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Starting in Broomehill in 1921 before expanding into Katanning in 1943 and amalgamating with Woodanilling in 1946, the B.K.W. Co-operative served the district for 98 years. The Katanning premises were expanded in 1953, the Woodanilling branch was sold off in the early 1950’s and the Broomehill Co-op in the 1980s.

Unfortunately, due to a shift in the retail environment across Australia and management unable to find a way to remain viable, the company went into voluntary liquidation and closed in 2018.

In 1953, the Co-op celebrated 50 years in business, surviving the Great Depression and World War Two and its restrictions. In some years it struggled to stay afloat let alone pay any dividends. But survive it did until forced to close its doors in 2018.

To help celebrate it’s 32 years, the Great Southern Herald produce large advertorials in both its 7th and 14th August, 1953 editions. That editorial content has been reproduced below.

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CELEBRATING
32 YEARS – 1953

Thirty-two Years of
Co-operative Progress

First Dividend Declared

Great Southern Herald
7 August, 1953

The new premises of the B.K.W. Co-op., Ltd., Austral Terrace, Katanning, will be officially opened at 3 p.m. on Tuesday August 11, 1953. The Directors and Management extend a cordial invitation to shareholders, customers and friends to attend. Refreshments provided.

1921 was the year in which the Co-operative minded peoples of Broomehill established their own Store-keeping and Agency business in their own district. It had long been their ambition to do so. Guided and spurred on by those staunch Co-operators, the late Mr Bob Clayton, Mr G. A. Thompson, the late Mr Tom McGuire, Rev. A. E. Brice and Mr Roger Fletcher, to name a few stalwarts, the initial meeting was convened on the 23rd October 1921, by Mr George Green.

The large attendance must have been very encouraging to the convenor and those interested in its success. Messrs Russell, Johnson and Williams represented the central organisation, The Westralian Farmers Ltd., in order to advise and help the meeting. Mr G. A. Thompson was elected Chairman and Mr W. H. Milroy, Secretary. After a very full discussion, it was finally decided that a Company should be formed and named the Broomehill and District Co-operative Co. Limited. It was to have a nominal Capital of 5,000 £1 shares with a minimum holding of five Shares and a maximum of 200.

Mr George Green personally canvassed the district to such good effect that by the 19th November, on which date a second meeting was held, 1470 Shares had been taken up, £1096/5/0 having been paid in cash.

The Provisional Directors elected at the first meeting were Messrs A. E. Brice, T. McGuire, A. R. Fenn, A. G. Genoni, J. R. Norrish, R. Clayton, G. A. Thompson, G. Green, G. F. Meyer, V. Cockram and A. W. Hubbard, seven being a quorum. It was then decided that when 500 Shares had been applied for, the Company should be registered.

On the 5th November the Provisional Directors met to report that an option had been obtained from E. Garrity and Company, for the purchase of their store keeping business. A one-year lease was offered on the premises, with the right of renewal for a further two years, as from the 1st of December 1921. This offer was accepted, and the Broomehill and District Co-operative Company Ltd. was actually launched as a going concern.

Mr Bateman, of the Katanning Co-operative Ltd., was asked to assist in valuing the Drapery Stock and the Westralian Farmers were asked to assist with the Grocery and Hardware. Applications were called for a manager and, from 53 applicants, Mr Jas. Hambly was chosen. Meanwhile Mr Brice was appointed acting-manager.

The Provisional Directors met for the first time in the Company’s own office on the 3rd December, when the late Mr Bob Clayton was elected Chairman. This position, he filled very ably for the next five years and it was because of his guidance and instructions over those early trying years that the Company flourished. When he relinquished the Chairmanship, he still retained his position as a Director and was always ready to give advice and to help his successor and fellow Directors.

Mr Brice was appointed Secretary and the first instruction he received was to have the name of the Company painted over the Store. Messrs Garrity and Company were paid for the stock partly by cash and the balance by Promissory Notes. On the 10th December the Company joined the Co-operative Federation of W.A., thereby linking itself with the State-wide organisation.

December the 24th saw the first Share Scrips issued to 114 Shareholders. Shares, numbered 1 to 25 were issued to Mr Clayton.

The Union Bank of Australia Limited granted the Company an overdraft of £1000, secured by a joint and several guarantees given by the Directors. Trading terms were three per cent discount for cash and two per cent for payment of accounts by the 15th month following purchase.

The Manager, Mr Hambly, found the position beyond his powers and relinquished his post. He was followed in February 1922 by Mr Manuel. The first Annual Shareholders Meeting was held on the 7th October 1922, covering the period eight months ended 31st July 1922. A Net Profit of £80/16/2 from a turnover of £6,302 was disclosed. The Bank overdraft stood at £892, stock at £1,704 and the allotted Capital at £1,760 of which £1,532/10/0 had been paid. Messrs R. Clayton, G. A. Thompson, G. Green, A. R. Fenn, T. McGuire, A. E. Brice, and A. G. Genoni were re-elected Directors for the ensuing year.

From the commencement of trading it was very necessary to keep a careful watch on debtors’ accounts. Money was not very easy, and the swift procession of managers was not very helpful to the Directorate. The first ten years saw eleven managers come and go. Bad debts were made and written off, but the Company prospered.

Mr G. F, Meyer joined the Board in November 1922 taking the place of Mr A. E. Brice who was leaving the District. Four years later he succeeded Mr Clayton as Chairman, a position he has since very ably filled.

