ABSTRACT
Born in Birmingham, William Pare played a major role in the development of the co-operative stores and Labour Exchanges in the Midlands. He was a lifelong friend of Robert Owen’s and remained at his side after the collapse of the Owenite movement. As a founding member of the First Birmingham Cooperative Society in 1828, William Pare was keen to combine the theoretical and practical sides of Owenite political economy. This inaugural address, which outlines the Society’s objectives and regulations, formed the basis of a circular which was later approved by the first Co-operative Congress in May 1831. Pare thus helped define the modus operandi of the early Owenite movement. The objects of this Society are, the mutual protection of the members against Poverty, the attainment of a greater share of the Comforts of Life, and the attainment of Independence by means of a common capital.
