Punctuality is undoubtedly a virtue well appreciated by the public, by the companies, and the men alike. That, however, does not appear to us a sufficient reason for the vexatious suspension of drivers which is now taking place on the L.B. & S.C. Mr. Forbes has the republican of been a fair minded man, and we trusted he will give the matter his personal attention. For instance, in December a driver was suspended for a day because four minutes were lost on a journey with a leaky engine, bad coal, and a full load of passengers. If this were an isolated instance it might be passed over silence, but it is typical of many recent cases. We all know that when the dinner is badly cooked there is sure to be something the matter with the oven or some other sufficiently good excuse is forthcoming. That might be put forward if the instance we have quoted alone, but the suspensions on these grounds have become systematic. Unfortunately, the men are not so thoroughly organised and united as they might be. We hope they will learn the lesson which this experience should teach them  

31ST AUGUST 1901

The engine drive in charge of the 2.26 p.m. train from Eastbourne to London had a remarkable escape a day or two ago. While the train was travelling between Cooksbridge and Plumpton, Harry Baker, the driver inquest, was making his way from the "cab" to the front of the engine, when came to the end of the handrail and lost his balance. He did not, lose his presence of mind, and being on the outside of the track he threw himself clear and landed in a ditch. The fireman stopped the train, which was proceeding at the rate of 30 miles an hour, and assistance was sent to Baker, who, having escaped with a shaking, returned to his engine and his duties.

We do not remember ever having read of such a Profidential escape, and we cordially congratulate the driver on his presence of mind and pluck.

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The Brighton line had two bad breakdowns this Christmas. A delay of forty minutes occurred at Horsham, where an engine sprang a serious leak. The second mishap occurred roughly the Ford and Littlehampton Express, in which case the engine's crank axle gave way, and the train had to be stopped at Epsom for an hour while a new engine was obtained, the delay at London being nearer two hours.

During the illness of our late Queen the staff at the Victoria Station of the London, Brighton, and South coast Railway have had a most trying tie, only receiving a few minutes; notice on several occasions to be prepared with a special train to convey some member of the Royal Family to Osborne. For three nights an extra inspector was kept on duty, in case of emergency, so as to acquaint the state superintendent, who on more than one occasion was on the station from 6.30 a.m. till 12 midnight, with but a short interval for rest. On two nights a train and engine in steam were also in readiness to convey the Minister, should they have been required to go, which was not the case until mid day on Tuesday, the 22nd ult., when a train was ordered and despatched on its journey in about twenty minutes. This speaks volumes for what the Brighton Company can do when called upon; also of that urbane chief of Victoria Station, who is always on the alert. Mr. Locomotive Superintendent Richardson begins to know his way to Portsmouth, having been twice on Saturday, the 19th ult., once on Sunday, the 20th ult., and down again on Monday, the 21st ult., where he remained with his splendid engine "Empress" and the train until ordered again to come up on the morning of Wednesday, January 23rd.

"The following account of the arrangements in connection with the late Queen's funeral, furnished me by a valued correspondent on the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, will be of interest to many readers who were unable to be present on that sorrowful occasion"