July 31st, 1923 saw the first full year of trading and disclosed a Turnover of £10,908 and a Net Profit of £741. A Dividend of seven percent was declared, and a Bonus of £257/7/8 was distributed by way of Bonus Shares.

Steady progress was made. The Directors were building very soundly. In 1924 the late Mr G. L. Hardie loaned the Company £1,500, repayable by yearly payment of £100. This was used to purchase the freehold of the store from Garrity and Company.

1926 saw the best year to-date under the Management of Mr J. G. Hawker. A net profit of £674/17/1 was made from a turnover of £13,245/9/9, A seven percent Dividend, amounting to £162/15/0, was declared and £715/13/5 placed to Reserves.

The years 1928 and 1929 under the Management of Mr R. R. Black and Mr J. C. Ruddick respectively, were outstanding for the net profits made. They were £1,058/6/2 and £1,103/8/0. In one lump sum Mr Hardie was paid £800 off his loan and a credit balance remained in the Bank. The Auditors advised a cash payment of bonus, instead of in shares, as done in previous years, and commented very favourably on the position of the Company. At this stage the Company had a General Reserve of £1,138/2/9, a Bad Debts Reserve of £500 and a small reserve on stock.

The depression of the early 1930’s then enveloped the country, along with the rest of the world, and the Company was hard hit. However, the foundations had been laid very soundly and while many other companies, firms and individuals, fell by the wayside, the Co-operative was able to weather the storm. Small losses were made one year, small profits others. The largest loss was in 1932, £277/10/5; the largest profit in 1933, £77/19/0, the turnover dropping to just over £6,000. During these troublesome times it was not found easy to obtain a quorum at Directors Meetings, Staff was cut and all means of reducing expenses were exploited.

Though it all, the Company’s finances remained sound, although Reserves dwindle and 35 per cent of the list of Debtors was deemed irrecoverable. 1934/35 saw agitation to wind up the Company before its assets dwindled too far.

Fortunately, this idea was not pressed too hard, for 1935 was to see the turning of the tide. In this year a loss of £150/8/1 was made but a credit remained in the Bank of £112/5/0, and the turnover had dropped to £6,359/0/3. The Company still remained very sound financially.

Present Manager Appointed

Mr M. R. Anderson took over the management in August 1935. He was a pupil of the Honourable T. H. Bath in Co-operative principles, theory and practice, and first joined the Co-operative movement in 1921.

The depression was gradually easing, business improving, the community beginning to prosper again, and so did the Company. The 31st July 195J6 disclosed a net profit of £400/19/2, after a cash payment had been made to shareholders of a rebate on trading of £168/4/6 on 10 months business done with the Company. From this Net Profit a five per cent Dividend of £111/11/3, and a further bonus of £19/15/0 was declared and paid in cash. The percentage of net profit on paid-up-capital was 14.2 per cent.

The following years were very successful. In 1938 the Company had surplus cash, which was placed in the Bank on fixed deposit. Dividends and bonuses were paid in cash each year. One year the Auditors commented that the Company was distributing too much cash, this amounting to 7.4 per cent of Paid-Up-Capital. The net profit in 1939 was equal to 23.8 per cent of paid-up-capital.

During the years 1936/43 £3,659/14/1 was distributed by way of cash bonuses and 1,036/18/3 by way of cash dividends to shareholders. This was a very creditable result from a business with a maximum turnover of less than £13,000 and a capital of £2,824.

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KATANNING

Katanning Store Purchased

1943 saw the Company extend its operations to the neighbouring town of Katanning, where it purchased the existing business of H. Smith and Son. The country was then in the midst of the Second World War and all kinds of restrictions were placed on business. Mr Smith’s health was failing, and he was very anxious to quit business.

Under these conditions the Company was enabled to take over on very good terms.  No goodwill was paid, although the business had been long established and had a big clientele. Stock and plant were taken over at valuation and on terms. A rental lease was taken on the premises, with an option of purchase at a very low figure, at the expiration of three years.

The new business required finance, and restrictions on raising same seemed insurmountable. Capital issues were strictly limited as also were the raising of loans.

However, the Directors and Manager left no stone unturned to overcome these restrictions. To add to the urgency of the matter, once Mr Smith had determined his course of action he was most anxious to get out of the business, and the Company was loath to miss the opportunity of obtaining it. The late Hon. W. D. Johnston also was very keen for the Company to expand into a co-operatively barren area and gave every encouragement and help. The Company owes a lot to him for the help he gave in eventually raising a loan to permit taking up the option.

The Company duly took over the business on the 1^st April 1943. It was inundated with requests for shares from the public. These, however, could not be allotted without permission from Canberra and it was many months before this was granted. The shortage of cash was overcome after a few months of reducing of stocks at both Broomehill and Katanning stores, both of which had very good stocks.

From the outset, the new venture was a great success. The old shareholders and the public generally gave it all support, and when permission was granted to allot further shares, the nominal capital of £5,000 was very soon subscribed. It was found necessary to limit the new shareholding to 25 shares to new subscribers.

The name of the Company was then changed to “Broomehill and Katanning District Co-operative Company Ltd.“, and the Directorate increased to ten members. Mr Anderson transferred to Katanning and Mr K. F. Partridge was appointed branch manager at Broomehill.

For the year ending 31st July 1943 a cash bonus of £563/4/6 and a five per cent dividend was paid out to the shareholders. This represented the largest cash bonus the Company had paid and, considering the disturbed times, must be considered a great achievement.

