29TH JANUARY 1892
NEW CROSS BRANCH
extract from branch report
The normal weekly meeting was on Saturday, January 23rd. Letters from various branches on the Brighton line were read re rating of all employees at six days per week on the lines of the National Programme.
The most interesting part of the evening was the enrolment of six new members, under Scale A (L. B. & S. C. firemen). These were all proposed by one young fireman, who had been lately heckled by Mr. S----------, secretary of the New Cross Branch of the A. S. L. E. & F., and a late prominent member of this branch. The chairman presented him, on behalf of the branch, with a silver medallion, with the hope that he would continue to use his utmost endeavours to strengthen the branch On responding, he thanked the brother for their kind wishes, and said it gave him great pleasure to being six new members that night, and he hoped to bring more shortly. The secretary of the A. S. L. E. & F. had heckled him, but he could assure him he had chosen the wrong man, for he intended going straight for him and his members, and they see who held the trump card.
5TH FEBRUARY 1892
NEW CROSS
extract from branch report
The usual weekly meeting was on Saturday, January 30th. Two more members were proposed (Scale A, L. B. & S. C. firemen) - another dose of physic for the Associated Society!
Branch Report 19th February 1892 (meeting held on Saturday 13th, February)
Two new members were proposed driver and fireman, (L. B. & S. C., Scale A).
Branch Report 4th March 1892 (meeting held on Saturday 27th, February)
One new member was proposed driver, (L. B. & S. C., Scale A)
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THREE BRIDGES BRANCH
extract from branch report
The ordinary meeting was held on Sunday last. It was proposed that a committee of three members be elected to buy a timepiece and get the tickets printed and sell to fellow workman for the benefit of Bro. J. Edwards, a driver at this station and a member of the A.S.R.S.; all profits to go to the said brother.
A resolution received from New Cross Branch was brought before the meeting, the resolution being that all railway employees be rated at six days per weeks, Sunday duty to be paid for on the lines of National Programme. After a lengthy discussion it was proposed and carried that this branch will not entertain the resolution, although at the same time they strongly condemn the seven days per week system, but they are of the opinion that no good will be done until the National Programme can be carried in its entirety.
The balance sheet was then brought before the lodge, and, after a short discussion, was passed as very satisfactory, showing an increase of thirty three members. The financial statement also showed a good increase.
An expression of sympathy was sent to Bro. H. Farmer, a fireman and member, who had the misfortune to meet with a sad accident at Groombridge, L. B. & S. C. R., while working the 6.30 a.m. passenger train, Tunbridge Wells to London, by falling off the engine, one of the wheels running over and cutting one of his feet off.
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Mr. Laing, the chairman of the London and Brighton, is quite certain that there will be no increase in the rate of wages during the present year, though he is not quite sure whether more men will not have to be employed in order to limit the hours of work. This experienced railway expert is a shrewd observer, and he reminders that the Select Committee has not yet reported, or the National Programme agitation ceased. Mr. Laing tells us that the men prefer the present s system, which includes overtime as a means of making decent wages; but we fancy they would not show any tooted objection to that increase in the latter which they are definitely assured will not be given. However, it is something to know that our plea for shorter hours is recognised as being within the scope of practical reforms.
12TH FEBRUARY 1892
BATTERSEA
extracted & adapted from branch report
On Monday evening last, a smoking concert and social gathering was held in the Battersea club room, in aid of the banner fund of the branch, Mr. J. Starkey presiding during the first part of the programme, and Mr. J. Hallard during the second part. Mr. Starkey, in opening the meeting, referred briefly to the objects of the members in endeavouring to obtain an banner for this branch, and expressed himself satisfied to the extreme in seeing the large club room as full. More especially was be pleased to see as many ladies present, and thought it was a good opportunity to let them know what the branch and the society was doing and what they wanted to do, and hoped that if any lady present whose husband was not a member of the A.S.R.S. she would not let him rest until he had joined. (Cheers) The chairman having explained the work of the society, said he would not detain them longer, but hoped everyone would thoroughly enjoy themselves, and he had now great pleasure in calling upon Mr. W. Croklrer, the pianist to commence the harmony.
The musical arrangements were carried out by Mr. Hallard and the committee and secretary to the committee (Mr. W.J. Tye) are to be congratulated upon the splendid way in which they has arranged and carried out the evening's entertainment. The Chairman before closing thanked the company for their kind patronage, and hoped everyone present would be again present at the next concert, which the committee were going to manage. He (the chairman) was requested by the committee to thank the artistes who had so kindly, and at some trouble and expense to themselves, rendered such valuable assistance towards making the gathering so enjoyable.
It is anticipated that the banner fund will be largely increased with the profits, and the committee are endeavouring to obtain the banner in time for the proposed demonstration.
26TH FEBRUARY 1892
EASTBOURNE BRANCH
The Sunday evening last an open meeting was held under the suspicious of the Eastbourne Branch, the meeting being presided over by the branch chairman. Mr. Garrity addressed the meeting on a most able manner, giving the history of Trade Unionism from its childhood up to the present, and likewise the past and present of the A.S.R.S., which gave encouragement for the future, and fully explained with all the benefits of the society, and what it could do if all would only grasp the hand of fellowship held out to them. He also dealt most ably with the National Programme and benefit would be to all. After speaking for an hour and forty minutes, he resumed his seat amid applause. A vote of thanks to Mr. Garrity for his most able and instructive address was passed, and it is hoped that the good seed sown will coon be reaped. This brought a most pleasant evening to a close.
4TH MARCH 1892
EASTBOURNE BRANCH
The ordinary meeting was held on Friday, Feb. 26th, with a fair attendance. On the chairman's all for new members, one responded (a fireman, in Scale A), who was given a hearty welcome. We hope that his brother firemen will do likewise, for there is great need for combination in this grade.
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THREE BRIDGES BRANCH
extracted from the branch report
The ordinary meeting was held on Sunday last, with a very good attendance. Two more new members were added to our list, and one transferred to this branch from Newhaven. A resolution was passed to the effect that the secretary write to the officials with respect to more lamps being placed in the yards and station for the convenience of the night staff, the yard being very badly lighted considering the night work at this station. The secretary was also again instructed to again write to the officials with respect to the dangerous condition of the incline coal stage, and also the continued long hours of duty worked by the gasmen.