The London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway Company have earned the title of the Royal Road. On Friday night, February 1st, the above company's Royal Train left Portsmouth Town Station for Gosport, in charge of two London, and South Western Railway pilotmen, where it was shunted for the night, being taken early on Saturday morning to Clarence Yard, where the remains of Her Late Majesty were placed in the Great Western saloon carriage, suitably wrapped with purple and white, ready for being conveyed to Victoria Station. After the members of the Royal Family were all seated, and everything in order, the signal was given to start about twelve minutes late. The train was under the personal charge of Mr. Sam Fay, superintendent of the London, and South Western, and Chief Inspector Greenfield, Mr . Drummond, the Loco. Superintendent, and Mr. Owens, General Manager, London, and South Western, travelling with the train. On arrival at Fareham, the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway Company's engine, "Empress" (Battersea Driver, B. Cooper), was attached to the train, and the Brighton Company's  officials took charge for the remainder of the journey. Mr. Billington, the Company's Loco. Superintendent; Mr. J. Richardson, the chief of Battersea Loco. District, travelling on the engine, with Mr. Footes, general manager; Mr. Greenwood, superintendent of the line, and other  officials also in attendance, the train being in charge of two Royal Guards, in gorgeous uniforms (J. Youatt and E. Rose). A record run was made; the engine making up for the late start before passing Sutton. Crowds of people were standing bareheaded in the fields and country roads to witness the passing of the trio which bore all that was mortal of their beloved Queen. On nearing London the numbers increased more and more, from the time the train passed Streatham Junction (south), all along Tooting and Wandsworth Commons, people were standing two and three deep. At Victoria everything was (as usual when arranged by Mr. Superintendent Wright, assisted by his personal staff) all ready, and a more brilliant scene was never previously witnessed at the terminus. Upon the trip coming to a stand the Royal mourners alighted, and were received by a Royal Salute from the Guard of Honour of the Coldstreams, and a company of sailors of H.M.S. Cambridge. Durning the time the coffin was being placed on the gun carriage the mourners retired into the Royal pavilion, which was erected upon No.4 platform, but after a few minutes the king came and personally saw the coffin carried from the saloon and placed upon the gun carriage. When the King had mounted his charger, and the Queen and other ladies of the Royal party had taken their seats in the semi State carriages, a messenger was sent to the Earl Marshal the Duke of Norfolk, and at the request of the King, the procession started on its journey to Paddington, the band of the Royal Artillery playing Chopin's Funeral March from the station yard. Immediately behind the gun carriage rode the chief mourners, King Edward VII., the German Emperor, and the Duke of Connaught, followed by about forty other members of foreign Royal Families, all mounted.  Then came the six semi state carriages, the rear being brought up by a detachment of the Household Cavalry.

23RD FEBRUARY 1901

FUNERAL  OF A 

LONDON, BRIGHTON AND SOUTH COAST RAILWAY COMPANY 

BATTERSEA ENGINE DRIVER FREDERICK SNOW

SMOKING CONCERT FOR BATTERSEA DRIVER SAM FLEY

A good smoking concert for the benefit of Driver Sam Fley, of the London, Brighton, and South Coast, who has been laid up through an accident for the past twelve months, took place on Thursday, January 24th, when Mr. O'Shea, of the "Lord Raglan," Wandsworth road (always ready to do a good turn for railwaymen), kindly put his spacious clubroom at the disposal of the committee. Upwards of 200 turned up to help a fellow worker, and several good songs were sung during the by the evening by Messrs. Jasper, Sutton, Broome, Leadbitter, Harper, Purver, Todman, Noel, J and E. Every, Mannell, O'Shea, T. Banks, A. Banks, and several others. During the evening a vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Bliss to the chairman. Vote of thanks for the use of the room was proposed from the chair, and drank with musical honours. It is hoped by the time that Driver Jasper has completed his list that upwards of £15 will be handed to Fley. The chair was taken by Mr. H.A. Broome; vice chair, Mr. G. Jasper. 

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TWO DRIVERS ON ONE ENGINE

Sir, - Apropos of a paragraph in your composite column in your issue of the 12th ult., I wish to draw your attention to the fact that cases of drivers losing their balance and alighting on "Old England" are more numerous than is generally supposed. Presence of mind may lead a man to throw himself clear into a ditch, or a covering of the snowy element, or terra firmer may provide a welcome resting place; but a luckless individual precipitate from a "flying" machine on to hard Mother Earth may receive such a maiming as will necessitate a speedy removal to the nearest hospital. This is, then, where the utility of having two drivers on one main line engine comes in. The wonder is that more firemen, authorised to act as drivers, are not created on large railways having long runs, especially as this "creating" would only cost the matter of about 3d. per day. it is the idea that numerous lives might be  saved in consequence, as, in the case of an accident to a driver at some considerable distance from a hospital or medical aid, an "authorised" fireman might get hold of any railway servant with a rough knowledge of locomotives, such as a platelayer or porter, and make all speed to the nearest point, where properly qualified medical skill was forthcoming.

