TUNBRIDGE WELLS ASLEF BRANCH MINUTES
1952
TUNBRIDGE WELLS BRANCH OFFICERS
1952
Chairman Bro. C. Cornford
Tunbridge Wells Branch Meeting
Sunday February 17th 1952, at 10.45 a.m.
at the Welfare Rooms, Central Station.
Bro. C.R. Cornford presiding
Before the minutes of the last meeting were read Bro. C.R. Cornford asked all members present to stand in silence in respect to our late Bro. W. Whiting. It was then moved by Bro. F. Elmer seconded by Bro. J. Murphy. “that a letter of sympathy be sent to Mrs Whiting, on behalf of this branch by the Secretary.” Carried.
There being no meeting for January owing to poor attendance, the minutes for December meeting were read. Moved by Bro. F. Robinson and seconded by Bro. F. Elmer. “That the proposal by Bro. A. Brooker re Enhance Payment for time and quarter for men booking on after 12 noon until 10p.m. Saturdays be deleted.” Carried
Bro. V. Rumley raised re question of time and place of meetings. After some discussion it was decided that it be left as it stands now, this was moved by Bro. J. Murphy and seconded by Bro. C. Puckett at the December meeting.
Correspondence
Circular 7/1952 Income Tax Abatement refresh application. After some discussion it was moved by Bro. F. Elmer seconded by Bro. R. Bridger. “That the Secretary and Chairman go into this matter.” Carried.
Circular 15/1952 Promotion and Redundancy Scheme Payment of wages on day of accident and illness. A discussion came about on Clause 26f. it was moved by Bro. F. elmer seconded by Bro. R. Bridger. “That a special meeting be called to discuss amendment the date was fixed for Sunday fortnight date 2nd March 1952 at 10.45 a.m.” Bro. K. Passmore proposed this meeting be for A.S.L.E.+F members only. Carried.
The Co-Operative Party Conference
Bro. F. Elmer moved that a delegate be sent, Bro. R. Bridger seconded.
Proposed by Bro. F. Elmer Bro. J. Murphy Declined
Proposed by Bro. F. Elmer Bro. R. Bridger Declined
No one was willing to go this matter was withdrawn.
Mutual Soviet Friendship Society
Moved by Bro. V. Rumley seconded by Bro. K. Passmore that a delegate be sent.
Moved by Bro. R. Bridger seconded by Bro. K Passmore Bro. V. Rumley be delegate
Moved by V. Rumley Bro K. Pasmore Declined
Moved by Bro. A. Brooker and seconded by Bro. F. Elmer. “That delegates fee and privilege fare be paid out of the Political Funds.” Carried.
Conference Force the Forces Out
Bro. V. Rumley moved Bro. A. Brooker seconded. “That we send a delegate
Bro. K. Passmore moved Bro. V. Rumley seconded Bro. C.R. Cornford.
Bro. F. Elmer moved Bro. V. Rumley seconded Bro. F. Robinson
Reports
Social Committee
Letter from social committee containing Resignation of member and also those who are willing to serve for this coming year. Bro. F. Elmer moved and Bro V. Rumley seconded. “That all willing to serve be moved enbloc.” This left three vacancies to be filled.
Nominations as follows
Bro F. Robinson moved Bro. V. Rumley seconded Bro. R. Saunders
Bro. R. Bridger moved Bro. F. Elmer seconded Bro. R. Sullivan
Bro. F. Robinson moved Bro. F. Elmer seconded Bro. K. Passmore.
Members of the Social committee are as follows.
Bros. H. Blackmore, A, Murphy, R. Vanson, W. Wareham, E. Dunmall, W. Swift, R. Bridger, C. Russell, W. Gent,
C. Waghorn, G. Adkin, C. Puckett, R. Sullivan, R. Saunders & K. Passmore.
The question regarding the wreath for Late Bro. Whiting was stated as being ordered on Monday by the Social Secretary. It was moved by Bro. V. Rumley and seconded by Bro. J. Murphy that the Branch Secretary deal with the question of wreaths etc for Bro. W. Whiting.
