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Show We recently spent three days in Smithfield, and during that time made a few notes, the substance of which we here present to our readers. The absorbing theme just now is the prospective amalgamation of the co-op store, organized in 1869, with the United Order as recently re-organized under Bishop Farrell's administration. It seems probable that the union will take place at an early date, thus effecting a still closer union between the stockholders of both institutions. The co-op store, at the close of its fiscal year, Jan. (January) 20th, rendered the following excellent showing: Total resources $10,408.93, liabilities $9313.52, profits for the year $1363.90, tithing paid on profits $136.39, amount credited to stockholders $1226.71, which last amount represents, as we understand, a dividend of 25 per cent on the stock. Before declaring the dividend, all book accounts due the store were discounted 50 per cent, and the merchandise was discounted 10 per cent. This shows that the dividend would have been much higher, had accounts receivable and merchandise on hand been placed at par. James Meikle, Esq. (Esquire) is manager of the store. The U. O. (United Order) is doing splendidly. The institution has had a ready market for all the boots, shoes, harness, &c. (etc.), that it could make. It is proposed to erect a new building for the accommodation of its business and workmen as soon as spring opens. Smithfield regulates the price of grain in Cache County, and pays a better price, as a rule than any other town in the valley. James Mack, Esq. (Esquire), proprietor of the Smithfield Mills, informed us that there had been no time within the last three years when wheat could not be cashed in Smithfield. Mr. Mack himself is often the first buyer in the county to raise the price of wheat. Last fall large quantities of grain were conveyed to Smithfield from the south end of the valley, and sold to dealers there. The trade in butter and eggs is now increasing rapidly; butter brings 10 cents per lb. (pound), and eggs 22 cents per dozen, or did Feb. (February) 14th. The business men of the town are earnestly desiring to have a railroad agent appointed. At present freight for the north is charged at Logan rates, and for the south at Franklin rates. There is no telegraph office in town, either. A large number of men are in the canyon, getting out wood with which to burn brick for the new meeting house. This, when finished, will cost about $40,000 and will be surpassed only by the Temple and Tabernacle in Logan, within the county. A large quantity of excellent brick is now on the ground ready for the masons as soon as the weather will admit of mason work. The Leader is very popular in Smithfield; we send about three times as many copies there now as we did a few months ago. Smithfield would also help support a daily paper published in Logan. |