SEAFORD ASLEF BRANCH MINUTES
1936
SEAFORD BRANCH OFFICERS
1936
Chairman Bro. F. Wilmshurst
January 5th 1936
Officers present Chairman A. Harrison, Secretary F. Wilmshurst,
Bros. A. Pearce & W. Smith.
It was unanimously agreed that Officers be elected en block
Moved Bro. W. Smith and seconded Bro. A. Pearce, "The Secretary be empowered to take up any matter that requires immediate action and we the members will fully support in same". Carried.
A discussion then arose Re-letter to Mr. H. Jones, Moved Bro. A. Pearce and seconded Bro. W. Smith, "Secretary write Mr. H. Jones asking for a reply to letter of 4th November and to state this room is more necessary then ever owing not only to smallness but for proper facilities for making out daily returns and reports". Carried
Moved Bro. A. Pearce and seconded Bro. W. Smith "Secretary be instructed to continue our complaint re dirty state of cabs and windows." Carried
Moved Bro. A. Pearce and seconded Bro. W. Smith, Secretary write Mr. Roberts asking for information Re-L.D.C. & Re-grouping likewise for improvement on covering of seats in cabs.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JANUARY 1936
I am pleased to report good attendance at our last meeting, and a very interesting subject was discussed. The members decided unanimously to adopt Page 16, Clause 1, Establishment, and have representatives from Seaford, Eastbourne and Ore, pending the further extention of electrification. so well so good.
On December 1st, along with others,invaded Ore and had a very pleasant three hours where the above was also agreed to, but the important item of the day was the opening of a branch there, and it gave pleasure to those who paid a visit. Ore to see all possible roll up to open this branch. I hope this is another strong link in our cable. Bro. J.V. Sweeney, previous to the opening addressed the meeting, and particular laid down the necessity of these extra branches, thereby being able to receive first-hand information from General Office. a vote of thanks to him and visitors concluded the business.
Also good wishes to my scattered Brothers ex-Army, and others, for Year 1936.
BERT HARRISON
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JANUARY 1936
A.S.L.E.F. COLLECTION
(Bert) A. E. Harrison Seaford's first Branch Secretary
Bro Bert Harrison, Motorman, Southern Railway, and his dog, which regularly takes his food to him on duty and takes home the basket.
The dog is almost as well known as Bert.
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Bert Harrison was one of the original motormen at the newly opened Seaford depot.
On the 16th June, 1912, Bert travelled down from Battersea, to attend the opening of the Newhaven Branch of A.S.L.E.F., this branch was opened by Organiser W. Warwick. The delegation also included a large number of A.S.L.E.F. members from the Brighton branch, and A.E. Marshall from the Eastbourne branch.
February 16th 1936
Special meeting for Motormen
Officers present F. Wilmshurst Chairman, A. Harrison Secretary,
Bros. A. Scott, A. Pearce, G. Oram, W. Smith & E. Watson.
Minutes of previous meeting not read, re letter from W. Lewery Holiday Sussex Fortnight
Moved A.G. Scott and seconded G. Oram. "This depot support No. 5 L.D.C. in the steps they have taken Re Alteration of Holiday Roster (August) as statistics were taken last year and did not warrant the Holiday Period being broken in this area during the Sussex Fortnight". Carried Unanimously.
Re letter from Mr. Auliff.
Moved Bro. A. Pearce and seconded Bro. E. Watson. "That we at this Depot arrange any alteration of Holidays mutual between ourselves, letter be sent Bro. W. Lewery & Mr. Auliff ". Carried Unanimously.
Moved Bro. A. Pearce and seconded Bro, A.G. Scott. "That Secretary write General Office to ask them to take matter in hand with a view of writing the General Manager S.R. Re lobby and conveniences, for requirements at this Depot". Carried Unanimously
After correspondence read re Representation L.D.C. and Moved Bro. W. Smith, and seconded Bro. A. Pearce. "We fully support Secretary’s action in dealing with above". Carried Unanimously.
Moved A. Pearce and seconded Bro. A.G. Scott. "We appreciate the manner Secretary had dealt with the business on hand". Carried Unanimously.