A vote of thanks to the S. C. had done in the past year was moved by Bro. V. Rumley and seconded by Bro. F. Elmer.
L.D.C.
Bro. C.R. Cornford then gave the L.D.C. report which contained the following items
Locking up of tools, booking of tools, letter re-cleaning proof workings re closeing of roads. Rest day relief and holiday relief in second link.
Bro. F. Elmer suggested that member of L.D.c. should attend trains meetings. Redundancy of V. Thorpe.
There being no other business the Chairman thanked all for their attendance closed the meeting at 1.10 p.m.
Members present Bros. J. Murphy, K. Passmore, C. Puckett, V. Rumley, F. Robinson,
C.R. Cornford & V. Thorpe.
Tunbridge Wells Branch Meeting
Sunday March 16th 1952, at 10.45 a.m.
at the Welfare Rooms, Central Station.
Bro. C.R. Cornford presiding
The Chairman asked for the minutes of the February meeting to be read. Bro. A. Murphy moved and Bro. R. Saunders seconded. “That the minutes be signed by the Chairman as a true record.”
Bro. K. Passmore raised the question re Income Tax Abatement. Bro. C.R. Cornford was unable to enlighten. Bro. Passmore on this question as it was the Secretary who was dealing with this matter.
Tunbridge Wells Labour Party Social Committee
Tickets & programs for play by Unity Theatre Players. “The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists on Saturday May 3rd at Victoria Hall, Southborough
Reports
Social Committee
Bro. J. Murphy gave a balance sheet to Chairman for reading out, Bro. A .Brooker moved and Bro. v. Thorpe seconded. “That this balance sheet be adopted,.” Chairman thanked the Social Committee for the assistance etc. given at our late Bro. W. Whiting’s funeral.
District Council
Bro. C.R. Cornford gave District Council report which contained following items, Sectional Council agreements on situation of men over 65 years, list of reports given Western Region, Extra Lodging turns and threaten redundancy King’s Cross men owing at King’s Cross not being relieved when on mileage, L.M.s. No guard on Pull & Push trains fireman collects tickets etc; Econmony Commission P.E. trying to cal it off. E.C. will not agree. R.S.C. Restrictive Work for all men through ill health cannot be displaced by senior men through same. Housing, Pensions, Repair Card System. Branch reports Eastliegh Double Home duty for a F.C. Cup tie, would not do it but Fratton did it. Portsmouth, 54 cleaners, 11 engines and bad cleaning.
L.D.C. report
Bro. C.R. Cornford gave the L.D.C. report, which contained the following. Redundancy loan work. There was quite a heated discussion on same. Alterations to Standard Engines, standard paybils, allterations and additions to rule book supplement to be issued. Items for agenda for L.D.C. five minutes for locking tools, storm sheets, oil allowance for L.M.S. 4P engines. Suitable oil for cleaning tanks and trestles for same.
There being no other business the Chairman thanked all for coming along and closing the meeting at 1.30 p.m.
Member present Bros. K. Passmore, C. Puckett, J. Murphy, A. Brooker, R. Saunders,
C.R. Cornford & V. Thorpe
Tunbridge Wells Branch Meeting
Sunday September 21st 1952, at 10.45 a.m.
at the Welfare Rooms, Central Station.
Bro. C.R. Cornford presiding
The meeting for April, May, June & July were called but there was not enough members attended there making were not held. The meeting for August was postponed owing to the Social Committee Outing. The Chairman therefore for the minutes of the March meeting be read. Bro. C. Puckett moved Bro. A. Brooker seconded that the Chairman sign these minutes as a true record.
