It was becoming increasingly evident that the St James Street bakery had reached the limit of its usefulness to the Society. Although biscuit baking and the baking of pastry and smalls had been transferred to the Scotland Street premises, it was becoming impossible for St James Street to meet the demand for bread, and therefore another small bakery situated in Hill Street was rented for a time. This was only a temporary arrangement, however, and could not be expected to continue. The Bakery was now turning over considerably more than 300 sacks of flour per week, and the trade was increasing at such a rapid rate that it was practically impossible to keep pace with it in the premises as they then were. The need for a new bakery was clamant, and much consideration was given to the question ere a decision was arrived at. That decision, when come to, proved to be the most momentous in the history of the Federation, and may well form the subject of another chapter. [Illustration: 1. DANIEL H. GERRARD. J.P., President. 2. JAMES BAIN, Secretary. ] [Illustration: AUDITORS 1. WM. H. JACK, F.S.A.A 2. JOHN M. BIGGAR. ] During practically the whole of the period which is embraced in this chapter, two gentlemen, still well known, active in the movement and highly respected—Messrs Allan Gray and Robert Macintosh—acted as auditors for the Federation, and during their period of office made several suggestions affecting the financial stability of the Federation, which, when put into operation, helped materially to make it the strong concern financially that it is to-day. In particular, they were the means of getting the depreciation placed on a sounder basis than it had been for some time. Investigations which took place more than once had the result of showing the committee that the rate of depreciation was not enough, as the book value of fixed and live stock and machinery was greater than the valuation showed that it should be. Ultimately, this was put right, and the finances of the Society were established on a firm footing. CHAPTER VIII. M‘NEIL STREET. INCREASING TRADE—THE DIRECTORS’ DILEMMA—M‘NEIL STREET GROUND PURCHASED—THE NEW BAKERY: BUILDING DIFFICULTIES—THE OPENING CEREMONY—AN UP-TO-DATE BAKERY—PROPAGANDA WORK—RECOGNISING LOYAL SERVICE—A STABLE INSPECTOR—FINANCE—AN INVESTMENT—THE PURCHASE OF FLOUR—A SOCIAL MEETING AND ITS OBJECT—A RIGHT OF WAY CASE—THE NEW BAKERY COMPLETED—A NEW VENTURE—THE CHAIRMAN RETIRES—ALL-ROUND INCREASES.