Employees’ Interests Watched

Late in 1944 the Company commenced a scheme which they named “Employees Benefit and Savings Scheme”. The Company contributed five per cent of wages as also did the employee. The fund has grown to many thousands of pounds and quite a few girls, who had left the Company’s employment to be married, had left with a very nice cash amount to help them along in their new sphere of life. It is hoped that eventually the scheme will develop into a Superannuation Fund.

1944 saw the previous year’s cash bonus almost doubled at £1,089/5/0, together with a five per cent dividend on paid-up capital. The turnover had risen to £47,000, despite the war caused shortage of goods. The community was giving excellent support to its own stores and was being very co-operative in all ways.

1945 again eclipsed the preceding year with a cash bonus of almost £1,600. However, the expansion of the Company’s business was fast outgrowing the capital available. This was realised by the shareholders so that at the Shareholder’s Meeting held in January 1946 it was recommended to the Directors that future bonuses be paid by bonus debentures.

WOODANILLING Store Amalgamated

Later in 1946, permission was granted to raise the Capital from £5,000 to £10,000. This had become increasingly necessary for in May the Woodanilling Co-operators decided to amalgamate with the Company. It was felt that in combining the three businesses of Broomehill, Katanning and Woodanilling greater stability would be maintained.

The amalgamation came into being on the 1st June 1946 and the Company once again altered its name to “The B.K.W. Co-operative Ltd.”, with Mr H. Ahern as Branch Manager at Woodanilling and Mr K. Brew at Broomehill.

The business at the three centres continued to expand. The war was over, but goods continued to be very scarce. Inflation was gradually taking command. Business was good, but the pound was fast losing its value. Costs of stock replacements were steadily increasing; wages were increasing, and the costs of running the business were mounting. Debtor’s Lists doubled, a £10 per month account in 1930 grew to £40 and £50 in 1950.

Bonuses could not be paid in cash but were credited by Bonus Debentures bearing interest at four per cent per annum. Shareholders expressed their loyalty by converting these into shares. Share Capital was increased to £50,000. Dividends, and a portion of the bonuses, were paid in cash, the balance of bonus by way of Bonus Debenture and the balance of profits was used in the business.

Assets increased enormously and, at the balancing date of July 1952, the Company owned Freehold, three stores and three houses for staff residences, £34.000 Stock, £4,500 Plant, over £3,000 in investments and an Assets total of £74,586, with Liabilities of under £30,000. The turnover amounted to £176,577 and the percentage of net profit to Paid-Up-Capital was 44 per cent.

£43,440 Returned to Shareholders

From the inception of the Company in 1921 to the year ending 31st July 1952, bonuses amounting to £36,844, and Dividends amounting to £6,596/10/10 have been distributed in cash, Bonus Shares and Bonus Debentures. This is true Co-operation, the profits have been made and given back to those who made them.

At the same time a Co-operative has come into being, a Co-operative the members of which can be justly proud.

Some of the credit must go to the fertile country districts, the source of the wealth which enabled this venture to expand and prosper. The Company now has a very modern store in Katanning which will be a great asset to shareholders and clients alike. Some of the pioneers have passed on, and it is up to us to look after the heritage they have left behind.

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£17,000 IMPROVEMENTS TO CO-OP
Large Gathering at opening of B.K.W. Extensions

Great Southern Herald
14 August, 1953

The B.K.W. Co-op premises during renovations and extensions in 1953.

Over two hundred people responded to the invitation extended shareholders and customers and were present at the official opening of the B.K.W. Co-op’s recently extended and modernised Katanning store.

In performing the opening, Chairman of Directors of the Westralian Farmers Co-op. Ltd., Mr E. Thorley Loton, congratulated the chairman, directors and manager of the store on the development of the co-operative movement in the district.

Recently enlarged and modernised, the Katanning store of the B.K.W. Co-operative Ltd. was crowded by an attendance of over 200 people on Tuesday for the official opening of the new premises. Prior to, and following the ceremony, customers and visitors took the opportunity of inspecting the many new fixtures and amenities installed for the convenience of shoppers.

The store expansion was brought about by the demolition of two adjoining shallow-depthed shops and the construction of a large 100ft by 120ft building. The saw-tooth roof, which has generous window space, is supported by steel trusses and allows the entire floor space to be utilised, without the interference of ceiling supports.

Well fitted-out with attractive display counters, fitting room and ladies’ rest room, the new section was most favourably commented upon by visitors. The original section of the store has been modernised with attractive fittings and new administrative offices have also been constructed. A modern and attractive shop front over the full building width is well set off with spacious display windows and tiled walls. The Co-op expended £15,000 on the building operations and over £2,000 on new shop fixtures.

The opening was attended by the chairman of directors of Westralian Farmers Co-op Ltd., Mr E. Thorley Loton, and Company officers Messrs W. Ashton, Superintendent of Manufacturing; V. Murray, manager of the Fertiliser and Jute Department; H. Gray, manager of the Motor Department; A. Poland, manager of the Machinery Department; J. Little, assistant general manager of Co-operative Wholesale Services Ltd; C. Ainsworth, a director of C.W.S. and W. Blackwell, secretary of the Co-operative Federation of WA.

Official Opening: Visitors Welcomed
32 Years’ Co-operative Experience

Great Southern Herald
14 August, 1953

Space at the rear of the new premises was set aside for the official opening. In front of the official party, chairs for visitors were arranged across the full width of the shop. All seating accommodation was filled and a very large number of people stood behind the chairs, extending well into the main store area.

