RECENT CLAIMS PAID

On the 6th inst. Richard Alfred Harmer, driver, L.B. & S.C. Railway, Battersea fell into the an engine pit, and cut one of his hands severely with a glass bottle, and is off duty in consequence. He is a subscriber to our Extra Insurance Edition.

On the 13th inst. William Fryer, fireman, L.B. and S.C. Railway, Battersea, sprained himself whilst lifting a coal flap, and had to go off duty in consequence. He is a subscriber to our Extra Insurance Edition

MARCH 6th 1897

On the 27th inst. W. Fryer, fireman, L.B. and S.C. Railway, injured at Battersea, January 13th; resumed duty February 12th. £1 paid February 17th, 1897.

On the 18th ult. H.W. Rivers, firemen, L.B. and S.C. Railway, Battersea, crushed one of his fingers of his right hand whilst oiling his engine at London Bridge and is off duty in consequence. He is a subscriber to our Extra Insurance Edition.

MARCH 13th 1897

On the 5th ult. George Cox, fireman, L.B. and S.C. Railway, Battersea, was getting the ash pan rake off the top of the tank of his engine when it slipped and fell across his left hand, injuring the fingers, and he had to go off duty the next day in consequences. He is a subscriber to our Extra Insurance Edition.

MARCH 20th 1897

G. Cox, fireman, L.B. and S. C. Railway, injured at Battersea, March 5th; resumed duty March 13th. %s. paid March 16th.

On the 7th inst. Henry Miller, cleaner, L.B. and S. C. Railway, Horsham, fell off the engine on which he was at work, and sustained such injuries that he had to go off duty. He is a subscriber to our Extra Insurance Edition.

H. Miller, engine cleaner, L.B. and S.C. Railway, injured at Horsham March 7th; resumed duty March 12th. 2s. 6d. paid March 16th 1897.

APRIL 3rd 1897

H. W. Rivers, fireman, L.B. and S.C. Railway, injured at London Bridge February 18th, resumed duty March 26th. £1 paid March 27th, 1897.

APRIL 17th 1897

G. Waller, fireman, L.B. and S.C. Railway, injured at Battersea March 23rd; resumed duty April 7th. 10s. paid April 9th, 1897.

SEPTEMBER 11TH 1897

On the 27th ult. Walter Tucker, engine driver, L.B. and S.C. Railway, Battersea, struck one of his knees against the reversing lever rack of his engine, and had to go off duty in consequence. He is a subscriber to our Extra Insurance Edition.

SEPTEMBER 18TH 1897

W. Tucker, engine driver, L.B. and S.C. Railway, injured at Battersea Augst 27; resumed duty September 3rd. 2s. 6d. paid September 11th, 1897.

DECEMBER 11TH 1897

On the 16th ult. Joseph Henry Taylor, engine driver, L.B. and S.C. Railway, Battersea, was engaged in shunting when his engine came into collision with some loaded wagons, and he was thrown violently against the hand rail of his engine, cutting his nose and forehead, and he had to go off duty in consequence. He is a subscriber to our Extra Insurance Edition.

DECEMBER 25th 1897

On the 2nd inst. J.C. Johnson, fireman, L.B. and S.C. Railway, Battersea, injured his shoulder through another engine running into his, throwing him over against he lubricator plug, bruising his shoulder, and he had to go off duty in consequence. He is a subscriber to our Extra Insurance Edition.

JANUARY 8th 1897

J.C. Johnson, fireman, L.B. and S.C. Railway, injured at Battersea December 2nd; resumed duty December 27th, 1897. 15s. paid January 1st, 1898

PORTSMOUTH

Early on the morning of the 12th inst. a goods train collided with an empty passenger train during shunting operations just outside Portsmouth Station No one was injured, but several heavy trucks were derailed and carriages damaged. The down line was blocked for several hours. 

A.S.L.E. AND F. NATIONAL CONFERENCE

The delegate of the various branches of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen who attended the National Conference, held at Birmingham last week, are to be congratulated on the moderation of the proposals for better conditions of service which it was decided to lay before the directors of the various Railway Companies. They ask for a ten hours day of ordinary work, with an eight hours day of men working underground, and in busy shunting yards that 150 miles be the equivalent f a day for men on passenger trains running twenty miles without stopping, and 100 miles for men on local passenger and through goods trains.

