New Cumnock Co-operatives

NEW CUMNOCK CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY 1889-1989

The society was formed in 1889.

In 1897 the society was looking to open a new store so the treasurer, a miner called John Wyllie, was asked to provide the books. He sent the society a letter advicing of a shortfall in the accounts - this was £137 that had occured over at least 5 years. At the trial of John Wyllie it was disclosed that dividend were paid on request when a member produced his/her book and the book would be corrected. However members did not always produce their book but would still get paid. In addition the salesman, the treasurer and the society secretary would paid out dividends. The salesman would pay them from the till and only note them at the end of the day. The fact that the missing money was not noted sooner was attributed to the committee having never asked to see the bank book. The account and auditor were of the opinion that it was impossible to say how the money went missing. The jury's verdict was not proven.

The society joined Nith Valley Society in 1989.