NEWHAVEN ASLEF BRANCH MINUTES
1923
NEWHAVEN BRANCH OFFICERS
1923
Chairman Bro. W. Goldsmith
Vice Chair Bro. L. Lower
Assistant Secretary Bro. F. Wilmshurst
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday Jan 7th 1923
Bro. W. Goldsmith in the Chair
Minutes read of last meeting and discussed, proposed by Bro. F. Sherwin and seconded by Bro. L. Lower. That they be accepted as a true record. Carried
Correspondence read and noted, Branch endorsing action taken by our E.C.
Annual report of Newhaven and District Trades and Labour Council, read.
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday Jan 28th 1923
Bro. W. Goldsmith in the Chair
Minutes read of last meeting and discussed, proposed by Bro. F. Sherwin and seconded by Bro. P. Reed. That they be accepted as a true record. Carried.
Proposed by Bro. F. Wilmshurst and seconded by Bro. W. Niner. That Branch heartily agree with the endeavours of E.C.
Proposed By Bro. F. Wilmshurst & Seconded by Bro. W. Niner. That Bro R. Niner approach the Foreman in connection in his position at this depots failing satisfaction, to place in hands of Secretary
Proprosed By Bro. F. Wilmshurst & Seconded by R. Turner. That foreman be approached in connection with passes for spare Firemen
Proposed By Bro. H.G. Bowden & seconded by Bro. F. Sherwin. That Brighton be approached for more turns to be worked from here seeing the displacement of men, owing to the withdrawal of two turns.
Proposed By Bro. F. Wilmshurst & seconded by L. Lower. Secretary write Head Office for a fuller understanding of working of Seniority.
Ron Terrill Collection
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday Feb 25th 1923
Bro. L. Lower in the Chair
Minutes read of last meeting and discussed, proposed by Bro. P. Reed and seconded by Bro. C. Barrow. That they be accepted. Carried. Matters arising out of the minutes were, letter to Brighton requesting more turns read Jan 29th no rely being received it was Proposed by Bro. C. Barrow & Seconded by Bro. F. Sherwin. That we await developments. Carried
Letters read from Head Office with the application of the Seniority clause at this depot, Feb 19th 1923, which gave use to much dissatisfied comment, and marked no further progress.
Executive Committee report and minutes for period December 4th 1922 - January 26th 1923 presented, also agenda of suggestions submitted by Branches for the Annual Assembly of Delegates, which is to be held at General Office, 9 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, NW3, on May 28th at 2.30.p.m. presented.
Correspondence from Head office, re election of E.C. Representatives, 8th Jan. 1923, moved by Bro. F. Wilmshurst and seconded by Bro. C. Barrow. That Bro. J. Cordrey be nominated as candidate for South London District. Carried.
Circular 2nd Feb 1923, calling for organised propaganda to stimulate interest in the activity of our Society, also a warming as to the activity of the N.U.R. in connection with the Underground Electric Railways of London, and that duties in connection with the early days of the electrification of the London District of the L.B. & S.C.
Circular Feb. 15th, 1923, concerning with the Financial difficulties of various Trades Unions as compared with our fortunate position, also Daily Herald circular read, also members joining for full benefits over 30 or between 35 - 40 must pay in accordance with schedule, page 84 of Rule Book.
Letter read from Newhaven and District Trades and Labour Council, asking if any of our members wished to be nominated for the Local Elections.
Report by Bro. D. Boyle, that Bro. W. Goldsmith was elected by the Newhaven and District Trades and Labour Council, to serve on a sub committee to work in conjunction with Church of England Men’s Society with a view to organising a Church parade on March 25th to raise funds for local distress.
Proposed by Bro. C. Barrow and seconded by Bro. F. Sherwin. That we hold our annual dinner on Good Friday, March 30th at 6p.m. Carried
Proposed By Bro. C. Dotteral and seconded that Bro. C. Barrow. That Bro. D. Boyle be Secretary and that Bros. W. Goldsmith, F. Wilmshurst, L. Lower, C. Dotteral & C. Barrow, constitute a committee, the secretary to post a notice announcing same and that it be a cold spread.
PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday March 25th 1923
Bro. L. Lower in the Chair
Minutes read of last meeting and briefly discussed, proposed by Bro. F. Sherwin and seconded by Bro. P. Reed. That they be accepted. Carried.
Circular 15th March, 1923 read re front end electric train read.