Questions arising
Bro. F. Elmer raised the question re trestles and cleaning oil for engines. Bro. C.R. Cornford replied that as far as the trestles there had been no progress. The cleaning oil, there had been some special oil sent down to be tried on engine 32582.
Bro. F. Robinson then gave a report on his work regarding the finishing of late Bro. W. Whitings affairs. All monies etc. that were due his mother had now received. It was moved by Bro. F. Elmer and seconded by Bro. K. Cavie. “That the Secretary be highly commended for his work in this matter.
A.S.L.E.F. Easter Branch presentation to Bro. Isaac Chairman Sectional Council No.2 (SR.)
Collection at depot in aid of this. After some discussion it was moved by Bro. A. Brooker and seconded by Bro. C.R. Cornford that this lay on the table. Carried.
Tonbridge Divisional Labour Party
Demonstration at Tonbridge against the de-nationalisation of the road haulage organisation. After some discussion it was moved by Bro. F. Elmer and seconded by Bro. K. Passmore that suggestion be sent to the Labour Party re a public debate between the local M.P. and a member of the Transport. Carried
Reports
The D.C. report was given by Bro. A. Brooker which contained the following items. Double home work, Accommodation Transfer, Passing Signals and Speeding. A D.C. report was also given by Bro. C.R. Cornford which gave the following items. Transport Bill Delegates be appointed from branches R.E. to be abolished. Scotland to be separate area. Wages claim now at R.S.N.T. level. Pensions no advancement. D.C. Thompson Long Strike. Disciplinary action dropped. Uniform Clothing issues. L.D.C. meetings, payment when off duty hours. Speedos being put on all Express Engines. Signalling irregularities, Organisers report on the Tonbridge Engine & Electric incident. Eastleigh Boiler Explosion. Compensation report re man wife and child travelling on free pass and child fell out of carriage door. Bro. F. Elmer moved and Bro. F. Robinson seconded. “That both reports be adopted.” Carried
Bro. F. Robinson on Bro. S. Pike being a new member to this branch. It was suggested that in future when no branch meeting is held that the Secretary consult the Chairman before passing name to H.O. It was also stated that the Branch Committee be need more increase where correspondence etc. accuse quarterly re fully paid up members. The secretary to find some idea to getting members to pay more regularity. After this discussion. Bro. F. Elmer moved and Bro. K. Passmore seconded. “That this branch accept Bro. S. Pike as a new member.” Carried.
L.D.C. Report
The report was given by Bro. C.R. Cornford and this contained the following items, settlement re Bro. Colebrook working rest day. Panel of these be appointed to act as running foreman. Petition sent through on the 4P Tank Engines. Mr. Rogers etc. to meet L.D.C. Letter received re Brighton turn be put in No. 2 link in place of the 6.12 p.m. 3 Bridges. After some discussion that took place. It was moved by Bro. C.R. Cornford and seconded by Bro. K. Passmore. No action, extra Sunday work Stew. Lane. After some discussin Bro. F. Elmer moved and Bro. K. Passmore seconded. “That an open meeting be called as soon as possible to discuss Sunday work.”
As there was no other business the Chairman thanked all for their attendance and closed the meeting at 1.30
Members Present
Bros. K. Cavie, F. Elmer, K. Passmore, J Mace, C. Puckett, A. Brooker, D. Sullivan,
C.R. Cornford, F. Robinson & V. Thorpe.
Tunbridge Wells Branch Meeting
Sunday October 19th 1952, at 10.45 a.m.
at the Welfare Rooms, Central Station.
Bro. C.R. Cornford presiding
Owing to the absence of the Ass. Secretary, the Chairman asked for nomination for min sec for this meeting. Proposed by Bro. K. Passmore and seconded by Bro. C. Puckett Bro. A. Brooker.
No further nominations Bro. Brooker read the minutes of the last meeting. Moved by Bro. F. Elmer seconded by Bro. Puckett. “That the minutes as amended be adopted as true record.” Carried.
