Starr-Bowkett Society

A Starr-Bowkett Society was a co-operative, non-profit financial institution that provided interest-free loans to its members and operated on the principle of mutual self-help, as espoused in 1843 by Dr T. E.

His scheme to provide "mechanics" with a means to become landholders, and thus have a greater influence on government, was first proposed during a series of lectures and articles in 1843.

Once the society has accumulated sufficient funds from subscriptions, ballot meetings are begun and held on a monthly basis.

There were concerns over the lottery system involved in the scheme, which was carried out in full view of all members and therefore open to physical abuse to change those who received the funds.

The last known traditional Starr-Bowkett society, in Newtown, NSW, Australia, sold its building in 2014[4] and moved operations to Strathfield.