BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

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Between the years 1886 and 1888 the League solidifed the
organizational strides made in 1885.
The tremendous expansion in the
number of members during these years initially left the Central Office
unprepared to handle the influx of applications and orders for medals
and leaflets.
Lady Gwendolen Cecil, daughter of Lord Salisbury and a
member of the LGC, responded to numerous complaints of delay by
requesting the Grand Council conduct an investigation.
was formed in February, 1886 to look into the matter.
A subcommittee
Various changes
were proposed with the end result of an appointment of a chief
executive in March.
Hugh H. Riach was named [Vice] Chancellor and
charged with the maintenance of Central Office operations.
His salary
was generously set at £500 per year.H
By July of 1886 the demands of the Central Office had grown to
such an extent that it was necessary to move to Number One Princes
Mansions, Victoria Street.
The new premises were situated across from
the Army and Navy Store and not far from Parliament Square. Made
necessary by the continued growth of the Central Office, they enabled
the Grand Council and the LGC to be housed in a single building.12
August brought additional changes. Divisional Habitations were
renamed Divisional Councils,13 a move not of particularly earth-
September 1885; 23 September 1885.
11
Ibid., 3 February 1886; 24 February 1886; 17 March 1886; 24
March 1886.
12 Minutes of the Grand Council of the Primrose League, 16
July 1886. Primrose League Special Minute Book, 1886-1900, 7 February
1887. LGC Executive Commitee Minutes, 15 September 1886.
13 Minutes of the Grand Council of the Primrose League, 20
August 1886.