13 JULY 1867, Page 3

The Co-Operative Societies are, it appears, threatened with a Trades'

Union of masters against them, who send them to " Coventry " for underselling. The Council of the Agricultural and Horticultural Association recently sent to Messrs. J. and F. Howard, of Bedford, an order for agricultural implements. Messrs. Howard not only refused to supply the goods, but printed the correspondence; sent it through the trade, and roused the agents, say the Council, " to compel other manufacturers" to follow the same coarse. Clearly this is a case of intimidation within the scope of Sir W. Erie's Commission, but as it is masters who refuse intercourse with a Co-Operative society, not men who decline to work with one another, the House of Commons will neither rebuke nor interfere.