MIDLAND ENGINEMAN

2ND MARCH 1901

The adjourned discussion re L. B. & S. C. loco department suspension again came on, but owing to the apathy shown by the members not attending the branch meetings it was decided:

"That the discussion be now closed and the no action be taken."

Sir, -- This old friendly society, much persecuted by its class, is still in existence, but it is pleasing to know there are those who are anxious it should rank as one of the best friendly societies in existence. An important rule is wanted today, and that is one which will state how long a time shall elapse from one delegate meeting to another. Instead of that being the case, matters are allowed to drive from had to worse, and when a delegate meeting is called it has to be by consent of the branches. Then things are done in a hurry. We do not know by rule when the next delegate meeting will take place. There certainly should not be more than two years elapse, that is we want to keep up with the times. Bro. Davies speaks of branch Rule 35, page 17, as being an unjust rule. I cannot see it. I know men who transferred to the branches after ten years being a member, and to business not worth so much money per member as the branch they left. during the ten yers they have only received one week's sick pay. Then we have to consider it is for the society we are working, and not the individual branch. I should be very sorry to see the rule altered. Now, it appears Abergavenny is suffering from this rule by a member being transferred to another branch and coming on to their branch to another branch and coming on to their branch for two years. If Bro. Davis will refer to branch Rule 21, the last portion of the rule reads 

(that is, the member in the first place must apply to the branch nearest to where he has fallen sick): 

"It shall then be paid to him by the branch which he applies, and shall be paid to them by this branch."   

Of course, if the branch not got the money to at once pay any member receiving a benefit from another branch, then it must remain as a debt from one to another. That is the way out of the difficulty. If the branch complains that is actually paying him, you can retaliate by saying you did not wish the man to leave your branch. I know a branch that has taken over six men from Norwich Branch without any capital, and has agreed to pay a reduced benefit immediately to those six men. That branch works for the society, and not for their own branch in particular. 

I have in my hand a proposal from the Hasland Branch, of which a copy has been sent to all branch secretaries, and if member of our old society want it to flourish, it will be well for them to notice that proposal.

Yours, etc.,

LOCOMOTIVE

16TH MARCH 1901

On the 13th last, a musical evening (sacred) was held at the Railway Mission Hall. Mr. A.D. Thorpe (hon. treasurer of the Hastings Railway Mission) very ably presided. There was a very good attendance. in appealing to the audience on behalf of the orphans the chairman gave a brief history of the fund from its commencement. He congratulated the society on its philanthropic work, a work he thought of which no other trade society could boast. An excellent programme had been arranged by Mr. & Mrs. Samson, and the frequent applause showed that the efforts of the performer were much appreciated. 

We have just favoured with a visit from Mr. Dobson, organising secretary, from which we are  expecting good results. On Friday delivered an address to our members at our ordinary meeting, after which a discussion took place as to the best means of strengthening our ranks and make our meetings more attractive, so that the members will in the future take a more lively interest in them than they have in the past. Saturday was spent in visiting in the district, and on Sunday afternoon Mr. Dobson addressed the P.S.A. on our duty to each other. The address was much appreciated, and a desire expressed that Mr. Dobson might soon visit us again. In the evengine Mr. Dobson addressed a meeting in our large club room, after which a lively discussion took place. Several subjects of importance were dealt with. We all left the room with the impression that we were engaged in a war to try to get equal rights for ourselves and families, and more determined than ever to try to obtain justice at home before trying to obtain it for other 7,000 miles away. The sooner the whole of the workers of the country make up their minds that they will have that justice noted out to them and not about the injustice imposed on Uitlanders the sooner we shall get the consideration that our labour justify entitles us to expect.