As regards the wages question, it was decided to ask for firemen a minimum wage of 4s., raising to 5s. per day, and for driver a minimum of 6s., increasing to 8s. It was also resolved to approach the various Boards of Directors with a request for the appointment of a Conciliation Board in connection with each railway. The reasonableness of these proposals should commend them to their acceptance by the various Companies.

At the National Conference held at Birmingham last week, various amendments were proposed on the subject of the number of hours to be worked for a day. A proposal for a general eight hours' day was rejected, also one for a nine hours' day. Eventually a resolution was passed that all men be paid for ten hours a day, excepting those working underground and in busy shunting yards, which would be eight hours per day. It was decided that 150 miles be equivalent to the day for express passenger trains, and with respect to the definition of express train it was decided that any train having a communication cord and running twenty miles without stopping be an express train. Another resolution was adopted that 100 miles should be a day's work on local passenger trains and through goods trains, and that the time should be taken when men go on duty and the they leave duty. A long discussion took place on "The Knowledge of the Roads," and it was resolved that in all cases where a driver was working over a district unknown to him the pilot should be thoroughly competent driver. On the wages question resolutions were adopted in favour of firemen receiving a minimum wage of 4s. day, increasing to 5s., and drivers' 6s., increasing to 8s. Much discussion took place on thee eyesight question, and it was decided to approach the Board of Trade with a view to accruing an intimation to the Railway Companies that a practical eyesight test would be sufficient instead of the theoretical test now in vogue. A resolution was passed in favour of opening negotiations to secure the amalgamation of all enginemen and firemen in one society. It was also resolved to the various Boards of Directors with a request for the appointment of a Conciliation Board in connection with each railway. 

FEDERATION OF THE ASSOCIATED AND A.S.R.S.

Sir, -- The  delegates to the conference held at Birmingham (Associated) recently were congratulated -- and deservedly -- in "Current Comments" of your really valuable paper of the 30th ult. on the reasonableness of the proposals -- the result of the conference -- the result of the conference -- to be, or which have, ere this, been forwarded to the directors, general managers, and locomotive superintendent of the various railways. I heartily agree with your remarks that the moderation expressed in the circular drafted commends it for acceptance by the Companies. But how will the Federation scheme, which was introduced at the conference, fare? Will it be allowed to collapse? I am afraid it will for the present, but not through any want of unanimity of the delegates, the majority of whom were for it, but rather through the almost indefinably slip shod way the question, so tangibly introduced, was allowed to fade, as it were, a must out of sight. It was deemed absolutely necessary also to join hand in hand with the enginemen's conference of the A.S.R.S., to be held at Birmingham on the 15th instead., on the subject at issue, but have the proper steps been taken to carry it out? If not, why not? for we know that if we are not united our chances of concessions -- moderate and just though they be -- will be materially diminished. As the Bolton delegate said "he was instructed to do his best to promote a National Federation"; to which I say. "Hear, hear; the sooner, the better." Well, sir, one resolution, and a most sensible on, suggested that four delegates should be appointed from the meeting to approach the A.S.R.S. conference, to be held in Birmingham on the 15th instead., with the object of effecting an amicable and simultaneous understanding between the two Societies. It was proposed to offer the "olive branch" to the A.S.R.S conference, seeing that the conference of the two bodies was for the self same object; but, as previously explained, the vital points were inconsistently overlooked, and a resolution as follows was in the end carried by a large majority:-

"Be it known to all enginemen and firemen that the members of the Associated Society are prepared to open up negotiations with a view to a general presentation of demands, and also the amalgamation of enginemen and firemen in one society."

So far, so good; but as the Associated circular was to be sent to the Companies within 14 days of the meetings, joint action at the present junction of affairs obviously impossible.

CHEMIN DE FER

Birmingham, February 7th, 1897

Sir, -- In  your issue of the 13th inst. I saw a letter referring to the conference of enginemen and firemen, A.S.L.E. and F., held in Birmingham in January. Since then enginemen and firemen of the A.S.R.S. have held a conference on the same question -- viz., hours and wages. Now, as both our Societies are agreed on better pay and less hours, cannot some step be taken to make the interview with the various Boards of Directors a joint one, as both our circulars are, with a few exceptions, identical, and I feel sure it would be of great benefit to the members of both Societies. I also notice that one of our leading Companies has granted an annual holiday of six days to men who's have been in their employ over 5 years, and those who have been less 3 days. Now, as both our circulars omit asking for this concession, I hope every delegate of both Societies will urge to their utmost the necessity of the above, as it would undoubtedly be very beneficial to health and mind for such responsible duties, and would ensure safer working.