A vote of thanks was given to all members who participated in the draw for the benefit of Bro. Edwards, the profits of which, after expenses of clock and tickets, were £7 3s. The clock was won by Mr. Spray, St. Leonards. There was also a discussion regarding a supper for the members, and a tea for their wives, which we hope to bring to a success shortly. A vote of thanks tp the chairman concluded a very pleasant evening.
11TH MARCH 1892
PORTSMOUTH BRANCH
extracted & adapted from branch report
The annual dinner of the Portsmouth Branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants was held on Thursday evening week, in the Lower Albert Hall, the Mayor (Alderman T. Scott Penter) presiding over a large gathering of employees of the Joint Railway Companies and the officers of the society.
After the loyal toasts, "The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces," and "The Mayor and Corporation," had been proposed and responded to. The Hon. Evelyn Ashley proposed " The Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants and their Orphan and Benevolent Funds." He had just been looking at a copy of the rules, and he was pleased to find the excellent objects which the society has in view. If any man could find the advantages of unity it was the railway servants of this country. It required a united body to protect the interests of the men, and the society also had in view the adoption of arbitration and the exercise of benevolent. (Hear, hear.) He wished the society every increase of growth and prosperity. (Hear, hear, and applause).
Mr. G. Holmes the branch secretary, responded, and explained at some length the working of the parent society. Since its formation in 1872 it had paid no less than £13,870 3s. 11d. to orphans, and various dinners and concerts had been held, and sermons preached on behalf of the Orphan Fund. to members out of employment over £13, 073 had been paid; superannuation grants reached £23,545, and legal assistance to members cost £a 8,453 10s. 3d. (Applause).
The toast of "The Visitors " was then submitted by Mr. F. Stephens, one of the dinner committee. He thanked those present for rally round them in such numbers, and hoped it would be long before they were deprived of the presences of such gentlemen as the mayor and those who supported him at the dinner. (Applause).
Mr. W. O. Clough (C.C. London), on rising to respond, was loudly applauded. He thanked them on behalf of the visitors for their cordial reception of the toast, and for the intense heartiness thrown into its proposal. They owed a debt of gratitude to all who contributed to comfort of railway passengers, and England owed much of her prosperity to the way in which railway servants performed their work. His earnest desire was that they should participate in the betterment being brought about in the country. Their demands were not exorbitant and he hoped they would have every kind of prosperity and success. (Applause).
"The Press" concluded the toast list and the evening was pleasantly spent in harmony. Mr. Virgil Miles being accompanied.
18TH MARCH 1892
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from the branch report
The quarterly meeting was held on Friday last. Several letters from general office were read and resolutions moved thereon. The one re L .C. & D. R enginemen and firemen's movement caused heated debate.
25TH MARCH 1892
GENERAL NOTES
"There was not a single member of the Associated Society on the South Eastern." So said Mr. A.T. Welfare last Sunday night at Willesden Junction, and probably Mr. Sunter does not need to be told that he is no mean authority on the subject. How does this sweeping assertion tally with the announced superiority of those witnesses before the Select Committee who gave the members to understand that the Associated Society, and not the A.S.R.S., was entitled to represent enginemen? We have repeatedly knocked the bottom out of the false, but here we have a society composed exclusively of one grade, and yet on one of the principal lines they are without a member. This looks like being representative of enginemen with vengeance. If Mr. Sunter thinks he can controvert Mr. Welfare's statement, over columns are his disposal.
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By the way, "Young Driver." who in the journal for this month tries to make the best of New Cross's capture of six young firemen, will doubtless be interested in the above information, and it is just possible that he will think that the South Eastern is the place to do the seed sowing of which he speaks. The trouble is that his society has mistaken tares for wheat sectionalism for amalgamation.
15TH APRIL 1892
BRIGHTON No.1 BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The usually monthly meeting was held on Sunday night last, with a moderate attendance. Some regrets were expressed that the committee had not arranged a tea party and concert for Good Friday, and it was hoped that some steps would be taken earlier another year.
Two other claims from firemen who had been fined were paid from the Benevolent fund.
The next case was one regretted by the whole of the members, viz., the removal of one of our members from the footplate who was unable to pass the one eyed view test recently instituted on this system, after serving the company upwards go 20 years, 13 of which he has been driving, with a clean sheet. he is now ordered the dirty disagreeable job of washing out engines at a reduction of 18s. per week, although his eyes are the same now as when engaged by the company, upwards of 20 years ago. He has accepted the position until advice is obtained, and an appeal made to the directors. His superintendent has also been refused.
15TH APRIL 1892
CHICHESTER BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The monthly meeting was held on April 21st, with a very good attendance. On the call for new members, a visiting brother handed in an application form which was accepted (fireman, Scale A.). It was unanimously decided, on a motion from the committee, to take part in the demonstration to be held in Chichester on May 29th.
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NEWHAVEN BRANCH
extracted and adapted from branch report
On Good Friday, the Newhaven Branch held its annual supper, it being preceded in the morning by a cricket match played by the members. The contending teams were married v single, and, after a brief struggle, the married had to submit to defeat by 74 runs. The supper, which has provided by Mrs. Page, White Hart Inn, was attended by about 50 members and friends, and full justice was done to the excellent things placed before them in the unavoidable absence of a local gentlemen who was to have taken the chair, the branch chairman provided. On the cloth being removed one or two toasts and speeches were made. The chairman, in giving "Success to the Branch," said that good progress had been made during in the past year, and he hoped it would to continue in future. He then asked the secretary to give an accounted of his stewardship. The secretary, on rising, said he would take the opportunity of again thanking them for his recent election. He then reported as to the financial and numerical strength of the branch, and urged them to make up for those who had left them. Since by the rules they were allowed to take the "regular" hands on the quay as members, he saw no reason why they should have any difficulty in so doing. The vice chairman gave "the hostess," and in the course of his remarks said that he was sure that everyone was pleased and satisfied with the excellent spread provided. The hostess, in reply, thanked the members for the hearty way in which they drank her health, and hoped to be able to provide for them for many years to come.