13TH APRIL 1901

Brighton, -- Meeting held on the 12th inst. Delegates from Tunbridge Wells, Horsham, Three Bridges, Brighton No.2, Chichester, Hastings, Lewes, and Croydon. It was decided unanimously to continue the Council, that the council meet every six weeks as at present, and that for the purpose of propaganda work it be moveable, meeting to be held in each district alternatively. It was unanimously decided that the branches make an appeal to the Executive Committee for an alteration of Rule 9, clause 12, that is, to strike out 3/4d. online 3 and add 1d., strike out 3/4d. own line 7 and add 1/2d. In the view of the fact that the branches have now to do their own propaganda work which has to be met from the B.M., we are of opinion that this alteration is necessary. Will all branches on the system consider the question of affiliation with the council with a view to giving its action more effect, as the work done by these councils spend in a large measure on the number they represent? 

The secretary is no C. Allison, 18 Whitehorse Road, Croydon (West Croydon engine driver).

22ND JUNE 1901

Sir, -- It is some time since I first launched a scheme for the above, and I believe it still holds the field, as I have seen nothing brought against. Also, I know that many of the thinking portion of the men have, to a great extent, favoured some such move. That being so, I trust you will kindly find room for the following slightly modified ideas on that important matter. Also, let me ask your readers to give us their ideas on the matter through the Review, as I am convinced something of the kind must be brought about before railwaymen can take their proper place among the workers:-  

1, Amalgamate all the railwaymen's friendly societies, including the Old Steam Engimemen and Firemen's Society, under the title of the Associated Society of Railway Servants, to include and and every grade, and to insure every railwayman's son at one year of age, and transfer him to the parent society at 18, the society to be registered under the Friendly Societies Act.

2, Scale of contributions and benefits to be as follows:

Eighteen to 28 years of age, 6 1/2d.per week; 25 to 30 7 1/2d. per week; 30 to 35 8 1/2d., with extra contributions for pension as follows; 18 to 25 years of age, 10s. per year; 25 to 30, 13s.; 30 to 35, 15s.per year. 

Benefits; First 13 weeks, 14s. per week; second 13 weeks 8s., then for 26 weeks, 4s. per week, and remainder of sickness, 2s. 6d. per week. In each scale pension benefits to be 5s. per week at 65 years of age, or at 60, according to circumstances.

3, Any male child of age of 1 year and under 18 years of age may be admitted a member paying an. entrance fee of 6d. and contributions according to the following scale:  

From 1 year of age to 10, 6d. per month; 10 to 14, 8d per month; 14 to 16, 1s.; and 16 to 18, 1s. 6d. per month. Entrance fee for adults 2s. 6d. Sick pay to be granted to the juniors on the following scale; 7 to 10 years of age, 2s. 6d. per 3week; 10 to 14, 4s.; 14 to 16, 6s.; 16 to 18s, 9s. per week on same conditions as seniors in clause 2.

4, The following death allowances to be payable to juniors according to age; 3 to 5 years of age £2; 5 to 10 £3; 10 to 14, £5; 14 to 16, £6; 16 to 18, £8 

5, Transfer all Trade Union money and members to the A.S.R.S., and where desired the present branches of the Associated to remain loco. men's braces of the A.S.R.S.

6, From a B.F. at 3d. per call, to be optional to all members.

7, All Trade Unionist members to be at once full benefit members of the A.S.R.S., including the Orphan Fund, which should be altered to a Widows and Orphan Fund, with the following allowances:

To each widow, 4s. per week; first child, 2s.; second, 1s.; all after, 6d. per week. All members to pay 1d. per week to this fund. All railwaymen to sign a national memorial for an eight hour day, time and a quarter for night work a guaranteed week, and uniform rate of wages on all railways, and that there be mutual agreements between the friendly and Trade Union societies.