Chairman of Directors of the B.K.W. Co-operative Ltd., Mr G. P. Meyer, extended a welcome to the large attendance at the function, which he described as the biggest occasion in the history of the company.

The company had come to Katanning ten years ago when it acquired the business and premises of H. Smith & Son. After the first few years of operation it had been realised it would be necessary to obtain more accommodation to cater for the requirements of the expanding business. Although the period had not been without its difficulties, the past ten years had been wonderfully successful and the company had made considerable progress, as was well illustrated by the new premises.

Mr Meyer stated details of the history of the company in the district which had been published and he did not intend to go into them again in detail. However, the present manager had joined the Broomehill Co-op in 1935 and, by some eight years later, the business had been so successful the directors realised it had gone as far as it could in Broomehill. When the opportunity came to expand to Katanning in 1943 the move was at once made.

The company then had a capital of only £3,000, yet it had been able to make the necessary financial arrangements. It was a tribute to the shareholders that their loyalty had expanded the company to the present stage, where the capital was £27,000 and assets totalling £75,000 were held. The fact shares were worth £2/10/0 each showed all that one could obtain a safe and sound investment in a co-operative venture. Current turnover was now £200,000 per annum, and Mr Meyer expressed the opinion the district had such great capabilities and a secure future for the co-operative enterprise that one could easily see the turnover increased to £400,000 within the next ten years.

As chairman of directors he paid tribute to the great success which Mr Anderson had made managing the store. In addition to his other duties, he had organised the purchasing of materials and the building of the new store in Katanning. In this direction also, Mr Meyer expressed his appreciation of the work done by local contractors Philpott and Baldwin.

In referring again to Mr Anderson, Mr Meyer said there had been many difficulties over the past ten years but Mr Anderson had overcome them in a way few other men could have, and great praise was due for the excellent results he had shown in so short a time.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE CO-OP MOVEMENT

E. Thorley Loton

Mr Meyer then introduced Mr E. Thorley Loton, chairman of directors of Westralian Farmers Co-op Ltd., and chairman of the Co-operative Federation of W.A., and called on him to declare the new premises’ open.

Mr Loton expressed his appreciation for having the privilege of opening the new premises and voiced his regret that neither Mr C. W. Harper, the previous chairman of directors, nor the Westralian Farmers General Manager, Mr Jack Thomson, had been able to be present. Mr Loton offered his congratulations to Mr Meyer, who had fulfilled the duties as chairman of directors of the company for so many years, and for the part he had played in the development of the co-operative movement in the district. He considered the shareholders of the B.K.W. Co-op Ltd were well served by directors and manager.

Mr Loton also said it would be well to reflect on the pioneering work done by those who had made the co-operative movement in the State and considered the least the present generation could do was to follow the wonderful example given. He was pleased that the occasion of his first visit to Katanning as chairman of directors of Westralian Farmers was for the particular purpose of attending the present function, and it afforded him the greatest pleasure in declaring the premises officially open for business.

Secretary of the Co-operative Federation of W.A., Mr W. Blackwell, expressed his pleasure in taking part in the ceremony. His early introduction to co-operation had taken place many years back, and some 25 years ago at Bruce Rock it had so happened he had queried the lack of a Co-op at Katanning. At that time, he had been told: “You could never get anything co-operative in Katanning” and he was pleased to see now how wrong his informant had been.

The co-operative movement in the State had a volume of business running into many millions of pounds, and he hoped Katanning would expand and reflect the goodwill of the district. He said he extended good wishes from other cooperatives throughout the State and considered the new premises ‘ in Katanning were a monument to co-operative effort.

Mr C. D. Nalder, M.L.A., Member for the District, stated he felt proud to be associated in some small way with the development the B.K.W. Co-op had made in Katanning. When it was first decided to expand the Katanning store, Mr Anderson had approached him with a request for assistance in obtaining a building permit. It had been his pleasure to explain to the then Minister the fact the venture was an important one, and that the district was an important one.

He congratulated the chairman and the directors on the advancement made, and considered such development was one way to achieve decentralisation. He considered the expansion an encouraging achievement for the district and felt the public in general congratulated the Co-op on the move made.

Mr V. Ashton stated he had been associated with an early co-operative movement in Katanning in 1912. Those interested in the Co-op now, were most probably the sons of the supporters of co-operatives in the early days, and the success of co-operation in Katanning was reflected by the present magnificent premises.

Mr Ashton said he had recently returned from a world tour in which he had inspected co-operative enterprises in England, America and on the Continent, where co-operatives were a living movement. He considered the success of the movement here to be an outstanding achievement and expressed the hope it would go forward to further strength.

TRIBUTE TO STAFF LOYALTY

Mr M. R. Anderson expressed his pride and pleasure at so many people being present for the opening and said the day would be one of the happiest in his memory. He paid tribute to the founders of the original Co-op and said the present success was due to the solid foundations on which the business had been built.

The achievements of the company had been assisted by the loyal service of its employees, and he expressed his personal appreciation of the effort made in recent days by the staff, to prepare the store for the opening. Mr Anderson commented on the honorary positions held by the chairman and directors and the vast amount of work they had put into the Co-op to ensure its success. He expressed his thanks for the assistance they had given him.