12th April 1936
Officers present F. Wilmshurst Chairman, A. Harrison Secretary,
Bros. E. Tucknott & H. Stedman
Re HOLIDAY Question
Moved Bro. H. Stedman and seconded Bro. E. Tucknott. "We the members effected by the letter from Herbert Jones re Holidays, determine that this matter must be dealt with under the Rail Act 1921 & Appendix therein by L.D.C. 5. The secretary be instructed to forward this resolution to Executive Committee and Secretary of Sectional Council No.2 and ask for immediate action be taken owing to Hebert Jones determination of application for date being laid down for March 31st. We are very definitely for this being effectively dealt with.
We are disgusted with the action taken up to now by our General Office".
Re Staff Room
Instructions from Station Master for all other grades to be kept out of same (to be noted) 17 in lobby at once).
Moved Bro. E. Tucknott and seconded Bro. H. Stedman. "A letter be sent to Gen. Office for them to still press for a lobby for our own requirements". Carried Unam.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
APRIL 1936
We are still on the map, and our last meeting very important business discussed. Holiday question, the Electrical Engineer has taken from us the second week in August without the matter being settled through the L.D.C. No.5. The next was the dirty state of motor cabs on the Eastbourne, Ore and Seaford extension, and in particular the very dirty state of look-out windows, motorman's driving side, likewise the neglected state of the window cleaners, that is to say it is impossible to clear front of glass through same being either worn out or in other words perished. Whilst we do not admot the present ones are of any use for what they are there for, we have suggested a better kind should be supplied. In the meantime, we do think some attention should be given to our complaint, as this is very detrimental to the safe running of trains, especially under weather conditions of the last five months. Antohervery important question came up, re necessary accomodation for motormen and convenience at Seaford Depot, which we do hope our E.C. will do all in their power to obtain, as in our opinion this is urgently needed. I have to report a forward move in Seaford, that is we have had the first public meeting for local Council election, whilst we were not successful in gaining a seat with our one candidate we had a very goood number vote Labour. Better luck next time is our motto.
BERT HARRISON,
HON, SEC.
Special Meeting Held Sunday 10th May 1936
After a lengthy explanation of the situation and letters from General Office, F Jeans, Herbert Jones.
Moved Bro. A. Pearce and seconded Bro. H. Stedman. "We the motormen of Eastbourne, Seaford, Ore, Brighton & West Worthing supported by the London District call upon the E.C. to act immediately take up with S.R. Company our requirement having failed to get satisfaction through correspondence to Sectional Council Secretary. To press our claim for Representation the attitude taken by Herbert Jones against the agreed machinery, further the non-attention to genuine report".
"We call upon Gen. Office to allow a Central meeting of Motormen to deal with questions, effecting all Motormen on S.R. Railway".
"Having failed to get permission to our previous resolution to sanction a meeting as per letter of 24th February G95/53, we demand in the interest of Motormen and Society a special meeting for S.R. Motormen be held at Brighton. This is in accordance with all Depots failing permission for same it to be called for Sunday 31st May at 6.45 p.m. and expenses be covered by collection at meeting". Carried Unanimously
Moved H Pearce, Sec W. Lewery. "Secretary send letter to reach Bro. J.V. Sweeney by Friday mornings post (re cancelling meeting)".
Moved Bro. F. Wilmshurst and seconded Bro. H. Stedman. "A hearty vote of thanks to visitors".
Special Meeting Held Sunday 17th May 1936
Officers present F. Wilmshurst Chairman, A. Harrison Secretary
& Bros. H. Stedman & A. Scott, Bro. J. V. Sweeney in attendance.
The position was generally discussed re previous weeks resolution, Bro J. V. Sweeney promised to lay the position before Gen Office and he would arrange meeting on 7th or 21st June at the Labour Club Brighton.
pecial Meeting held Sunday 21st June 1936
Bro. J. V. Sweeney in attendance.
Meeting as above held at Brighton 21st June at 2.30 p.m. adjourned after lasting 3 hours until 28th June 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.