Matters arising was raised re minute of the calling of a special open meeting to discuss Sunday work, was agreed. “That the meeting be called before the new year and to be on a Sunday and as much notice as possible be given.”
Nominations for Brach Officers 1953
Time and place of 1953 meetings was next discussed. Moved by Bro. Passmore seconded by Bro. Puckett. “That week night meeting to be called with view to increasing attendance for fortnightly meetings for two months be held.” The Chairman and Bro. F. Elmer put forward some of the snags re details of procedures after further discussion it was put to the vote. For 3, Against 3 Not Carried.
It was then moved by Bro. Elmer and seconded by Bro. Passmore. “That the 1953 Branch Committee should thoroughly explore week night meetings.” Carried
New Members
Moved Bro. Elmer and seconded by Bro. Puckett. That Bro. F. Page be accepted.” Carried.
Reports
L.D.C. given by Bro. R. Cornford. Had met Mr. Rogers D.M.P.S. on petition re heat in cabs of Standard 4 Class Tanks – 80011 to be fitted with inside shield on pedestal also all pipes to be lagged, also ash pan cocks to be fotted on to injectors. Present Standard sand gear design to be scrapped tempary drainage of tank tops and windows slides to be arranges locally also raising of drivers seat. Mt. Stone been seen re trestalls for cleaning has written away again . Bro. Colebrook’s rest days and panel of 3 to cover same Mr. Stone to write to Mr. Rodgers. Train meetings delegates to be nominated from branch so that reports are received. Now signed minute re booking of all passed men. Bro. Passmore raised re shed lobby talk re raising Ashdown to Sunday driving roster L.D.C. members put forward there views an this moved by Bro. Passmore and seconded by Bro. Brooker. “That a discussion take place at the next branch meeting re booking of men in shift seniority.” Carried.
The Chairman thanked all for their attendance and closed the meeting at 1.15 p.m.
Members present Bros. F. Elmer, K. Passmore, C. Puckett, K. Savage, J. Mace, E. Dunmell,
F. Robinson, R. Saunders, R. Cornford & A. Brooker.
Tunbridge Wells Branch Meeting
Sunday November 14th 1952, at 10.45 a.m.
at the Welfare Rooms, Central Station.
Bro. C.R. Cornford presiding
Owing to the absence of the minute secretary the Chairman asked for nominations for minute secretary for this meeting. It was proposed by Bro. A. Brooker seconded by Bro. C. Puckett Bro. J. Mace, Bro. J. Mace declined. Bro. H. Blackmore proposed Bro. A. Brooker, Bro. J. Mace seconded.
The minutes of the last were then read was moved by Bro. C. Puckett seconded by Bro. J. Mace. “That they be signed as a true record.” Carried.
Matters arising
Bro. Blackmore raised re Xmas and Boxing day SC No.2 letter. Secretary stated no answers yet, also raised re week nights meeting minutes on book was pointed out from Chair re Branch Committee to meet on this.
L.D.C. Report
Bro. Cornford on at Train Meeting was raised re 4.40 ex London Bridge being returned too close to 4.44 ex East Croydon, also re bad coal on Eastbourne Engines causing delays on Redhill road. Delegates from branch to attend future meetings. Proposed by Bro. F. Robinson seconded by Bro. Blackmore. "Bro. C. Puckett be our next delegate.”
Bro. Cornford also gave the L.D.C. report re new proposed link a rest day rosters from the management, position explained re L.D.C. powers on this.
The Chairman said the discussion on shift seniority would be held over as mover was not present and shortage of time, the seconder agreed with this.
The Chairman thanked all for their attendance and closed the meeting at 1.0 p.m.
Members present Bros. Blackmore, Mace Puckett Robinson, Cornford & Brooker.
Tunbridge Wells Branch Meeting
Sunday December 21st 1952, at 10.45 a.m.
at the Welfare Rooms, Central Station.