Meeting closed about 8.0 p.m. about 6 members present
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday May 6th 1923
Bro. A. Pearce in the Chair
Minutes of last meeting read and discussed, proposed by Bro. F. Wilmshurst and seconded Bro. P. Reed. That they be accepted. Carried.
Circular letters 23rd April re link to link seniority and general conditions of service read discussed.
Proposed by F. Sherwin and seconded by Bro. M. Smith.
That meetings be held at noon during summer months.
John Nash Collection
Platform 1 at Lewes
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday June 24th 1923
Bro. W. Goldsmith in the Chair
Minutes of last meeting read and discussed which were accepted as a true record on the proposition of - Bro. P. Reed and seconded by Bro. M. Smith and carried.
Letter of invitations to meetings read from Tunbridge Wells & Brighton.
Secretary instructed to write Brighton requesting extra duties, which was proposed by Bro. L. Lower and seconded by Bro. P. Reed and carried unanimously.
Also to write Barton Wilde re passes for passed Cleaners, on the proposition of W. Brown & seconded by B. Piddlesden. Carried Unan.
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday Aug 26th 1923
Bro. W. Goldsmith in the Chair
Minutes of the last meeting read and discussed and were accepted as a true record on the propostition of F. Sherwin & Seconded by Bro. H .Bowden and Carried.
The Vice Chairman at this point in the proceedings (who with a few others has come late) on looking through the minutes alleged that they were not a true record because his name had been erroneously recorded as the prospect of that the Secretary should request the management for more turns of duty at this depot and to prevent a future recurrence.
Bro. L. Lower proposed & seconded by Bro. M. Smith. That a member take his seat by the Secretary as check against such absorb inaccuracies to be dealt with more fully at the next meeting.
Proposed by Bro. F. Sherwin & seconded by C. Dotterill.
That a special meeting be called on the 2nd September to deal with Secretary resignation and to clear the matter up.
Correspondence read and fully discussed, no further response to Daily Hearld appeal.
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Special Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday Sept 2nd 1923
Bro. W. Goldsmith in the Chair
Bro. Barton Wild in attendance.
Minutes of June 24th & Aug. 26th read and discussed especially the minute arising out of 24th June minutes re Secretary approaching the Management for more turns of duty at this depot. When it was Pro. C. Barrow & Sec. A. Pearce. That the such minutes be deleted as this proposition was not discussed at this meeting. Carried Unam. Pro by F. Sherwin & sec A. Pearce. That the Secretary carrys on.
The Chairman then calling on Barton Wild as further enlighten us in the purpose of the Political Fund and in its far reaching effects aspect he did explaining that too much politics in the Branch room did not generally meet with the whole hearted approval of various Branches at the same time.
The Political Fund of the Society should be receiving about £2 instead of barely 9/- per an from this Branch, which resulted in four more Political Fund recruits Bros. W. Brown, L. Lower, H. Christmas & F. Harris.
He then proceeded to give us a short address on the railway position, which all present fully appreciated.
The meeting closing with a hearty vote of thanks Pro. By Bro. H. Christmas & seconded by Bro. A. Pearce for his most able and interesting address. To which Bro. Barton wild suitably replied adding that he would be most willing to attend again at any future date.
PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Quarterly Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday Sept 30th 1923
Bro. W. Goldsmith in the Chair
Minutes of last meeting read and discussed, proposed by Bro. L. Lower and seconded by Bro. A. Pearce. That they be accepted as a true record. Carried.
Correspondence re Political Fund read again. Chairman appealed to all members to support it, which resulted in a few more recruits.
Circular letters re Central Wages Board, and Head Office staff wages read and discussed, moved by Bro. W. Smith and seconded by Bro. C. Smith. That matters arising at Central Wages Board be left in the hands of Secretary and Assistant. Carried.
Moved by Bro. F. Wilmshurst and seconded by Bro. C. Barrow. That correspondence re office staff wages lie on the table. Carried.
Moved by Bro. F. Sherwin and seconded by Bro. C. Barrow. That two members be elected as representatives of the shed. Carried.
Proposed by Bro. W. goldsmith and seconded by Bro. W. Smith. That Bros F. Sherwin and D. Boyle be elected and to arrange an early conference with the foreman. Carried.
Moved by Bro. A. Pearce and seconded by Bro. M. Smith. that delegates approach the Foremen re Pilot Men’s duties.