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PORTSMOUTH BRANCH
Last Friday evening a meeting of the Portsmouth Branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants was held in the Railway Hotel, Fratton, Portsmouth, a large attendance being provided over by Mr. C. Gray, (President of the United Trades Council). there ware also present Messrs. E. Garrity (general secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants), Lane (chairman of the Portsmouth Branch).
The chairman, in opening, told the Trade Unions of the Country, to which he had belonged for 41 years, were founded on the great principle of looking one's neighbour at one's will. It was the losing sight of this that caused all the evils of the day. He thought that if thy had a larger majority of the men employe on the line in amity with each other, the gearing stride which now existed would be done away with, for the directors, knowing that the men in their empty were speaking in a united voice, would listen respectfully to what they had to say. (Applause)
Mr. Garitty, who was warmly received , said the chairman of the London, Brighton, snd South Coast Railway had the honour, a short time since of apologising to the shareholders for the surplus being so large. Let them pay the men in their employ proper wages. (Hear, hear) Not pay them six days' wages for seven days' work, but pay them for six days, and give them extra renumeration for the seventh. (Hear, hear) They owed a debt of gratitude to their men who had brought Trade Unionism to the flourishing condition of a recognised and powerful organisation, who had sacrificed money and food, who had suffered incarceration in prison, and had even had down their lives in the cause. The railway companies of the kingdom were carrying out the same principle at that laid down as law by Edward VI. They gave the inspector a better coat than the guard, the guard a better coat than the signalman, and so on through all the grades. Why should this distinction be? They were all born alike, and should be conqual (?). (Hear, hear) Why should railwaymen work longer hours than men employed in other industries? Simply because for many years they had not been organised. Long hours on the railway did a great injury, not only to those who were working, but to those who were willing to work and would not get it. There was a million of men in our workhouses, and four million outside, practically worse off. There were millions of people walking the streets ready to work but unable to get it; and all this partly because railwaymen were content to work 15, 16, and 17 hours a day. They were traitors to their wives and families, and traitors to their fellow men. (Hear, hear.) The income tax returns, which were pretty accurate told a very different tale. The rent mongers had 350 millions, the interest mongers 300 millions, the profit mongers 310 millions, and the rest of the amount, which included the whole of the working class population and a large proportion of the middle class population, got 400 millions. This meant that for every 7s. in the aggregate earned by workmen, they got 2s., and 5s. went to somebody else. If that was a fair proportion, or a fair distribution of the profits on the production of labour, then he did not know what was unfair. Would anybody tell him that the work of a guard, a signalman, an engine driver, or any man in that department, was less tiring or less arduous than that of the average artisan or mechanic? Yet the letter enjoyed better wages and conditions of service, and reason of it was that they had taken to heart the lesson of combining together, which the railwaymen had yet to learn. In the National Programme, drawn up in 1888, they asked for a 10 hour maximum day. Their opponents, the directors, said it would be impossible for a railway yo be conducted on a system of fixed hours of labour. They did not ask for that. They only wanted a maximum day of ten hours, and if, through any emergency, the maximum was exceeded, then could be paid the extra rate. They also asked that each day should stand by itself, and as the companies claimed the whole of their serviced, it was only right that they should guarantee a day's work. (Hear, hear.) They did not want to work 18 hours one day and six the next, and receive payment for 24 hours for the two days. They also asked that plate layers should work nine hours a day; signalman in busy boxes eight hours, and shunters in busy districts eight hours a day; time and a quarter for overtime, and time and a half for Sunday. This would be a great boom (?) in the men about London who worked on Sunday for nothing. ("Shame.") They wanted is make overtime expensive, because then the directors would very soon do away with it. Two objectives were made to them proposals by the directors. One was that it would be impossible to work a railway with fixed hours, and the other that they could not afford it. In South Australia the railway companies had a maximum of eight hours, and if they could do it in Australia they could do it in England. In parts of New York they also had a 10 hours maximum day, and we could beat the Yankees in everything but lying. (Laughter.) As to the argument about not being able to afford it, is was a fact that the wages ---- for the managers, superintendents, and all the various officers of the department only came to £18,000,000 per annum. but the share holders when did nothing only put the money in and drew out their dividends, received no less that £47,000,000. He was not going to say that it was not right that the shareholders should have a proper return for their money, but he did deny the right of the shareholder to receive more than two pounds to the workmen's case, when he had produced the profits. (Hear, hear.) He believed the out come of the inquiry soon being held by a Select Committee also the whole question would be the death blow to long hours of labour on the railway. (Loud applause) Mr Garrity next commented the benefits that would accrue from joining the society he represented, which, he said, was the second wealthiest in the Kingdom. Among other things £30 was guaranteed to a member who should be suspended from work own to his connection with the society. Another great benefit was the Orphan Fund, and he stated that no less than 1,173 children had been provided four out of the fund. If the society had been done nothing for railwaymen more than this, they had done a work of which they might well be proud. Railwaymen, above all other men, ought to make provision for their families, for no one knows whose turn would be next. During the past seventeen years there had be 9,213 persons employed on the line killed, and 40,317 injures. In conclusion, he appealed to them to do all they could to further the cause of the society, and to uphold Trade Unionism on principle, and not became something was to be got out of it. (Applause)
On the proposition of Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Hilman, a resolution was unanimously passed calling upon railway servant to join the society, as it was the best mean to attain and retain fair hours of labour and fair rates of wages. A second resolution was also passed, condemning the director of the Cambrian Railway for their treatmen of Mr. G. Hood, and expressing an opinion that the House of Commons should insist on Mr. Hood well compensated. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.
10TH JUNE 1892
BRIGHTON No.1 BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The half yearly meeting was held on Sunday last with a small attendance. A member reported that he had left the company's service through reduction owing to the eyesight test, and the secretary was instructed in the matter.
Notice was given that three firemen had received their notices owing to the same cause.
