They were traditionally started by someone who needed a bit of cash urgently. Normally the organiser got the first turn. Other people used them for holiday money or christmas etc.
You drew your turn out of a hat then had the option of swapping with others to get a turn which paid out at a time that suited you. Very popular in factories etc where people knew each other well and predominantly run by women.
Were also the cause of great local scandal - 'Agnes has left her man and ran away wi the minoj money'. |