In calling upon Mr C. B. Ball to move a vote of thanks to Mr Loton, Mr Meyer congratulated him on his election as chairman of the Australian Wool Bureau, which was the highest position of its kind in Australia and one of the highest in the world. Woolgrowers had every confidence the duties of the position would be carried out ably by Mr Ball.

Mr Ball remarked he had hardly anticipated the remarks made by Mr Meyer but expressed his deep appreciation for the sentiments expressed. It gave him considerable pleasure to move a vote of thanks to Mr Loton who, despite the many responsibilities he shouldered, had been able to make time to officiate at the opening of the store. It was a very important occasion in the history of the district. Although he had resigned as a director of the company, because of his other responsibilities, he would still take a great interest in the company.

Being locally owned and controlled, the B.K.W. Co-op was an asset to the district, just as the new buildings were an asset to the town and to the shareholders. He felt confident the Co-op would continue to expand as the district went ahead. The vote of thanks was carried with acclamation, and Mr Loton briefly expressed his appreciation.

At the conclusion of the official opening, afternoon tea and refreshments where served.

32 Years’ Co-operative Experience

Great Southern Herald
14 August, 1953

Manager of the Katanning store, and general manager of the B.K.W. Co-op Ltd., is Mr M. R. Anderson, who has had thirty-two years’ experience in the co-operative movements. As a lad, Mr Anderson joined the staff of Burridge and Warren as a clerk but shortly afterwards left to join the, now defunct Fremantle Co-op. Thirty years ago he was on the staff of the Gnowangerup Co-op and since then has served on the staffs of the Co-operative Companies at Minnivale, Three Springs, Wongan Hills and with the Yilliminning-Kondinin Co-op.

While with the latter company, he opened its branch store at Karlgarin in 1930. Mr Anderson served in various stores with that company and was branch manager at Dudinin in 1930, when he resigned to take up the post as manager of the Broomehill Co-op. In the long period of his association with Co-operative stores, Mr Anderson has gained wide experience in all branches of co-operative activities and has served in general store, clerical and managerial duties.

In with his normal work occasioned by his employment, Mr Anderson also qualified as an accountant with the Associated Accountants of Australia, at various times coming first in the State in several subjects, and third in the Commonwealth in others. Like so many other B.K.W. staff members, Mr Anderson also is a shareholder in the company.

THIS WEEK’S “VISITOR TO THE DISTRICT”
Farmer – Businessman – Co-operator

Great Southern Herald
14 August, 1953

Visiting Katanning this week to attend a meeting of the Lower Great Southern District Council of the Co-operative Federation of W.A., and to officially open the new B.K.W. Co-operative Ltd store, was Mr E. Thorley Loton.

Apart from taking an active part in the running of his farming and grazing property at Upper Swan and being a member of several Boards. Mr Thorley Loton is keenly interested in the co-operative movement in this State.

He first became a Co-op shareholder in 1920 and joined the Board of Directors of Westralian Farmers Co-op Ltd., as an associate director, nearly seventeen years ago. He has been deputy chairman for the past seven years and, following the resignation of Mr C. W. Harper this year, succeeded him as chairman of directors, Mr Loton has been associated with the Co-operative Federation of W.A. for many years and this year succeeded Mr Harper as Federation chairman.

He is also a member of the Midland Junction-Guildford Co-operative board. During the past five years, Mr Loton has attended the meeting of every District Council of the Co-operative Federation in the State, and in connection with the co-operative movement has covered most parts of Western Australia, even as far north as Westralian Farmers’ branch at Carnarvon.

Mr Loton is a member of the W.A. Board of the A.M.P. Society, and a member of the W.A. Trustee Company Board. He is chairman of the Board of Governors of Hale School, his old school, and is chairman of the Swan Road Board, a position he has held for the past 22 years.

With his keen interest in farming, it is not unnatural that Mr Loton should display considerable interest in the activities of the Royal Agricultural Society. He has been a member of the Society Council since 1922 and has served for two terms as president; the first period for two years and the second for the six war years.

He is president of the W.A. Branch of the British Breed Society and a committee member of the Corriedale Society; and Federal delegate for both organisations. Mr Loton is also a member of the Western Australian University Faculty of Agriculture.

Despite his multifarious business interests, Mr Loton still lives on, and works, his historic Upper Swan property. The 6,300 acres, which face the riverbanks and extend right back into the Darling Ranges, were originally selected in 1829 by Captain Shaw. Sir William Loton, grandfather of the present owner, acquired the property in 1875, and it was in turn passed on to his son, Mr E. W. Loton. Thorley Loton took over the property in 1926 and his younger son Harold, is now associated with him on the property and so becomes to the fourth generation of Lotons’ on “Belvoir”.

A flock of 2000 sheep is run on the property, in addition to 150 dairy Shorthorn cattle. Three registered studs are also run on “Belvoir”; a dairy Shorthorn stud, a Corriedale stud and a Ryeland stud. Although Mr Loton does not run fat lambs himself, he breeds the British Ryeland for fat lamb breeders.

Mr E. Thorley Loton, who is still very young, 58, was married in 1927 and has a family of two sons. His younger son Harold is on “Belvoir”, while the elder, Brian, is in his final year of metallurgical engineering at the Melbourne University.