29TH JULY 1892
LOCOMOTIVE STEAM ENGINEER AND FIREMEN'S FRIENDLY SOCIETY
A correspondent (a member of the A.S.R.S.) writes:-
"Important alteration have been made in the rules of the above society, which has been in existence over 50 years. It is especially recommended to young men under the age of 25 for its reasonable contributions, who should avail themselves of the opportunity of joining. The provision fund is a great inducement. It has a membership of 11,186 and the average worth per member is £7, 11s. 5 1/4d., and is, without a doubt, the strongest friendly society in connection with enginemen and firemen. it is also important to members where there are sufficient at stations to form a branch to invite all young men to join with them in forming branches, so that they may have a voice in the management of the society. A move should be made in this direction by applying for new branches to the general secretary, at Manchester."
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THE ASSOCIATED SOCIETY
Sir. The Associated is on the war path again, but, instead of open warfare as Englishmen, they peeler the Italian mode of stabbing a man in the back, and, instead of replying to any criticism is an open journal, where their statements can be challenged, they do on their monthly journal, where a reply is impossible, which none but members of the society are supposed to read. A friend of mine has been kind enough to forward me the Journal for this month. It is full of bitter cries about the Benevolent Fund, and an attempt to reply to a little circular,signed by a fireman in the name of "William Snap'em." Well, one if these circulars strayed into my hand, and I thought the statements were extremely moderate and truthful, but they seem to have burnt like a shell in the Associated camp. This aristocratic and exclusive society may criticise everybody and everything, but for anyone to criticise them is little short of treason.
In this month's Journal "Carlisle" is very indignant with "William Snap'em" for showing the benefits are more in favour of the driver than the fireman. The fireman who joins at twenty must pay the same amount of contributions into the society per quarter as the driver who joins at forty. When the fireman is entitled to his old age pension he has paid 40 years' contributions , or £104, whilst the driver who joins as 40 pays just half, or £52, and yet they both receive the pension at the age of 60 of 7s. 6d. per week. Does "Carlisle" and "A South London Fireman" contend that this is justice to the fireman? "Carols thinks the clause respecting the death benefit a disgrace, but I fail to understand where the disgrace can be in referring to that benefit, which our relatives will receive when we finished our earthly course, although he admitted that the young may die and the aged must die. but who contributes the most in making that provision which he impresses so upon young men, the fireman who joins at twenty or the driver at forty, and receives the greatest benefit in proportion to the contributions paid?
One of the greatest complaints of "A South London Fireman" is that the author of this circular has signed it under the non de plume of "William Snap'em." does he wish to know the fireman so that he and his fellow members of the Associated may boycott him, and also that his Associated driver may coerce him? If it is wrong of the fireman, in the opinion of "A South London Fireman," to use an assumed name for his own protection against oppression, surely it is not necessary for a "A South London Fireman" to use a non de plume when defending his society in the private journal of his society, which none but members are supposed to read. I would also remind this fireman that the driver is not always fined for his own misbehaviour; but as he is responsible for his derelictions of duty he is often called upon to pay for what his fireman might have prevented, and it is quite possible that this fireman's as great a sinner as anyone in this matter.
This fireman does not relish the idea that you can join the Associated when too old to enter any other society; but there are men in his own district who are members of the sick fund, and as to their age it is very questionable as to whether they did not pass the age of 40 before they joined, while in other societies they would have been debarred at 50 or 55. His own general secretary admits that three were admitted over 60, and 15 over 50; but he forgets to say how many joined between 40 and 50. Great prevalence (?) is given to be increased membership, and we are informed that 1,161 joined during the year, and the membership advanced from 5,000 to 6,200. Does Mr. Sunter intend to convey to the members that the none have left the society during the year other than the 17 members whose death are recorded? There seems to be an irregular way of keeping the books, as Mr. Sunter requests the branch secretaries to notify all deaths, whether they ate prediction or full members, several deaths having taken place of which no notices have been given. Although much has been said about the increase of capital in 1890 the number of distressed branches increased from three to eight. After 11 years of existence they have come to the conclusion that the members ought to know who received sick pay. I congratulate them on coning one step forward towards a satisfactory balance sheet. In 1890 one line was sufficient to account for the expenditure of £1,495 10s.. without a single mention as is who were the recipients.
Readers of the Railway Herald on July and were informed that 420 members were paid £220 for fines and suspensions, but in the balance sheet there is no mention as to the number, or who were the recipients. It cannot he any more injurious to any member for his fellow member to know who societies this benefit than for his society to grant it, and then write to his superintendent that the said member was unjustly finned. All railwaymen are subject to fines and suspensions, and many join Trade Unions in order to provide against these punishments, but do not pay into a society to be remained at the end of the year that the benefit has been given grudgingly. Mr. Sunter in 1890 said that the disbursement of this benefits exceeded the previous year by £50 0s. 7d., and against in 1891 an increase of £50 1s. 9d. He considers that these are serious items, and can that ought to engage the situation of members. It appears by this that the society wishes for an increase of membership without an increased liability.
Yours, etc.,
OBSERVER
5TH AUGUST 1892
THE ASSOCIATED SOCIETY
Sir. In continuation of my letter of last week, Rule 12, clause 1. says:-
"Any full benefit member, sixty years of age and having been ten years consecutively in this society, shall be entitled to a superannuation of 5s. per week."
Mr. Sunter, in his letter Mr. Lewis on January 14th, 1888, said that if they parted with the funds illegally they would be called to account, and yet we find in the ninth year, viz., 1883, of existence of the society, they had no less than eight on superannuation, and yet in 1890 four more came upon the funds in 1890 were ten year members. In 1891 viz., more applications were made and granted, four of which were for old age. If their supperanuated members increase at this rate in eleven years, when the members who joined between forty and fifty come upon the funds many of whom must soon be entitled to it.
Mr. Sunter is reported to have said at Hull, by J. Keating, in January member of the monthly Journal, that it had taken the old society 50 years to place its pension fund in the present unsatisfactory position at a penny per week. He thought he might safely say that his society would be able to meet all dues and demands on the pension fund for the next 50 years, meeting their contributions were much case than the old society. Well, Sir, these remarks are open to question. They are very careful not to intern their members what proportion of their contributions goes to the pension fund, but, by a little study of their rule book, the mystery is solved . Every full benefit member pays is. per week, and under Rule 1s. 6d. per week is paid into the branch funds out of which 1d. is deducted for branch management as per Rule 5d. leaving 3d. per week to provide 10s. per week for sick pay out of the remaining 8d. goes to the general management fund as per Rule 18, and 4d. to the protection fund under Rule 23. This leaves 2d. per week to provide for the superannuation and death benefits; and, as it is most probable that full benefit members do not exceed 2,000, there is but a very small surplus left in their receipts to provide for the demand that must increase every year.
