these objects, as every one who has studied this subject well knows, feathers are quite imcompatible. And yet thousands, as with a death grasp being misled by habit-still cling to them.

Hair, husks, straw, wood-shavings, grass, cotton, and various other materials which could be mentioned, have their various excellencies, and some of them their defects also. Yet they all seem to me greatly preferable to feathers. They may be inclosed, loosely, in a tick or cover; or they may be wrought into the usual form of a mattress. The first-named method has, in many particulars, the preference.

There is one invention which, while it secures the softness and elasticity of feathers, air, or water, has none of the objections usually urged against some of these. It consists essentially of coiled wires, arranged in the manner of a carriage-seat or sofa. It does not heat the body at the loins like feathers; neither does it prevent the free play of the electric affinities. Nor does it impart, when heated, those effluvia which are imparted to a room by feathers.

T. S.