EXONION

Exter, Feb. 22nd, 1897 

A deputation from the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen waited upon Sir Courtenay Boyle, the permanent secretary to the Board of Trade, last week, with a view of obtaining a modification of the system of eyesight testing in operation on various railway, and to point out the desirability of appointing practical engine drivers as sub inspectors of a uniform system of signalling on all railways. After a long interview, the deputation withdrew, being well satisfied with the manner in which they received.

The modification of the eyesight test, and the appointment of enginemen as sub-inspectors of the department, are clearly matters coming under the purview of the Board of Trade, but the question system of signalling is one that only can be satisfactorily settled by the Railway Association.

THE RAILWAY CONVALESCENT HOME

A new convalescent home, exclusively or railwaymen, was opened at St. Leonards on Sea on May 4th by the Countess of Chichester. The home is in connection with the Railway Mission. Mr. T.A. Denny presided att he opening ceremony. The Secretary, Mr. R. Nixon, said the home, which contains forty beds, would take the place of a smaller home at Hastings, which was opened in 1892. The application for admission to the old home were so numerous that it because necessary to provide a larger building, and Miss Dole, the Hon. Lady Superintendent. generously purchased and present to the committee the main site on which the present home stands. The need for the home is very great. 3,000 railwaymen are wounded every year in the United Kingdom, in addition to a large number constantly on the sick list owing to exposure at all hours of the day and night. The chairman cordially welcomed Lady Chichester, who gave a beautiful address, and expressed her warm sympathy with the objects of the Railway Mission and the new convalescent home, which she said was the most beautiful she had ever seen. The Countess then declared the said the building and furnitures cost £7,000; to meet this £1,500 was still needed, and he earnestly appealed for that amount. Lady Hope gave a brief and touching address, commending the home to universal sympathy and support. Contributions towards the amount required may be sent to the secretary, !, 

Adam Street, Strand, W.C.

TTHE A.S.L.E. AND FIREMEN

Sir, -- If this society has really the interest of enginemen and fireman at heart, and wishes to find favour and membership amongst them, why, by all that is great and good, do they not send someone round all large locomotive centres to explain the objects and benefits of their Association, and not keep their officials sitting in an office in Leeds? This might be considered a proper policy 20 years since, but it is not in keeping with the year 1897. If enginemen and firemen want a Society under their own control they must not be asleep, but be up and doing.

W.W.

WELL WISHER

Sheffield, August 13th, 1897  

THE A.S.L.E. AND F.

Sir, -- Will you please allow me a small space in your paper to say a word in reference to a letter signed "Sheffield" in your last issue. His very able remarks are quite true, as he says that our officials might have done 20 years ago. I think general secretary and E.C. might have done in the stage coach days, for they evidently are not keeping pace with the time, and I would ask the question, why have we no organising secretary? What is the objection, will any other member explain? I shall be pleased to hear the views of others on the question.

ANOTHE WELL WISHER

Exeter, August 23rd, 1897

AMALGAMATION OF ENGINEMEN SOCIETIES

Sir, -- A few weeks ago a correspondent in the "Railway Herald" asked me to explain through your paper my scheme, which appeared in the "Associated Journal" for the amalgamation of the three Loco. Societies. In the first place I would point out that no scheme appeared. I simply asked permission of the three E.C.'s to choose seven men from each society to formulate a scheme, and deal with this important matter; and I feel sure if this were done, we could settle this question, as I am of opinion that the members generally are favourable to the same, and if the Swansea resolutions had been carried at the Birmingham Conference of the Associated, we should be well on the way to an understanding with the companies re the progress of the same. Seeing this, I am convinced that our officers have made a complete failure if this vexed question of amalgamation, and therefore we, as men of common sense, should ask them to stand aside and give us a chance to draw ourselves together and make a stand for the concessions ask for but little if anything, more than has been awarded by Lord James to the North Eastern men; and when we remember that 2,000 of us are trade unionists and should be able to obtain a just and fair programme, it seems ridiculous for us to be kept in our present position because we happen to be in two societies, Some may think that I have a high opinion of my own capabilities in asking to be allowed to deal with three societies of such magnitude, but I would point out that such is not the case. I am asking for 21 loco. men namely, seven from each society, to meet and deal with this question, and in order to give my fellow enginemen and firemen a chance to judge for themselves, I here append the names of the men in whom I have the greatest faith:- 

For the old society: Messrs. John Brooks, General Secretary; F. Scott, Salop; J. Brindley, Blackburn; J. Gibbs, Newcastle; Bancroft, Bradford; B. Robinson, Crewe; Higgenbottom, Bolton, and Wray, King's Cross.