We are informed by "Carlisle" that a delegate meeting will most probably be held before the end of the present year, and that the subject of old age pensions will not be lost sight of. I venture to suggest to "Carlisle" that certain other reforms would be favourably received by his brother members in reference to the balance sheets; that the balance should show how many full benefit, how many half benefit, and how many protection members there are in the society; that each branch should show how many members there were in hit, the numbers who joined , the members excluded, the numbers transferred; that the death benefit fund and superannuation fund should stand apart and not be included with the protection fund, and also the proportions of the contributions paid into their friends; and also that each branch shall show in their report the same of those who receive the suspensions fines, out of work and withdrawal benefits. It would be more satisfactory for the members to know how the money was spent. They would then be able to see whether their funds were meeting the demands upon them, or whether any deficanary is the superannuation and the death fund was covered up by the protection fund, upon which there has been practically on demand.
I should think that never in the history of any society has a fund been established and reached such a crisis in such a short time. The first call for this benevolent fund was made about October, 1890. As many as eleven calls have been made in one quarter, and the calls are more so frequent that several branches have refused to pay them. There are not many firemen who are able to pay 16s. 8d. per quarter to our society. The Journal for some time past has been almost filled with letters reporting the fund. Not content with hold themselves a part from other railway servants, they are advocating sectionalism within themselves. In this month's Journal "An Old Engineman" proposed there should be three classes viz., A, B, & C. -
Class A to pay 1/4d. per call, Class B to pay 2 1/2d., C 1/2d. What would be the result of the classification? It would be that Class A would look down upon Class C, and if you wished to be respectable member of the society you must join Class A. Some are in favour of this reduction of the benefit to £35 and £100, and for all members to pay 1 1/2d. per week contribution, and as no member over forty years to be admitted. Some idea of the crisis this fund has reached may be seen by the four furthering questions that have been submitted to the branches by the Executive Committee:-
1. Are you willing for the Executive Committee to make such alteration in the fund as the majority of branches decide upon?
2. Are you in favour of discharge being struck out and each branch to form a discharge fund of its own?
3. Are you in favour of enginemen paying 4d. and firemen 2d. each call, and both receive the same benefit?
4. Are you willing that the contributions per call shall be 2d. and the amount to paid not to exceed £25 ?
Yours, etc.,
OBSERVER
* the type is quite illegible in places
26TH AUGUST 1892
THE ASSOCIATED SOCIETY
Sir. although Mr. Sunter refuse to pay Mr. Lewis his £100 under the pleas that it would have been illegal, although he carried not the order of the executive committee, and was clearly entitled to it under Rule 18 (?), clauses 5 and 6, was it legal for them to give Mr. Saunders £50, who had only been a member some two or three years, and was discharged for passing a signal at danger, as they have admitted he was not entitled to anything? How different was their treatment to the fireman at Hampton court, who listened to the advice of his Associated driver, and refused to obey raw order of the foreman, and was consequently reduced. On the Sunday morning, on the evening of which the meeting was held which adopted the memorial protesting against notable interference of the hours of railway servants, the secretary of the Nine Elms Branch, an L. S.& W. R. fireman, and the secretary of the Battersea Branch an L. B. & S. C. R. were both together at the loco office at Nine Elms. The Twickenham Branch drew up a memorial protesting to the loco. Superintendent that Mr. Levett did not represent them. There are about 90 men in the Twickenham district, and I am interested that the large number of 10 signed the memorial. How gratifying it must be to the loco superintendent to know that such a large percentage have sworn fidelity to him. And apparently they have succeeded, for the secretary of the Nine Elms Branch has been firing on the main line passenger trains for some months at 4s 5d. (?) per day, while there are men who are his senior still working on tank duties at 4s. 2d (?) per day. Mr. Higgs, when responding to the toast of the loco officials of the L .S. & W. and L. .B. & S. C. railways at Dovercourt on August 27th 1891, said he was pleased to know that many of the L. B. & S. C. men, as well as many of his own, had protested against any outside interference of labour. In the 1890 balance sheet Mr. Sunter regrets the increase of sickness, which not doubt the frost and fog, coupled with the long hours the men were exposed, was the chief cause of their sickness, and on the same page they do not think it wise to take part in the Commission on the Hours of Railway Servants, as it would be prejudicial to their interests. And yet, in 1891, he thinks that "no signalman ought to receive less than 10s. per day, and no fireman less than 5s., and if they cannot secure the rights enginemen and firemen are entitled to, they will ask the members to decided on the advisability of securing them legislative enactment." Such a vacillating policy as that it not likely to be prelusive of much good to enginemen and firemen.
In July 2nd issue of the Railway Herald, the attention of members is drawn to the name of the society. Why should they give it such a name? Associated Society savours strongly of tautology and the use of the two words enginemen and firemen seems superfluous and suggest that the same should be altered to the Enginemens's Society of Association. If the name of the society is altered in accordance with the suggestion, what is to become of the firemen who are members of it? Are they to be expelled or has a charier been granted in the society by which they can master the degree of enginemen upon them? If they are to occupy the anomalous position of enginemen in the society and firemen on the footplate I hope the society will make good their wages in accordance with their exalted position.
Yours, etc.
OBSERVER
(type in some places is slightly illegible)
2ND SEPTEMBER 1892
ST. LEONARDS
An open meeting was held on Monday night last, at the Clifton Tavern, Warrior Square, St. Leonards. Mr. Garrity, who had been in the district some days endeavouring to resuscitate the branch, was present, and delivered a lengthy address on the benefits of organisation. After Mr. Garrity had answered questions, a n hearty vote of thanks was accorded him for his address. There is every prospect of a good branch being established under a new regime. The members will meet again in the course of a fortnight.
23RD SEPTEMBER 1892
IS A DISTRICT COUNCIL REQUIRED ON THE L .B. & S. C. R.