An Example of Co-operation

Great Southern Herald
14 August, 1953

The firm of Philpott and Baldwin was formed in 1946 following the discharge of the two principals from the services. Mr Philpott had worked at the building trade in Katanning for twenty-two years before the war and had met Mr Baldwin, who had been a carpenter in Wagin at his trade since a boy. through their mutual interest in the Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Since 1946 the partnership has grown to the stage where a team of men are employed, all of them trained with the firm. Apart from the extension at the Co-Op., Philpott and Baldwin carried out the additions at the Junior High School, the renovations at Coles and the A.N. Z. Bank, erected the new premises of Mr J. Fitzmaurice and have constructed a number of modern private residences in the town.

Staff are Shareholders too

Great Southern Herald
14 August, 1953

The B.K.W. Co-operative Ltd. employs a staff of thirty-three; twenty-six at Katanning, four at Broomehill and three at Woodanilling. Branch managers are Messrs G. Jamieson and P. J. O’Brien at Broomehill and Woodanilling respectively. The oldest employee is Mr J. G. Bolt of the Broomehill store. He joined the company in 1937 and last year enjoyed long service leave under a scheme instituted by the Co-op in 1950.

Other staff members who have served with the company for many years include Mr R. L. Tapping, who re-joined the Katanning store after war service, and Mr H. Ahern, who joined the company as branch manager at Woodanilling after his discharge from the forces.

Many others have been employed for a considerable period. Practically all male members of the B.K.W. Co-op are shareholders in the company. Their tangible interest in the business it reflected in their attention to their respective duties, and the service given customers.

Businesses involved in the construction

Great Southern Herald
14 August, 1953

Three Generations at Trade

The late Mr George Saunders came to Katanning in 1901 to set up his trade as a plumber. His son George followed in the trade and has since trained his own two sons, Colin and Neil, as skilled craftsmen. All plumbing and septic installations at the B.K.W. Co-Op were carried out by this family trio, who specialise in all plumbing work and the installation of hot-water systems.

Local Bricks Used

Bricks from the Katanning Wirecut Brickworks went into the construction of the B.K.W. Co-Op. extensions. Purchasing the brickworks from the late Mr George Old, Mr Page has worked them since 1912. He has trained his four sons in the trade of brick-making.

Harry now runs the Kojonup Wirecut Brickworks, Ross the Narrogin Wirecut Brickworks while Reg is working at the Katanning yards. Much of the mechanical work at Katanning is carried out by the fourth son, Eric. At present a 10,000-brick machine is used, but a 40,000 brick per day capacity machine is at the yards and waiting installation.

All Screwed and glued

How tradesmanship has developed a hobby into a thriving business is amply demonstrated by some of the new shop fittings installed in the B.K.W. Co-op. Mr P. J. Humphrey of Brookton was apprenticed to joinery and cabinet making in 1920, but was thrown out of work by the depression in 1928. He turned to running dairy cattle and vegetable growing for a living. However, he suffered a complete break-down in health after ten years and lived on an invalid pension until 1949.

In those intervening years, Mr Humphrey had maintained his interest in his original calling and, in 1949, made the decision to empty a 16ft by 16ft shed, which he had been using for breeding rabbits for pelt, and turn it into a workroom. More as a hobby than anything else, he turned to toy making.

From that beginning four years ago, his activities have grown to the extent of cabinetmaking and the erection of houses. His special interest is the construction of built-in fixtures for shops and homes. Using no jarrah and “all work screwed and glued” he has made a name for himself.

His first big Co-op job was the supply of all fixtures for the Corrigin Co-op. Now at Katanning, he has manufactured and supplied the new grocery fixtures, vegetable fixtures and parts of the crockery and drapery fixtures for the B.K.W. Co-op.

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OTHER NEWS

Girl Overcome by Fumes

Great Southern Herald
7 August 1953

On Wednesday morning, nineteen-year-old Peggy Hampton was overcome by fumes from a refrigerator at the B.K.W. Co-op., Katanning, and was later admitted to the District Hospital.

In the course of the improvements currently being effected at the Co-op., it was necessary to move a refrigerator to a new position in the grocery section. To do this, various pipes were disconnected, and ammonia leaked from a cylinder gland.

Miss Hampton, who is employed in the grocery section, and several others were standing nearby. Miss Hampton was the only person affected and was over-come by the fumes. After receiving medical attention, she was admitted to the Hospital for treatment, and observation for a short period.

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BROOMEHILL
Where it all started

The Broomehill Co-op
with the Imperial Hotel on the left.

The B.K.W. Cooperative started business as the Broome Hill Co-operative when it took over the store of Garrity & Co. on the 30th, November, 1921. The Company commenced trading operations with a paid-up capital of £1280. The monthly turnover for the first eight months to the end of the first financial period, the 31^st July, 1922, was £787 with an overdraft at the bank of £892. The net profit for the first eight months trading was £80/16/2.

Mr. G. A. Thompson was a founding director holding the position from the inception of the Company to the end of the 1942 trading year under the Chairmanship of Mr R. Clayton.

The Great Depression had a profound affect on many co-operative stores around the state with many having to close business. The depression also hit the Broomehill Cooperative when its turnover commenced to decline to the lowest figure of £6,034 in 1931, the year in which it made its first loss on trading. It was not until the 1936 financial year that the Cooperative began to see a marked improvement in turnover.

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Chairman’s Report – 1942

Great Southern Herald
19 December, 1942

Broomehill & District Co-Op. Co. Ltd
TWENTY FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS,
HELD ON FRIDAY, 11th DECEMBER, 1942.

I feel particularly honoured and privileged to place before you the twenty first Annual Report of your Board of Directors together with the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account.