For the A.S.R.S: Messrs. Harford, General Secretary; A. Davis, Swansea; Thomas Williams, Swansea; T. London, London; J. Clements, Newport; W. Reily, Mirfield; H. Seddon, Pendleton; and J.F. Uzzle, Wolverhampton.

For the Associated Society: Messrs. T.G. Sunter, General Secretary:  Callboy, Opportunist, H. Parfit, Aberdare; T. Millman, Tonder; W. Warwick, Swansea; J. Holt, Southport; Win. Stanley, Wigham.

ARTHUR DAVIES

10, Upper Rodney Street, Swansea

September 6th, 1897.

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THE A.S.L.E. AND F.

Sir, -- A correspondent n you issue of September 4th, "Another Well Wisher," asks the question why we have no organising secretary? what's the objection? etc. By your kind permission, I will try to throw some light on the matter. In the first place let me state we once had an organiser, a Mr. Thomas Ball, who was employed in the latter part of 1887. In referring to our 1888 balance sheet and journals I find evidence of Mr. Ball's work, in not only conducting the journal, but writing articles, opening new branches etc. During that, his first full year as organiser, I find 704 new members joined us. Now I would ask my friend to turn to the journals and balance sheet for 1889. Here he will find more good work, and see we gained 1,232 new members -- the largest number who had up to that date joined us in a year. Now we come to 1890, when we find fifteen new branches opened, and 1,439 members joined us.And again in 1891 we find 1,161 new members joined or ranks, 874 being in for full benefit. In the latter part of this year Mr. Ball disappeared romantically our midst, and how he went and what became of him no one seems to know or care. But in the balance sheets for 1892 I see his name registered among the dead. And that year, as a conference f the society delegates took place at Leeds, and the chairman of the E.C. read his famous report, one would have thought he would have paid a tribute to the memory of the late Mr. Ball for the work he had done, but oh! dear, no. The burden of this report was what Mr. Sunter had done, and it finished up with asking the delegates for a rise of wages for our general secretary of £50 per annum for wok of which Mr. Ball had done his share. The next move was to inform the delegates that the E.C. had elected Mr. Shuttleworth in place of Mr. Ball, and as the E.C. could only elect him pro team., the conference was asked to retain his services, but not as organising secretary -- "that would never do." So the delegates were hoodwinked into changing his name to assistant secretary. So from the year 1892 we find ourselves without an organiser, but have the consolation of knowing we pay our cash to a man to sit in an office to perform a duty three parts of which a lady clerk could do. We now come to the conference of delegates in 1895. And what do we find? Mr. Sunter hoodwinking the delegates into believing that we must have no organising secretary. So today we are paying over £300 per year for a general secretary, and an assistant, practically to do nothing in the combination of enginemen and firemen except perhaps visiting large branch when they want a change of air. I would now ask any "Well Wisher" of our society to take note of our balance sheets from the year 1891, when we parted company with Mr. Ball. They will soon see which road the wind blows. And further, let them notice the minutes of the 1892. conference, and likewise those of the 1895, and they will see who pulls the strings. 

I remain, fellow members, yours loyal to the society

BUT NOT THE POWERS THAT BE

South Yorkshire, Sept. 10, 1897

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Sir, -- "Well Wisher," and "Another Well Wisher," ask why the above Society has not an organising secretary. I might remind him that the above Society has had one, a very able one. That man told me that his occupation and position distressed him. When I asked because he found it was, according to his own dictates, impossible to render service to his Society, "From the nature of things," at all commensurate with his remuneration, and the expenses allowed. Some organising and would be organising secretaries would take the opposite view as a matter of expediency. I may say that our organising secretary's salary was less than he received whilst engine driving. With this in my mind. I shall always oppose the appointment of another Organising Secretary. On reconstructing our Executive Committee in 1892-3, we created six Executive Committee men, to represent six distinct districts in Great Britain. Each was to act as organising secretary for the district he represented, and to receive his expenses for so doing, which works better than one man. I could go much further into this matter, but it is not necessary, as it is a matter for delegate meetings. The A.S.R.S. has a few organising secretaries, but according to their last report they would seem to be in want of a few "retention secretaries," for last year that Society suffered 7,556 secessions of members, but after reading the "Current Comments" in the last issue of this paper, who can wonder? If it was not for the Orphan Fund and the same being had on the cheap, that Society would collapse for the want of sympathy. I say good luck to the Railway Clerks' and Pointsmen's Associations.