Sir. I note with pleasure the remarks of "A Member" when dealing with the question of district councils in you last issue, with which remarks I cordially agree. No one who gives this question a moment's thought can help being convinced of the need for more compact unity between branches of the A.S.R.S., especially where working as the group of branches on the Brighton system are under one company. As a member of one of the largest of these branches, I should like, with your permission, to lay a few suggestions before my fellow members on the Brighton system for their consideration. For a long time past I have been convinced of the beneficial results which would follow the linking together the seventeen branches from the Brighton group. The majority of these branches are excellently situated for organising purposes, but at present any, to all practical intents and purposes, completely isolated from each other. There exists no method by which the wealth of robust Trade Unionist can be brought together to discuss questions on which it is necessary for success that the whole of the branches should speak with a unanimous voice. to effect this I would suggest that the whole of these branches should form themselves into a district council, so that the delegates from the north can meet and discuss with their colleagues from the south, east, and west questions of common interest to the whole of them and their constituents, and to devise ways and means for carrying out the work for which our noble society was formed. As we are situated at present many of our branches posses no satisfactory means of ascertaining what ideas their colleagues may hold on any specific question of the day, and in turn have no means of giving expression to their own. I will endeavour to deal briefly with some of the benefits which I think would accrue from the establishment of such a council.
In the first place, a means would be established by which constant interchange of opinion could be maintained between all grades on all parts of the system, consequently a constant supervision and control could be exercised ever the actions of members, and weak spots noted and strengthened. All movements for the benefit of whatever grade receiving the support and supervision of such a representative body would be carried on with greater prospect of success consequently a total absence of sectional movements, as all movement, having first to receive the support and sanction of the whole of the branches represented at the Council, would undoubtedly receive the support of the whole line, occurring collective action in offensive and defensive work by which the influence of the society would be greatly increased, thereby creating an interest and confidence in the society which could not fall to materially add to our membership. In brief, much valuable work essential to proper organisation would be performed, which is now left undone for the simple reason that no one thinks it incumbent on them to commence the task. The geographical position of the lines affords splendid opportunities for assembling delegates being in comparatively close compass, and a central position easy of success at very little expense to the branches. Under wise and judicious leadership, such council should exercise considerable influence in arranging and regulating terms of service with the company, and I am confident would, with wise councils, raise the position of our members and the society on the Brighton to a level second to none in the kingdom. In laying these suggestions before my co-members, I would ask them to discuss these questions among themselves. Is our present position as a society satisfactory? If not, will the formation of a district council improve it?
Yours, etc.,
A. N. OTHER
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Wanted, the balance sheet of the London and Brighton company's Superannuation Fund. If any of the branches on that line have a copy they might send it on. Will Mr. Sarle oblige?
30TH SEPTEMBER 1892
TUNBRIDGE WELLS BRANCH
extracted from branch report
A letter in the Review, signed "A. N. Other," re a district council on the L. B. & S. C. R., was read, and the members present were greatly in favour of the proposal. It was ordered to be brought forward again at the next meeting.
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An answer has come to our question respecting the London and Brighton Superannuation Fund -- not from Mr. Sarle, though -- and, as we anticipated, it affords a splendid argument against these capitalist managed funds. "There is no balance sheet issued" would be enough to condemn and Friendly Society, and hold in this instance. Now will the authorities kindly oblige?
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THE LONDON AND BRIGHTON SUPERANNUATION FUND
Sir. In reply to your inquiry in last weeks Review. I beg to inform you there are no balance sheets issued of the Superannuation Fund, and I am under the impression only the authors with one or two officials know the increase and expenditure of this fund. However, I can give you the balance in hand for the last half year, viz., £255,415 10s. 3d., and, is addition to this, the amount in the savings bank belonging to the workmen is £99,680 11s. 7d., making a grand total of £355,096 4s. 10d. If this amount was placed at 5 per cent in the interest of the actual depositors, it would realise sufficient to increase the amongst at present paid to old servants by 50 per cent., and will leave a balance without touching the capital, the actual increase being a substantial one each year. I have several times been asked where the money comes from to superannuate the blackings with, who never contributed a fraction to this fund, and I am compelled to admit I am unable to trace it, there being no other fund from which they can be paid; and if it will be of service to your readers I may state the less on the Insurance Fund is £1,407 19s. 4d., carrying forward a balance of £27,477 10s. 3d. No doubt these funds will have to be dealt with when State pension schemes come before the House of Commons, and a balance sheet is demanded by the members.
Yours, etc.,
SHAREHOLDER
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SIR. I was amused at your modest request to the branches on the Brighton line to furnish you with a copy of the company's superannuation fund. As well ask for the pattern of Elisha's mantle, as one would be as available to the subscribers of the fund as the other. One thing I can assure you of, Sir --- the uniform regularity of their support of their stopping the subscriptions from their wages every month. I have belonged to the superannuation fund over twenty years, and know as much about it as the child of its father who died before it was born. There many beside the uniform staff who are under the impression that it is the big officials who reap the benefit of our fund --- men who are pensioned off with hundred a year and from pennies. I have never known any man who has been pensioned off yet that could reckon upon what he would get until he received his notice of superannuation. I thin, Sir, with you, that we should know something of the fund we so largely contribute to, but the branches cannot give you a balance sheet. Perhaps Mr. Sarle can oblige?
Yours, etc',
A MEMBER OF THE FUND
7TH OCTOBER 1892
NEW CROSS BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The letters published in the Review re District Council and Superannuation Fund of the L. B. and S. C. was read, and most favourably received.
A brother member gave notice that he would prepare a paper re District Council, to be read on Saturday, October 29th, and hopes were expressed for a good attendance.
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THREE BRIDGES BRANCH
extracted from the branch report
A lengthy discussion took place re the Brighton Company's Superannuation Fund, but owing to business and stress of time the discussion was held over until our next meeting, when we hope the members will again show up in good force.