Bro. C.R. Cornford presiding
The chairman asked for the minutes of the November meeting to be read out. Bro. C. Puckett moved Bro. F. Robinson seconded. “That they be signed as a true record.”
Questions Arising
Bro. F. Robinson raised the question on the circular re Xmas day & Boxing day. He wrote away asking for clarification on this but was forwarded the same circular back.
Bro. V. Rumley raised the question re Vice Chairman. There is a minute to the effect that the next highest vote for Chairman be elected as Vice Chairman. At this stage Bro. V. Rumley wished to decline his nomination as Vice Chairman.
Bro. R. Bridger asked re Bro. F Brown as a non, for the Children’s Christmas Party. It was stated that Bro. Brown is making an endeavour to pay up his arrears and that he was still a member of this union. It would be quite in order that there was a black list of 30 members behind in payments.
Question raised re Bro. H. Dyers 3 day suspension pay, moved by Bro. V. Rumley and seconded by Bro. R. Bridger for payment”. Carried.
Raised re nons at the depot, stand now as 3 members now they are Fireman D. Stringer and cleaners R, Bird and R. Manklow.
L.D.C. elections
Voting then took place for L.D.C.
Bro. C.R. Cornford total 6 elected
Bro. V. Rumley total 6 elected
Bro. A. Brooker total 8 elected
Bro. K. Passmore total 5
Bro. C.R. Cornford declined from being elected as a member of L.D.C. Bro. A. Brooker moved and Bro. R. Bridger seconded,. “An appeal to Bro. C.R. Cornford for his re-decision on taking this step, but Bro. C.R. Cornford still wished to withdraw. After which Bro. V. Rumley moved and Bro. R. bridger seconded. “That a vote of thanks be given to Bro. C.R. Cornford for his past work in the L.D.C.”
The official members elected for the L.D.C. are therefore Bros. V. Rumley, A. Broker & K. Passmore
Branch Elections
Bro. F. Elmer withdrew his nomination as Chairman and Bro. V. Rumley withdrew his nomination as Vice Chairman. So that the Chairman was elected with the highest vote re Bro. C.R. Cornfod as Chairman and Bro. A. Brooker with second highest vote as Vice Chairman. Bro. V. Rumley moved and Bro. K. Passmore seconded. “That a letter be sent to Bro. F. Elmer of condolence re his wife’s health.”
Bro. K. Savage wished to withdraw his nomination with the result as follows. Bro. C.R. Cornford elected as D.C. delegate and Bro. A. Brooker as Vice Delegate.
Reports
Social Committee Bro. R. Bridger gave the report that the Children’s Christmas Party would be held on Friday January 2nd 1953 at King Charles Hall, tea commencing at 4.45 p.m. Only few details to clarify.
L.D.C. report this was given by Bro. C.R. Cornford and included the following items. Unsatisfaction with tribunal re wages claim settlement. Saturday afternoon payments. Pensions no satisfaction with M.O.P. T.U.C. asked to take it up with M.O.P. filling vacancies for motormen at Eastbourne. Standard route sheets. Resolution re men after 15 years who fail medical shall receive rate of pay. Placing of better quality surge jackets. Colour light signalling at London Bridge. Organising Secretary’s report on the Harrow and Wealdstone Rail Crash. Bro. Cleaver re the brake power on 2 car sets, also report on the stop signal being danger when the distant was off.
L.D.C. repot
Bro. C.R. Cornford gave the report and this included the following items. New Rest Day rosters. Agenda Surge Jackets and Caps. Lockers not et supplied, locks and keys on engines not being returned with engine and keys have been stabled. Payment of wages.
There being no other business the Chairman closed the meeting 1.15 p.m. and thanked all for their attendance.
Members present Bros. A. Brooker, R. Bridger, C. Puckett, V. Rumley, K. Savage, S. Pike,
D. Nye, F. Robinson, V. Thorpe, C.R. Cornford & K. Passmore.