NOT LEX

Manchester, September 6th, 1897. 

AMALGAMATION OF ENGINEMEN SOCIETIES

Sir, -- I was pleased to see Mr. Davies's letter re the above, setting forth his ideas as to how he would deal with this large and interesting question; but I would first point out what I presume is a printer's error, viz., that 2,000 of us are trade unionist. I take it Mr. Davies mean 20,000, and I am pleased to inform him that he would then fall short of the mark, which must be at least 25,000, if the official figures of the Associated and A.S.R.S are to be relied upon, and, with him, I think it is simply ridiculous that with so large  number organised we should be kept where we are through what can only be termed official jealousy. What is the position of our societies today? First, take our old society. We find that today it is being actually crushed through jealousy of the Associated, and the result of the last delegate meeting is to be nullified, as over thirty branches (so I am informed) have refused to pay the increased contributions, and so the new rules cannot be put in force, and another delegate meeting must be held and the funds thus practically wasted, while at the same time we cannot afford to pay superannuation to the old and deserving members. All this was pointed out in the "Herald" some time ago, but enginemen and firemen seem so slow to learn, even in the school of experience. I would here point out to my fellow members that another delegate meeting will be worse than useless unless those sent are prepared to discuss amalgamation of the two societies without prejudice. At the last delegate meeting contributions were raised until members absolutely refused to pay. Now nothing remains to be done (outside amalgamation) but reduce benefits, and if this is done what will be the logical result? Simply that members will leave and no new ones will join. The members were sufficiently warned of this through the "Herald" before the last delegate meeting, and now I would issue a further note of warning. Fellow members, if you wish to secure the benefits which some of us have paid for so many years, when you are next asked to send delegates, vote only for those who will vote for amalgamation. Then take the Associated, which has striven and is striving to better our conditions of service. Its efforts are to a great extent rendered useless because our fellow enginemen and firemen in the A.S.R.S. allow their officials to poison their minds against it and persuade them if they only follow their lead they will lead them to the land flowing with milk and hone; but we mat depend upon it if those in the A.S.R.S allow themselves to be dragged into warfare against the combined railway companies without first having made peace with their fellow footplate workers, many of them will rue the day when tool late, and so I would recommend that some such scheme as Mr. Davies' should be carried out before they allow themselves to be parties to such a warfare as the A.S.R.S. would have us believe they intend shortly to embark upon.

ENGINEMEN

Swansea, September 25th, 1897

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Sir, -- The letter of A Davies in your issue of September 18th will, I think, have but little influence in the decision of this vexed question. It is not the blame of our Associated Society in not pushing it, but its members do not forget the fact that there is a grave financial loss to face, when even the numerical gain would not cover. The statement that our members generally are favourable to the scheme is far from correct. At the Birmingham conference he writes of, there was but little interest or desire shown by the delegates to approach the subject. If steps are to be taken they must emanate from the old Society, but only after they have purged their contempt shown by their conduct to the Associated Society. At the Manchester meeting of the old society resolutions from its largest branches asked that each member should have the power of voting on it. While ten delegates supported it, twelve representing the weakest branches - many of which in finance and numbers are dead -- voted against it. I am surprised at his suggestion that members of the A.S.R.S. should be asked for support in the matter. Let the members of that Society first make a clean sweep of its so called leaders, also to clean their hands of their orphan funds by honourably meeting its claims out of their own pockets, not by public charity. That Society has done much to crush the life out of the old one. As a member for over thirty years of the old Society, let me say I am not prepared to place on the shoulders of our young members of the Associated so grave responsibility as taking over the old Society. Our hopes must be centred in the building up of the young workers in the true principles of unity. This will never be found to possess in the old one, which has had a clear path with the door of opportunity opened wide to them. Crushing the desire of its members to have a protection fund added to it years since like children they have played in the sun, only to take it for their toy; thus forgetful of the muffled sounds of their winter of discontent slowly enveloping them in finality.