14TH OCTOBER 1892
THE ASSOCIATED SOCIETY
Sir. My last letter on August 26th, has succeeded in drawing a reply from a member of that aristocratic society in the Railway Herald, on the 17th Ult. It is a plea of guilt with extenuating circumstances. Information accruing (?) the open meeting of the Associated at the Bell Tavern, Wandsworth Road, on Sunday, September 11th, has reached me, and if "Associated Observer" remembered his own motto, "Mind your own business and leave other people's alone," his ears must have tingled pretty freely as he sat there and listened to the proposed new organising secretary, Mr. H. Shuttleworth, and other speakers. Their text was the "Amalgamated," and never did any preacher adhere more to his text, or repeat it so often. We know now from "Associated Observer" that if a member acts under telegraphic instructions from the executive of his society it is no guarantee that he will receive its benefits. I am told the Hampton Court case is wrong, and this, too, after they proclaimed aloud what they had done for this man, and then when they find their great deed has proved to be a myth, they expel him on the charge of implicating his driver. The two branch secretaries were at the Nine Elms loco. offices on the Sunday morning"to see another employed." Perhaps so. The loco foreman is also an employed, and could be found at the office at the time these two secretaries was there. The Associated Society have delicate palates. They object to Mr. Harford representing them on the ground of his not being an enginemen; they could not object to Mer Lever on these grounds, but because he was an ex-railwayman. What would Mr. Sunter be, if he had represented them, but an ex-railwayman? And I can assure "Associated Observer" that the evidence given at the inquest re the Clapham collision does not convince me that the Associated Society is the test society for enginemen and firemen. It advocates sectionalism, not unity.
Yours, etc.
OBSERVER
21ST OCTOBER 1892
EASTBOURNE BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The ordinary meeting was held on Friday, the 16th inst., with a fair attendance. The case of a member who has been ill for a long time was discussed. The seems no likelihood of his resuming his duties again at a driver, and it was resolved to get up a smoking concert to benefit him, but it was held over till our next meeting for discussion.
4TH NOVEMBER 1892
NEW CROSS BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The usual weekly meeting was held on Saturday, October 29th, with a fair attendance.
A member who had previously given notice that he would read a paper re a council of all the branches on the L. B. & S. C. R. had prepared a very elaborate address, dealing with the question in its minuted details, this reading of which was listened to with great attention. Several members commented on the paper, and it was resolved to obtain an estimate of the cost of having copies types written for distribution to the branches. A very hearty vote of thanks was given the member for the able way he had written and read his report.
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BRIGHTON NO.1 BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The usual monthly meeting was on Sunday night last, with a moderate attendance.
The attention of the members was called to nomination of Mr. Gill by the Trades and Labour Council to contest the wards of St. peter's in the interest of the working classes at the forthcoming municipal election
11TH NOVEMBER 1892
One of the most significant Labour victories during the municipal election last week, and one which will be especially pleasing to railwaymen, was the return of Mr. A. Gill as the representative of St. Peter's Ward on the Brighton Corporation. he was at the top of the poll, beating a gentleman who had represented the ward for twelve years, and he had also the honour of receiving the largest number of votes recorded during the election.
Mr. Gill, who, as is well known, is a London and Brighton driver, and secretary of Brighton No.1 Branch of the A.S.R.S., obtain a seat on the Brighton Town Council. We heartily congratulate our brother, and Trades Council, and the electors on this eminently satisfactory result, and we feel that the A.S.R.S. has reason to be proud of this latest addition to its honours lists. It is most encouraging to see the progress which Labour representation is making, a fact which is rendered all the more agreeable by the knowledge that amongst the candidates and members are to be found organised by railwaymen.
NEW CROSS BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The usual weekly meeting was held on Saturday last, with a fair attendance.
Great pleasure was expressed at the return of Mr. A. Gill to the Brighton Town Council. It was resolved to congratulate the members of Brighton No.1 Branch on their Labour victory.
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EASTBOURNE BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The ordinary meeting was held on Friday, the 4inst., with a fair attendance.
After the ordinary business was got through the case of Driver Walter Upton which was left over from the last meeting, came up for discussion, it being proposed that a concert be got up for benefit. His many friends on the Brighton system will regret to hear that he is still very ill, suffering from that cruel malady, asthma.
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THE ASSOCIATED SOCIETY
Sir, Rumour says some very critical things about the above society, amongst them being -- that they are holding their annual congress in camera (?), and that the delegates are elected by the general secretary, Mr. Sunter. I understand that he wants an increase of salary, and it is recommended by his E.C., whom the branches have no rules in electing. It is therefore proposed to reduce the branch secretaries' salaries -- which does not meet the approbation, which it ought -- and increase the general secretary's. I am reading in a neighbourhood where the above society has been in a flourishing condition, but where the truth is now been found out, and things seem to be going flat. One who has been a member and his medallion for threepence, and says that there never has been any business done in the branch he has been connected with, only collecting the contributions, etc. (which there are plenty of) since he joined, and now they want to add 1d. to the protection contribution, which will make it 5d. per week. I wonder if it is correct. The members numbered 5,000 at the end of 1890. They made 1,161 in 1891, and notwithstanding they had a few deaths and withdrawals, they number at the end of 1891, 6,200. I wonder if it is correct. In the district I reside in they are represented at their conference by "a driver," but, upon inquiry, half the members do not know there is a conference, nor that it been at present time, nor who has gone, nor who sent him, and they distinctly assert they have not voted for him.
Your, Etc.,
IN CAMERA
18TH NOVEMBER 1892
INJURED
Near Victoria Station (London) last week, a train from Clapham ran off the line, and the two front carriages were greatly damaged. A gentleman in an end carriage of the train relates the following amusing incident: Someone screamed out that the train behind would run into them. "Oh, never mind," replied a silent and thoughtful looking man. "I have Pearson's Weekly. Answers. Tit-Bits, Ally Sleper, and several other papers; in all they come to £4,000. I shan't get out."
2ND DECEMBER 1892
THREE BRIDGES BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The ordinary meeting took place on Sunday last, with a good attendance.
The secretary was instructed to forward a vote of sympathy from the members to the widow of our late Bro. J. Edwards, engine driver, whose death took place on Thursday week after an illness of eighteen months. The deceased brother leaves a widow and two children in the care of our society. A splendid wreath was presented by the members as a token of respect.