I stress my pleasure particularly this year, the year in which our Company has attained its majority. Many of our contemporary Co-operatives of those years have, alas, fallen by the wayside, the fundamental reason being the lack of the true Co-operative spirit amongst their members.

Mr. G. A. Thompson is our veteran Director holding the position from the inception of the Company under the Chairmanship of Mr R. Clayton, a worthy record of twenty one years in the service of the Company.

On the 30th, November, 1921, the Company took over the store of Garrity & Co. and commenced trading operations with a Paid-Up Capital of £1280. The monthly turnover for the eight months to the end of the first financial period, the 31^st July, 1922, was £787. This expanded into the peak turnover of £13,245 for 1926, at which it remained approximately the same figure until 1930. The depression hit us sorely and it commenced to decline to the lowest figure of £6,034 in 1931, the year in which we made our first loss on trading.

The Company was in the doldrums then until a marked improvement was shown in 1936, since which we have been very successful, and this year our turnover, despite difficult times, has reached £11,496.

In 1921 the finances of the Company, newly begun, were not what they are today. Then we had an overdraft at the bank of £892. On the 31st of July this year we had cash in hand and at the Bank amounting to £648.

The Net Profit for the first eight months trading was £80/16/2, our profit for this period under review as disclosed by the Balance Sheet was £689/l/1 and has, for the past four years averaged £648.

The Company has not been able to keep up an unbroken run of payments of dividends and bonuses but has paid out for thirteen of the twenty one years. In the early years Bonus Shares were credited and amounted to £1027, building up Share Capital to an issue of £2824 with dividends being paid in cash. The first bonus being paid in cash being in 1929 when an amount of £297/12 was distributed.

In all, and including this year’s, £6,160/14/7 has been distributed to shareholders. This was made up of Cash Dividends £1747/18/0, Cash Bonuses £2886/10/1, Bonus Shares £1027 and this year goods to the value of £500 by way of celebrating our coming of age. During the twenty one years we have also paid to the Taxation Commissioner £1037/16/7 in taxation, excluding a further anticipated assessment of about £150.

Today we carry record stocks gradually built up over the past few years and the wisdom of this is being driven home to us all every day of every week that passes, when we find that though others are unable to, supply their clients with numerous lines, we can still supply our clients and often their clients too, falling down on only a few lines.

The Reserves from our Balance Sheet show a total of £2,893/17/5 which equals £1/1/4 for every £1 of Share Capital, our surplus of Assets over Liabilities being £6,300.

From the foregoing you will see that though we have not an immense business, our scope being limited to the size of our district, what we have is 100% and is made full use of to the advantage of all our Shareholders and the district as a whole. May the following twenty-one years find us as successful as we are this day.

You have heard the Secretary read the Auditor’s Report on the Profit and Loss A/c. and Balance Sheet, and there is little I need add. Our Fixed Assets such as lands and buildings show little alteration except for the deduction of depreciation our Stocks and Debtors A/cs. are in very good order, and the cash position is better than it has ever been in our history. The management and staff have carried out their duties in a faithful and able manner, and we are indeed fortunate these times in having a dependable staff to watch our interests as well as they have done.

We Directors have not met as frequently as in the past, benzine, brown-outs and manpower problems preventing us, but we know that the business is working very smoothly and efficiently and feel that we are not neglecting our duties with any detriment to the Company. We are still in the throes of war and I look forward to the day when we will he victorious and meet in peace again.

In conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank yon on behalf of the Company for the interest you have shown in its operations, and the support you have given it in the past and the support we hope you will continue to give in the future.

G. F. MEYER,
Chairman.

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WOODANILLING

The first public moves to form a Co-operative at Woodanilling came in April 1917 when a meeting was called. By the beginning of the next year, H Pittelkow as secretary was advertising for general sales. Mr Seally was appointed manager and J.H. Fidock chairman of the board.

The Company was formed in September 1921 with capital of £104. After several other locations, the present building was built with stone from the old Agricultural Hall which was demolished in mid 1922.

Frank Gill was appointed the manager and under his guidance for 22 years the Co-op prospered. Its share capital reached £800 and, by 1940, it was turning over business at £9314 per annum with the annual profit being in the vicinity of £1050. This profit meant that a substantial bonus was paid annually to shareholders.

Gill had come from England and farmed with his brother at Northampton. Here he married Miss Martha Bell, the postmistress. The Gills sold their farm and moved to Perth. However, they spent much of the time with Martha’s brothers at Woodanilling. Frank Gill became the Wesfarmers’ wheat buying agent in Woodanilling.

When Seally was leaving the Co-op, Gill was given the job of manager. Gill had commercial experience in England and was keen to stay in Woodanilling. In the 22 years, with Gill as manager, the Co-op was said to have paid more back to its shareholders than any other co-operative in Australia at the time.

About 12 months after retiring through ill health in 1942, Frank Gill died. In the late 1940’s the Woodanilling Co-operative amalgamated with Broomehill and Katanning Co-operatives to become the Broomehill Katanning Woodanilling Co-op (BKW Co-op).

Stalwart supporters of the Woodanilling Co-op were the Carter family. Frank Carter was one of the original directors of the body and was chairman for a number of years before it merged with the BKW Co-op of which he was a director until he resigned due to ill health in 1952. His son, John, also served as a director and withstood many attempts by the directors pressure to close the Woodanilling Branch.

