Co-operative Societies at one time were put in the same category as Chartist, Socialist, and Communistic Associations, all banned alike.  Nevertheless, in the old “Reform days” the theory of co-operation was most enthusiastically taken up by the workers of this town, even more so than in any other place in the kingdom.  As early as 1828 several attempts had been made to form such societies, but the one which appeared the most likely to succeed was the so-called “Labour Exchange,” situated in the old Coach Yard, in Bull Street, formed on the basis so eloquently and perseveringly advocated by Robert Owen.  The principle of this Exchange was to value all goods brought in at the cost of the raw material, plus the labour and work bestowed thereon, the said labour being calculated at the uniform rate of 6d. per hour.  On the reception of the goods “notes” to the value were given which could be handed over as equivalent for any other articles there on sale, and for a time this rather crude plan was successful.  Sharp customers, however found that by giving in an advanced valuation of their own goods they could by using their “notes” procure others on which a handsome profit was to be made outside the Labour Mart, and this ultimately brought the Exchange to grief.  Mr. William Pare and Mr. George Jacob Holyoake, were foremost among the advocates of Co-operation at the period, and a most interesting history of “Co-operation in England” has been written by the latter gentleman.  Other societies were also in operation from time to time, the longest-lived being the “Economic Provision Company,” which was commenced at Handsworth in 1830 by some of the workers at Soho and Soho Foundry, 139 of whom clubbed 20s. each as a starting fund.  After a few months’ trial, the profits were allowed to accumulate until they made up L5 per share, on which capital no less than L6,000 were paid in dividends during the first thirty years.  The Supply Associations of the present day are somewhat differently constituted, such establishments as the one in Corporation Street (formerly in Cannon Street) and that in High Street being on the most extensive scale, offering to the general public all the advantages derivable from the use of large capital, combined with a fair division of profits to the customer, as well as to the shareholders.  The Birmingham Household Supply Association in Corporation Street supplies all the necessaries required in the household, in addition to eatables and drinkables of the very best quality, including Messrs. Walter Showell and Sons’ ales, which are sent out at the same prices as from the firm’s own offices, either in cask or bottle.

Cornavii.—­The ancient inhabitants of this part of England, but who were subdued by the Romans.  Whether the said inhabitants had any name for the particular spot now called Birmingham must for ever remain doubtful.

Corn Exchange, in High-street, was opened October 28, 1847.  The original capital of the Company was L5,000, in shares of L25 each; but the total cost of erection was a little over L6,000.  The length of the interior is 172 feet and the breadth 40 feet.