Moved by Bro. P. Reed and seconded Bro. F. Wilmshurst. That Pilot Men work around with the goods and that Branch men work their Sunday off middle instead of early turn and also to remind the Foreman, that Bro. H. Hamblins uniform serge jacket and cap, last issue is considerably in arrears, he last received and in May 1922, and lockers for Drivers. Carried.
Letter read from Bro. Barton Wild for information re Trade Unions position at Newhaven.
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday Oct 28th 1923
Bro. L. Lower in the Chair
Minutes of last meeting read and discussed, proposed by Bro. C. Dotterill and seconded by Bro. W. Smith. That they be accept as a true record. Carried.
Matters arising out of the minutes. Secretary reported interview with Foreman re Bro. P. Reed’s motion of 30th Sept in connection with which he the Foreman could take no action, other than writing Brighton in respect of lockers and Bro. H. Hamblins uniform.
Letter read from Barton Wild requesting information as to the Branch position and number of N.U.R. at this depot also date, place and time of Branch meeting, Secretary’s reply satisfactory.
Letter read asking all Branches to elect a delegate to attend an area conference to select the Society’s official candidates for Sectional Council Election.
Proposed by Bro. C. Barrow and seconded by Bro. C. Dotterill. That this lay on the table. Carried.
Letter 19/10/23 re seniority promotion on new Grouped Railways read.
Bro. F. Brown asked his position in relation to Bro. C. Dotterill as he was the eldest.
Proposed by Bro. C. Barrow and seconded by Bro. P. Reed. that time of meeting during the winter months be reverted to 7.0 p.m. Carried.
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Special Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday 18th Nov 1923
Bro. W. Goldsmith in the Chair
Owing to the N.U.R. Propaganda among our younger members it was considered by members of the Branch committee to be desirable that the above meeting be held to review the position.
In the course of the debate Bro. Bollen informed that there must be a leakage of our Branch proceedings, for he had been told by an N.U.R. Man:- apparently with the view to elating further information:- that it was only possible for spare drivers to secure a hearing, cleaners being ignored, also that there had been an endeavour by some N.U.R. Members to create dissension among the younger members of this Branch of twisting a certain indiscretion of our late Secretary apparently, calculating, that (in addition to the alleged attitude of spare drivers) it would give some of our members:- especially the younger ones, the impression that no interest was taken in their welfare and if they would but join the N.U.R. They would be much better cared for Bro. F. Brown corroborated, being present and culminating in an attack upon the discretion of the E.C. In matters of A.S.L.E. & F & C. finance in pamphlet form. Bro. G. Bollen proposed & Bro. E. Brooker. That the Secretary endeavour to secure the pamphlet re the financial position of A.S.L.E.F. & C. known to be floating about with a view to enlightenment of members. Bro. F. Brown spoke against the distribution of pamphlets by A.S.L.E.F. & C.
The Secretary mentioned writing of the N.U.R. In connection with the recent activities of their members but Bro. C. Barrow & Bro. A. Pearce spoke against, it being considered that it would only add to the difficulties of the young Firemen when booked with the others. All agreed.
Considerable discussion took place around the question of pamphlets & Chairman requested Secretary to give our financial position and in reply read the prologue to 1922 balance sheet.
The Chairman proposed, after considerable discussion of the redistribution of night and day work for cleaners that Bros C. Wilson, W. Brown & G. Bollen form a small committee to deal with the matter and report back.
Bro. S. Lower spoke on the unequal distribution of Sunday work.
Pro. By Bro. S. Lower & Sec. A.Charman. That Sunday duty be shared by the whole of the staff. Carried. Secretary to approach Foreman. Carried.
Pro. By F. Brown & Sec. By B. Piddlesden. That Secretary see Foreman to try to get more men passed. Carried. Also to inquire into position of cleaners doing Fireman’s work. Carried.
The Chairman rose and stated that he was overruled by the Branch after placing that position before them. Bro. L. Lower supported the Chair.
Minutes of the Newhaven Annual Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday 25th Nov 1923
Bro. W. Goldsmith in the Chair
Members present
Bros. D. Boyle, W. Goldsmith, L. Lower, P. Reed, C. Barrow, A. Pearce, A. Charman,
C. Jenner, B. Piddlesden,
G. Bollen, C. Wilson, C. Dotterill, F. Wilmshurst, F. Sherwin & H. Bowden
Minutes of 28th Oct meeting read and discussed, proposed by Bro. C. Barrow and seconded by Bro. W. Brown. That they be accepted as a true record. Carried
Matters arising out of the minutes of Oct. 28th. Bro. P. Reed’s motion of Sept. 30th, Secretary reported that as clothing was dealt with annually now and not monthly. Bro. H. Hamblin would receive his arrears with his next issue.