DEVONIAN

Newton Abbot, September 25th, 1897

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THE A.S.L.E. AND F.F. SOCIETY

Sir, -- In reference to the letter of "But Not In There Powers That Be" o the subject of organising secretary, let me say that I present at the meeting he writes of. The matter was fully thrashed out and decided by delegates who had the matter before them. To write that they were hoodwinked by our resected general secretary shows his ignorance of the subject, which was only exceeded by his bad taste in so expressing himself.

DEVONIAN

Newton Abbot, September 25th, 1897

THE NEW RAILWAY MISSON CONVALESCENT HOME 

AT ST. LEONARDS - ON - SEA

Unfortunately this excellent institution is unknown to a vast number of railwaymen. Such being the case., I hope -- and believe -- this little article will be of interest to a number of "Herald" readers.

The old home was situated at Portland Place, Hastings, and a great number of men from all parts were benefited by staying there. But the accommodation was limited to about a dozen beds, and as time went on this was found totally inadequate, so a mew home was suggested; but, of course, the question was, the money to come from? but thanks to the efforts of a few earnest workers it was at last definitely decided that a new home should be built. Miss Dolby, the lady superintendent, was most untiring in her efforts to bring about this desirable object, and she gave the idea a magnificent start by presenting (at a cost of £600) the site for the new home in a splendid position right on the edge of the cliff at St. Leonards. The home was opened on May 10th this year. It is built of red brick, with terra-cotta and white stone facings, and from the exterior presents a very noble appearance. It stands in a nice little piece of ground, and there is a walk round to the back of the home, which is very convenient for those patients who cannot walk far, as, being upwards of a hundred feet above the sea level, you obtain grand sea breezes and views. Inside great tact and taste have been displayed in providing everything best for the comfort of patients. When in the house, and not at meals, patients spend most of their time in the sitting room, which is a very spacious apartment, quite capable of seating 100 people. not is very comfortable furnished with couches, lounges, and arm and invalid chairs. There are grand sea views from all the windows; on clear days Eastbourne and Beachy Head are plainly visible. Various games are provided, including bagatelle, parlour croquet, etc., so when, owing to inclement weather or other causes, patients remain indoors, there is plenty to keep their minds occupied. In this room hangs the oil painting of Miss Dolby, presented by patients and admirers to the opening of the new home. It cost about £50 and is a splendid work. Adjoining the sitting room is the library. It is a cosy little room, well stocked with books of various descriptions. Here the patients do their correspondence (writing materials being provided). The dinning room is also on the ground floor. It is a large cheerful room, with table accommodation for upwards of 40. The bedrooms are situated upstairs. Beds are provided for 40 patients, 25 being on the first floor and 15 at the top, arranged from one to six in a room. They are very comfortable beds spring mattresses, etc., and are all numbered. Wardrobes and cupboards are provided in the bedrooms for the use of the patients. The home is lighted by the incandescent gaslight, and heated by patent hot water apparatus. The total cost was considerably ver £7,000, and I think my readers will agree that it reflects credit on those responsible that (with the exception of £300) the whole of this sum has been raised by voluntary contributions. The committee have hopes before Christmas the deficiency will be cleared, and that the home will be able to start the new year free from debt. 

The following are the regulations for week days: - 7.30 a.m., bell rings, -- that is the order to "arise." Patients then adjourn to the lavatories at the end of the corridor. there you find every convenience, bath rooms, hot and cold water, w.c.'s, etc. Each patient has a separate towel. To prevent any mistake, the towel racks are numbered; each patient has the towel corresponding to with the number of his bed. Having finishing your toilet, you await the second bell, which rings at 7.55 a.m.; that is to "go down stairs." You then arrange yourselves in the sitting room for morning prayers, which Miss Dolby conducts at 8 a.m. That over you await the breakfast all at 8.30. Patients are at liberty after breakfast till dinner at 1 p.m.; then again till tea at 5 p.m., and all except the worst cases are allowed out after till 8 p.m. super is served at 8.30. Miss Dolly conducts evening prayer in the sitting room at 9 p.m., and after kindly inquiring after the patients' healthy, with a heart good night, we are off to bed at 10 p.m.

