Mr. ARTHUR VARLEY 1863 to 1936.

EIGHTEEN YEARS A MEMBER OF THE C.W.S. DIRECTORATE.

 FORMER SECRETARY OF THE LANCASTER SOCIETY.

 We regret to announce the death, which occurred at his residence, 36, Dallas road, on Tuesday, at the age of 71 years, of Mr. Arthur Varley, for eighteen years a member of the C.W.S. Directorate, and former secretary to the Lancaster and District Co-operative Society. Much sympathy will be felt for his widow and four married daughters.

A native of the little Colne Valley hill town of Slaithwaite. Mr. Varley commenced work as a boy at the Slaithwaite Co-operative Society, under Mr. J. E. Haigh, who was then secretary.

In 1880 he was appointed secretary of the Slaithwaite Co-operative Society, and was at that time the youngest secretary in the movement. He held the position until March, 1894 when he became secretary of the Lancaster and District Co-operative Society, continuing in that position until in 1915 he was appointed a director of the C.W.S. to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. J. Shillito.

During his period at Lancaster Mr. Varley rendered good service and interested himself in the affairs of his fellow secretaries, and became a well-known figure in the official circles of the movement.

Upon his election Mr. Varley was made a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committees, on which he served continuously throughout his 16 years’ service on the directorate, and for the last eight years, up to his retirement in 1933, he was chairman of that important section of the C.W.S.

He was also closely identified with the management committee of the English and Scottish Joint C.W.S.  the Co- operative Insurance Society. and the Health Insurance Section of the C.W.S.

On several occasions he represented the Board on important missions. He was a member of the Economic Conference at Geneva a few years ago, and also of the Board of  Trade Advisory Council, as well as of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the Manchester Importers’ and Exporters’ Association. Among the memories of his work for the institution was the assistance he gave in connection with the Employees’ Thrift and Pensions Funds. In 1931 he was the vice-president of the C.W.S.

Co-operators who attended congresses knew him best as chairman of the Joint Propaganda and Trade Committee, his annual review being presented with a knowledge of the practical difficulties confronting the movement and a stimulating outlook as to their removal. His recognition of the work of the rank and file was always emphasized in a friendly atmosphere. The North-Western Convalescent homes Fund had also been greatly as by his presence as a representative of the C.W.S.

Upon Mr. Varley’s retirement in 1933, tributes were p to him by his colleages on the board and at a special gathering in Manchester, in February, 1933, he and Mrs. Varley were the guests at a complimentary dinner by the directors and officials at which they were presented with handsome gifts which included a beautiful inscribed testimonial contained in an ebony casket.

Sir Henry Wilkins, Chairman of the Board, made the presentations, which, in addition to the testimonial, consisted of a radiogram from the board and officials, a framed photograph of Mr. Varley from the Board, a gold tie clip from the board and officials and a diamond Pendant ‘and wristlet watch to Mrs. Varley from the board and officials. Tributes were paid to Mr. Varley on that occasion by Sir Henry Wilkins and Mr. R. F. Lancaster (C.W.S. Secretary) and others.

During his stay in Slaithwaite Mr. Varley was prominently connected with the Carr Lane United Methodist Church. He was trustees’ secretary and Sunday school superintendent for a number of years. In Lancaster he was closely associated with the Brock-street United Methodist Church, and for 40 years was circuit steward, a position he held at the time of his death. He was also superintendant of the Sunday school for 35 years, and was an executive member of the local Free Church Council, and a past president of that body, in addition to being a local preacher.