Originally the Woodanilling Co-op
the building is now the Woodanilling General Store

Shortly after he resigned due to farming commitments the Woodanilling branch was closed and the business sold. Managers after Gill included Horrie Ahearn, Jack O’Brien (ex Saveway in Katanning) and Norm King. In recent years it has been privately owned with Gay and Ken Lawrence, Ross Bailey, Debbie Gard and Jean Dunstan being amongst the later owners.

Information above sourced from the
inHerit website
and The Great Southern Herald

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BKW Co-op to close after 98 years

By Saskia Adysti
Albany Advertiser
Tuesday, 11 September 2018

Katanning BKW Co-operative will shut its doors for the last time on Saturday after its liquidators rejected an offer from a local buyer to keep the business operating. As revealed by the Albany Advertiser on August 1, the Katanning BKW Co-operative board is calling for expressions of interest in the business, which has operated in town for 98 years.

Co-op building – 2018

On August 21, Co-op administrator Neil Cribb sent a letter to all co-op members to inform them he had selected a preferred buyer for the business. Albany Advertiser understands the chosen buyer was the only preferred buyer for the business, however, their offer has since been rejected. Mr Cribb has been contacted to provide further comment but did not respond to calls.

The Co-operative, which trades under the names of BKW Co-op IGA, Cellarbrations, Makit Hardware, Bi-Rite Electrical and Telstra in Katanning, also gave termination notice to the staff on Monday.

The Broomehill, Katanning and Woodanilling Co-operative went into administration earlier last month after $800,000 of losses over the last two years. The news has shocked the community, which has since rallied to save the operation.

Emu Lane Cafe owners Julie and David Harries, who operated their business from inside the Co-op building, also announced their business closure on Monday. The well loved cafe owners were the Co-op’s main supporters who rallied the community to save the Co-op during its administration process. “Emu Lane cafe will continue trading until Friday this week,” Mr and Mrs Harries said on a social media post. “Hard to believe a cafe that opened in 1971 in the back corner of the BKW Co-op is to be no longer. “Thank you Katanning and surrounding districts for all your support.”

A logo designed by Arthur Todd and used by the BKW Co-op in Katanning from 2004

Meanwhile, Valerie Salon which also operates from the co-op building will relocate to the “new old salon” until further notice.

Katanning BKW Co-op chairman Norm Flugge previously said in an interview that community efforts to save the business’ legacy were admirable. However, Mr Flugge said the shop needed more than goodwill to get by. “I think it’s an important institution since we have 98 years of retail presence in the community – there’s a certain kind of history and legacy there,” he said.

“What we are really trying to enforce to the community, if they do want to retain their local business, they have to have that culture where shopping locally becomes part of your thinking and your everyday shopping.”

Mr Flugge and his partner, Katanning Shire president Liz Guidera, have also been contacted for comment about the latest developments.

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FROM MEMBERS

From David Kindred

BROOMEHILL MEMORIES

Broomehill was a double story building. In my time, 1957-60, the upper floor was used as a Friday night youth activities centre. Physical training, horse equipment, mats, boxing, table tennis, etc. A boxing team from Broomehill fought against a Navy squad from Albany and beat them hands down. The Hayward family were our best boxers. The local Police Constable coordinated activities with several other adult persons. Absolute brilliant discipline that was appreciated by all.

Many of us kids worked at the Coop during school holidays weighing spuds in 7 and 24 lb brown paper bags. Pumping petrol at the bowser and general store duties. Norm King was a full time employee, Pam Green and myself and brothers all did their time there as youngsters.

My dad Cecil Kindred carried all the fresh supplies from the station to the shop on a Saturday morning. The shop purchased wool clippings, manna gum and cool drink and beer bottles. It sold bullets, newspapers. vegetables. haberdashery and general household products.

Managers included in my time Jamieson, Swansberg, Bolaterus and Norm King. Marg Usher was a long time employee with Benny Bolt.,The Clayton Family had the Number One Share certificate for the BKW. Monty Anderson was the overall Manager for the B.K.W at the time. e was very dedicated and highly respected.

WOODANILLING MEMORIES

From Cindy Richards

This is the woody co op around mid to late 70’s my mum, Judy Nixon, and Pauline Mader worked there and the manager at the time was Peter Hawkins. Mum’s car is the Valiant on the left and Peter’s Ford Cortina is parked on the verandah.

From Lenne Garstone

Computer Age Co-op

Great Southern Herald
8 December 1982 – P 11

Katanning’s BKW Co-op has entered the computer age. Last week a $55,000 IBM 34 computer was installed in the store’s office/accounts section.The computer can perform all debtors, creditors, cheque writing and payroll functions for the Co-op and, in true computer fashion, does so in half in half the time normally taken. The computer can give an instant feed-out of daily sales and accounts which previously took days to prepare can now be done in three of four hours.

Computer operators Mrs June Giles and Mrs Betty Scott have been learning the more intricate details of computer programming from IBM systems engineer Mrs Carol Stevenson for the past week. Pictured above (left to right) as the first statement is produced by the computer are Mrs Giles, Mrs Scott and Mrs Stevenson.

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EARLY DAYS OF THE BKW CO-OP

Do you have any photographs or information about the early days of the
BKW Co-op in Broomehill, Katanning, or Woodanilling?

If so, I would love to hear from you at
admin@lostkatanning.au
OR COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE FORM BELOW
or call in and say G’day at the old Railway Station at 69 Austral Terrace.

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