The food is of excellent quality, and the quanta is unlimited. Miss Dolly presides at dinner, the nurse officiating at other meals. Sunday's deals are the same as on week days. All patients are expected to attend a place of worship in the morning. At 7.15 in the evening there is a pleasant little service in the sitting room, generally conducted by Miss Dolby, assisted by some of the patients. 

The home is exclusively for railwaymen of all companies who require change and rest after illness. With a subscriber's letter the charge is 5s. 6d. a week for three weeks; without a letter, 12s. 6. a week. These charges include medical attendance, and medicine, washing, etc. The home is within a few minutes walk of West St. Leonard's station, S.E.R, and St. Leonards (Marina), L.B. and S.C.R., and is appropriately called by a number of old patients "Home from Home."

Another lie of the A.S.R.S. officials which we have to "nail to the counter" is one which appeared in the columns of the official organ of the Society in its issue of last week. There it is stated editorial, "Among the many other loud and vague trumpeting from the Company's quarter during the late crisis, for pure audacity that form the Boardroom of the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway surpasses anything of the kind we have ever met with. Very early in the week just passed, a paragraph , appeared in the Press to the effect that a deputation of enginemen in employed of the Company, had waited upon Sir Allen Sarle upon the question of the A.S.R.S. National Movement. The deputation, which was described as a "numerous one," was said to represent the Associated Society of Enginemen and Firemen, and their purpose in approaching he General Manager was to assure the Board that the had no sympathy whatever with the Amalgamated Society, and that they were determined o loyally assist the Company in the event of a general strike.

"Now what are the facts? This so called deputation, it appears was no deputation at all. The persons supposed to compose it were nor selected by, nor were they representative of, the Associated or any other Society. They were not, we believe, even Associated men, and, indeed, the whole thing, so far as a deputation and the balderdash put into its intocent mouth is concerned, is a pure invention from beginning to end. What actuality took place was that three men taken respectively from New Cross, Brighton, and Battersea were "told off" by their officials to appear before the general manager. The remainder is what we have described -- a contemptible trick to deceive the public, who perhaps after this, will take these "dummy" deputations at the proper value."

"Now what are the facts?" -- to quote the locus tenets of the editorial chair at Club Union Buildings -- the three delegates who met the Directors and General Manager of the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway Company were not only duty appointed by their fellow workmen to represent them at interviews with the Locomotive Superintendent, the General managers, and the Board of Directors, but the programme they proposed to before those gentlemen was unanimously approved at well attended meetings held at the principal locomotive centres on the line -- Battersea, New Cross, and Brighton. The meeting at Battersea was attended by many members of the A.S.R.S. and non unionist, who joined in support of the action of the delegates and in passing a vote of confidence in them.

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Sir, -- In connection with the recent concessions granted to drivers and firemen and passed cleaners, through our overtures. I beg to claim indulgence of publicity to deny th jealous and somewhat libellous statements put forward by the recognised organ of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, to the effect that the deputation the waited upon our Board of Directors was of a purely personal character, and had no official basis. Had the reports been confined to the columns of the medium in question, we should not have so great a cause for complaint, but the statement appears to have been circulated, and has even excited comment. Hence our desire and claim for a chance of denial.

Our Association was founded in February, 1880, and the membership is now about 9,000 members, with a capital of over £60,000.

To. support our claims, two others and myself duly and regularly appointed to interview the Locomotive Superintendent, General Manager, or Board of Directors, if necessary. In due course interviews took place from Superintendent upwards, and on reporting progress between the interviews, the delegates received unanimous vows of confidence at well attended meeting at Battersea, Brighton, and New Cross Gate. The meeting at Battersea was an open one, many members of the A.S.R.S. being present and supporting the vote of confidence in the delegates.

Finally, after an interview with the Board of Directors, some concessions were granted, with a promise of further consideration at a future date on other points put forward.

The foregoing explanation is best answer to the spiteful vaporings of the "Railway Review," and it is a significant fact that since the partial success of our endeavours the A.S.R.S. have adopted a similar line of procedures.

At all events, I think it only right to endeavour to counteract the efforts of a wilfully misleading statement, and put our position fairly before the public.

JOHN BLISS 

Engine Driver 

Delegate (for the past 10 years) A.S.L.E. and F.

41, Kirsley Street Battersea, 

December 20th, 1897  

* The A.S.L.E and F. delegates were Engine Drivers 

John Bliss, Battersea; William Young, Brighton (Branch Secretary); and J. Pogmore New Cross