A PURVEY DEPARTMENT.
There were and are large numbers of Co-operators in Glasgow who require to take at least one meal per day away from home, but until this time no attempt had been made to cater co-operatively for their wants. Co-operators, also, had many pleasant little functions—marriages, social meetings, etc.—for the creature comforts dispensed at which they had to be dependent on non-co-operative sources. For some time prior to the autumn of 1892 this fact had been receiving the attention and consideration of the directors of the Baking Society, and in August of that year the sub-committee were empowered to get all the necessary plant to enable them to do a purveying business for soirees, marriages, etc. At the September quarterly meeting the directors recommended that premises should be rented in the centre of the city suitable for first-class tearooms, and by a small majority this recommendation was agreed to by the meeting. The purvey department was started immediately, a manager being engaged, and it was decided that members purchasing through that department should get full dividend. Unfortunately the committee at the beginning of their experiment were not happy in their choice of manager; first one and then another having to be dismissed, and it was not until Mr Robert Watson was engaged that the department was set thoroughly on its feet. Early in 1893 premises were taken in Renfield Street for the purpose of opening first-class tearooms there. Even before the tearooms were opened a deputation from the West of Scotland Club and Institute was forward with a proposal to have a portion of the building set apart for their use, but after having a look over the place it was decided that the matter be left in abeyance meantime. The purvey department by this time was in full operation, and was being much praised for the style in which the work was being conducted. By June the tearooms were ready for opening, and it was decided at the quarterly meeting that twelve tickets be sent to each society so that members might visit the premises and have a cup of tea there. It was also decided that, in order to advertise the tearooms, a small map of the city, showing the railway stations and the position of the tearooms, and containing on the other side an advertisement for the tearooms, be sent out to all the societies in Scotland.