* There is a Firemen James Edwards listed at Tunbridge Wells, 1877 enginemen's list
9TH DECEMBER 1892
THE ASSOCIATED SOCIETY
Sir. Having a copy of the "scab" railway paper thus into the hand. I looked through it, and came upon a letter signed "Veritas," who seems to have got upset at the few plain truths I exposed. He appears to have a got into a muddle on the first line or two. He says something about venting their spleen upon the Associated. Does he read the Monthly journal? Who does Mr. Sunter allow his correspondents to vent their spleen upon? At any open meetings, with or without the presence of the general secretary, who receives the first shower of abuse? He would like to give "In Camera" a little advice. The advice he tenders is the advice tendered by "In Camera" and a few friends to the then leaders of the Associated when they first came to open a branch in my immediate neighbourhood. If he will forward that advice to the editor of the monthly journal, it might be productive of some good. I said in my letter that one who had been a member sold his medallion for 3d. I ought to have said he could not sell it at that price -- that is the only correction I have to make in my previous comm. Management does not require much discussing, as the members of the Associated in my district assure me that they do not have any voice in the matter at all. "Veritas" mentions the revelations that have recently b been made by "Conspirator." The name is sufficient for ---
Yours, etc.,
IN CAMERA
16TH DECEMBER 1892
HASTINGS BRANCH
extracted from branch report
This branch met on December 10th, with a good attendance. Correspondence was read from New Cross re forming a district council on the L. B. & S. C. and the secretary was instructed to reply approving of the same and the suggestions contained therein.
23RD DECEMBER 1892
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from branch report
This usual weekly meeting was held on Friday last with good attendance.
Correspondence from the Nine Elms of the A. S. L. E. & F., re the Clapham Junction was read, and the secretary instructed to forward half the amount as asked for re expenses of the appeal for the two members, one from each society.
30TH DECEMBER 1892
A pleasing feature of the year was the return of Mr. A. Gill, secretary of the Brighton No.1 Branch of the A.S.R.S., as a member of the Brighton Town Council. Several railwaymen sit on School Boards and other minor public bodies, but we believe that Mr. Gill is the first actual working on the line who has obtained a seat on a municipal body.
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CROYDON BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The half yearly meeting was held on Friday, Dec. 23rd, with a good attendance.
A paper from New Cross Branch, entitled "Is a District Council requisite on the Brighton Railway?" was read and favourably discussed, all members being of opinion that a great deal of good would result from the same.
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PORTSMOUTH BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The quartile meeting was held on Friday last.
A paper was read, which had been sent from the New Cross Branch, proposing a district council for the Brighton line, and it was decided that we do all we can try bring it about, feeling sure that it is a step in the right direction.
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In the December number of the organ of the Associated Society, "An Engine Driver" gives an account of the origin of the American Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and attempts to handle us somewhat severely, but only succeeds in throwing himself completely away. He says:-
An alien journal, viz., the Railway Review, is occasionally taking from the journals of the Locomotive Brotherhood of Engineers and Fireman, yet it never has the honestly to tell us that each of them is a separate society, each running its own journal, and because we cannot (or those of us who cannot) see our way to join the A.S.R.S., it empties the vials of its wrath on our heads, with all sorts of insinuations, such as "deadly apathy," "shame," etc. Now, with those men to those men in the loco. department who have joined the A.S.R.S. I have no personal feeling of animosity whatever. I am only sorry they do not see the thing as I think I see it. Some of its members are my best friends, and the Review may rest itself assured if the bulk of locomotive men could see anything good in it, they would not be slow to appreciate it.
The term "alien" is distinctly good, but still better is the charge of dishonesty levelled against us because we do not tell our readers each time we give quotations from the journals of two organisations mentioned what they know -- that they are separate. But our critic, to be consistent, should advocate the separation of firemen and drivers. If there is any argument for sectionalism to be deduced from these American examples, then his own society is in error, because the two grades are amalgamated. Then what a charming piece of reasoning is that in which he declares that if the bulk of loco. men saw anything good in the A.S.RS.,they would not be slow to appreciate it. Is this meant as a snub to Mr. Sunter's organisation? As there are more drivers and firemen in the A.S.R.S than the Associated Society, it must follow, according to this rule, that the former possesses more good qualities that the latter. We fancy that "An Engine Driver's" friend will wish that he had never spoken, for age only two things he established are -- that in America fireman and drivers are divided, which is contrary to the rules of the Associated Society; and that the test of a society is the number of loco. men who are attracted to it, which awards the place of merit to the A.S.R.S.
Thanks, gentle critic, thanks.
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THE ASSOCIATED SOCIETY
Sir. An unknown friend has friend has forwarded to me the Monthly Journal for November and December, and I see that "Associated Observer" has treated the members of this society with a revised edition of letter to the Railway Herald of Sept. 17th, but, as I replied to his letter on Oct. 14th, it does not need any further comment from me except in reference to the Hampton Court case, in which he says "Such men as these, it appears, antagonistic societies are eager to secure as members." One would imagine from these remarks that the Associated Society was the model of all societies, and that they expunged anything that was attended; but let "Associated Observer" recall to his memory the scene at the Bell Tavern on September 11th, and ask himself whether one of the three proposed was a fit and proper person to belong to any Trade Union, ad if his despicable conduct to his old driver did not make him an object to scorn and contempt wherever he was known, and yet he was received with open arms, and without the slightest objection being made by the high moral members at that meeting, and to whom his whole antecedents were known.
"Associated Observer" thinks the Railway Review must be short of anything new to go back to such a lengthy period as in "Observer's" letter. If he presses his own journal for December, he will find that the editor must have been very short of railway news, to fill up space with such trash as "Unexpected Ghosts" and "The Three Seeds of Paradise."
I can endorse "In Camera's" letter of Nov, 11th, in reference rot the election of delegate. In this district they were represent by a driver, who was elected by a large number of seven members, and the rest of the members of the branch had no voice in his election. He was a P.B. member only, and yet he is sent to vote money or objects away, though he does not contribute one penny towards the general management fund and the superannuation fund, and yet he receives his expenses re loss of time, railway fares, hotel expenses, and incidental expenses, and by his vote may be the means of spending large sums of money which cost him nothing.
Yours, etc.
OBSERVER