Correspondence read and noted.
Minutes of special meeting 18th Nov 23, moved by Bro. A. Pearce & Sec. By Bro. W. Brown. That they accepted as a true record. Carried.
Matters arising out of above minutes, Bro F. Wilmshurst called the branch in not electing Shed Committee to interview Foreman. Bro. F. Sherwin backed Bro. F. Wilmshurst and spoke on the report floating around to the effect that it was only possible for spare drivers to obtain a hearing Bro. Bollen referred to the N.U.R. Slander of our Branch.
Bro. F. Wilmshurst asked Secretary for report of his interview with the Foreman re Bro W. Goldsmith being employed cleaning on a Sunday, as he believed there had been an interview.
The secretary stated the case as presented by the Foreman, which was to the effect, that he could not see any reason why this man should not be so employed, otherwise he had nothing to do and seeing that he received his proper rate of pay, instead of a Cleaners rare, he considered there to be no case.
Pro Bro F. Wilmshurst & Sec. Bro. A. Pearce. That the Shed Committee take the matter up. Carried.
Bro. C. Barrow complained of propelling vehicles from Newhaven Town to Newhaven Harbour and moved that the matter be put in the hands on Shed Committee, Seconded by Bro. A. Pearce.
Bro. Bollen presents his report and schedule of proposed Cleaners duty and considers 1.0 p.m. to 10.0 p.m. Unnecessary, but agrees to withdraw for further consideration.
Election of Officers for 1924
Proposed by Bro. F. Harris and seconded by Bro. H. Bowden thatBro. F. Wilmshurst take the Chair. Carried.
Proposed by Bro. H. Bowden and seconded by Bro. A. Pearce. That Bro. W. Goldsmith take Vice Chair. Carried.
Proposed by Bro. F. Harris and seconded by Bro. A Pearce. That Bro. F. Sherwin take the Secretaryship. Carried.
Proposed by Bro. C. Barrow and seconded by Bro. L. Lower. That Bro. W. Brown be Assistant Secretary, and that Bros. C. Jenner, C. Dotterill, L. Lower, C. Barrow, G. Bollen Trustee & A. Pearce Trustee Constitute Committee
Trades & Labour Delegates be Bros W. Goldsmith & G. Bollen Carried
Good Friday Dinner held over till next meeting.
Minutes of the Newhaven Special Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday 2nd Dec 1923
Bro. W. Goldsmith in the Chair
Members present
Bros. C. Barrow, L. Lower, C. Wilson, B. Piddlesden, W. Brown, F. Sherwin, A. Pearce, M. Smith, W. Smith,
W. Goldsmith, A. Charman, E. Hillman & D. Boyle
The above meeting being called in accordance with Rule 39 Clause 8.
The minutes of the annual meeting held on the Nov. 25th were not read. This special meeting being called for requested for the purpose of recinding the said minutes, because some members left the room without properly requesting the Chair to do so, before the business of the Branch was complete, and so causing confusion.
Bro. F. Sherwin, briefly summarised the event which lead to this ultimate confusion.
Moved Bro. A. Pearce & seconded by Bro. F. Sherwin. That the minutes of the annual meeting be recinded. Carried.
Proposed by Bro. F. Sherwin and seconded by Bro. C. Barrow. That the Branch proceed with the re election of Officers. Carried.
Proposed by Bro. C. Barrow and seconded Bro. L. Lower. That Bro. W. Goldsmith be re-elected, not carried.
Proposed by Bro. G. Bollen and seconded by Bro. W. Brown. That Bro. A. Pearce take the Chair. Carried.
Minutes of the Newhaven Branch Meeting
held at the White Hart on Sunday 30th Dec 1923
Bro. G. Bollen in the Chair
Members present
Bros C. Wilson, C. Barrow, E. Brooker, J. Green, P. Reed, G. Bollen A. Charman
& W. Smith
Minutes of last meeting read and accepted as a true record.
Correspondence read and discussed, Executive Committee Report and minutes for period between October 1st and 27th presented.
Bro. W. Smith reported that the Chairman of the N.U.R. was awaiting an audience which was received with a rather mixed feeling and owning to a misunderstanding the meeting dispersed before it was discovered that the he had bee waiting for over an hour.