Meeting Held Sunday 23rd June 1936
Officers present F. Wilmshurst Chairman, A. Harrison Secretary
& Bros. H. Stedman & A. Scott.
Owing to this coming on the monthly meeting a meeting was held on 23rd June to decide on candidate for Sectional Council.
Moved H.F. Stedman and seconded Bro. A.J. Scott. "That Bro. A.E. Harrison be nominated for our Sectional Council No. 2".
Special Meeting Held at Brighton 10.30 a.m. 6.30 p.m.
Sunday 28th June 1936
When Resolution was carried (there was one against) moved by Bro. A. E. Harrison
"That this main meeting of Motormen, view with grave dissatisfaction the delay with which the complaints of Motormen are dealt with, and are of the opinion that in its present operation the machinery is inadequate to deal with such complaints. We express the opinion that the number of appointed representatives of Motormen is inadequant and that immediate steps should be taken by the Society to increase the number of L.D.C. from 5 to 6".
"Further we suggest that consideration be given to the setting up of a separate Sectional Council for Motormen for the purpose of speeding up the settlement of matters in dispute by representations competent in technical knowledge of varying subjects".
"Further in view of our increased numbers we express the opinion that we should be given increased representation on the E.C."
"Further with a view to assisting the E.C. and the Sectional Council to promote these objects a Motorman’s vigilance Committee be appointed for the purpose of collecting necessary facts and submitting them to the proper authority".
"We ask the E.C. to obtain this or suggest some better method whereby the business can be carried out more quickly and satisfactory".
October 25th 1936
Special Business
Officers present F. Wilmshurst, Chairman, A. Harrison Secretary & W. Smith
Report given by Bro. A. E. Harrison Secretary of L.D.C. No.5, on agenda & meeting with Company Side on Tuesday 20th. Same acclaimed satisfactory.
It was suggest Secretary inform other Depots of items struck off agenda re 1900 Class units*.
Secretary write General Office Re grouping of Ore Motormen’s Branch Re A.A.D. Delegate.
Proposed Bro. F. Wilmshurst and seconded by Bro.W. Smith A.E. Harrison be nominated as Delegate to 1937 A.A.D.
* (The 1900 class units were the original numbers for the 2 BILs they were later renumbered 2xxx soon after introduction)
Special Meeting held 3rd December 1936
Pro. W. Lewery (B'ton No.2), Sec. A.J. Scott, Bro J. Goodyer be Chairman.
The Secretary then explained reason for calling meeting.
Bro. J. V. Sweeney then addressed the meeting in particular on Representation, E.C., Sectional Councils and the possibility of the E.C. sanctioning a meeting of the 5 L.D.C’s on Southern Railway.
Moved Bro. H. Stedman, Sec A.G. Scott.
No. 1 "That this meeting of the members of Seaford Branch call the attention of the E.C. to the continued developments and extension of Electric Train working on the Southern Railway. In order that our Motormen members may have complete confidence in the Society and adequately safeguard then interests we make application for E.C. to sanction a conference of the five elected L.D.C.’s on the Southern Railway for the purpose of confiding their respective minutes and agreeing on a common policy for the future." Carried Unam.
Moved E.G. Tucknott, Sec. A.E. Harrison.
No. 2 "That this meeting of members of Seaford Branch view with apprehension the speedy development of electrification on British Railways and particularly not that work is already in hand for electrification between Liverpool & Sheffield on the L.N.E.R.
We express the opinion that the E.C. should immediately review the constitution of representation and suggest that more than one position should be allotted to Motormen on the Executive Committee.
Further that the Society inaugurate a movement for a revision of the scheme of Sectional Councils with the view of a separate Council for Motormen on those Railways where electrification is a declared policy.
Further, that the question referred to in this resolution be treated as items of emergency from the E.C. be submitted to the 1937 A.A.D". Carried Unam.
A vote of thanks to Bros. J.V. Sweeney, Chairman and visitors.
Branch Meeting held on 29th December 1936
Officers present A. Harrison & Bro. H. Stedman
Owing to small attendance business only discussed