Yours, etc.,

Arthur Davis, Engineman

33, Langdon Place Swansea

The complete success which has attended the experiment of conveying goods between London and Tunbridge Wells by motor cars instead of by rail, will be likely to beget imitation in many parts of the country. In places where the nearest railway stations are at a distance, there would be considerable saving in loading up and delivery on the spot and that economy should go far to cover any increase of freight charges. Light railways also have that merit, but in their case there has to be large outlay on laying of rails, whereas the motor wagon uses the ordinary road and makes a fair of speed on that.

Those now plying to Tunbridge Wells makes the double journey easily during the day, each carrying four or five tons, delivery being made soon after arrival. But it may be reasonably assumed that the speed will be gradually accelerated, as in the case of railway trains, which at first. were considered by nervous people to go perilously fast 20 miles an hour. Even the timid municipal authorities must recognise by this time, on would imagine, the imperative need of affording all possible aid to the quickening and cheapening of transport, both for passengers and goods. Public safety must, of course, receive due care, but that is entirely compatible with a comparatively high rate of speed, except in crowded thoroughfares. The Post Office would find it economical, we should think, to substitute motor wagons for the parcels vans now so largely in use between London and the near country. At all events the authorities at St. Martin's - le - Grand should test the difference of cost by practical experiment. There can be no question that delivery would be considerably accelerated by the change, and that after all, is the prime consideration from the public standpoint.

Usual monthly meeting was held on Sunday night last, with a moderate attendance. On new member. Election of officers resulted in a few changes.

There was a pleasing function and at the same time a sad one to perform, the presenting of £20 grant to two old drivers incapacitated through accidents, which a good comprehensive Railway Regulation Act would probably avoided. The first, an old '72 member, who had his eye cut out by an unprotected gauge class. The second, an '86 member, who had his eyes injured by a tube bursting. He has been on the insurance for nearly two years, and will probably remain on it for several years. They are both good members, whom the branch can ill afford to lose. 

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NEW CROSS

THANKS

Sir, -- I beg to thank the officers and members of the New Cross Branch for their kind sympathy extended to myself and family during our recent an sorrowful experience; also for the beautiful wreath sent by the branch, and to all who attended the funeral. I assure you it is such sympathy that has enabled us to bet up under the terrible bereavement. My late lamented husband's forethought it he has left, and I hope all railwaymen will take warning and join the society, and thus provide for their wives and children. I also thank the society for the prompt payment of the death grant 

Yours etc.,

MARY HUBBERT

Sir, -- will you kindly allow me, through the Review to convey my sincere and heartfelt thanks to the officers and members of the New Cross Branch for the kindness and many expressions of sympathy I have received throughout the loss of my beloved husband, also to Mr. R. Bell and yourself for the prompt payment of the death and insurance claims.

It is a consolation to me in my irreparable loss to know that he was so much respected, as was evident by the vert number of that attended the funeral to pay their last tribute of respect.

I trust that his death may be a warning to all those who are not members of such a noble society as the A.S.R.S.

Yours, etc.,

MARTHA HARRIS

Driver Ward simply obeyed the rule, and assumed that the brake would act. Apparently, he did not test the brake before taking the locomotive out, and for there he is to be blamed; but the test of brakes is not always considered essential by the disciplined hosts who are so excellently mismanaged from London Bridge. Any way, it was absurd to blame the driver for an error which he ought to possibly to have discovered, but which was in no way his, and which one might have thought would have been inconceivable on an English railway. The constant tendency of Board of Trade inspector to blame anyone and everyone but the company has never been more flagrantly illustrated; and in having to rewrite his report Major Pringle has no doubt received a salutary lesson. 

We regret to announce the death of Mr. T.G. Sunter, the general secretary of the Associated Society of Locomotive Enginemen and Firemen, at the age of 55. Mr. Sunter was thoroughly respected by all who knew him intimately, and his loss will be regretted by all.

Mr. T.G. Sunter, the general secretary of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineen and Firemen, died at his residence at Leeds on Friday last, after an illness of several weeks' duration. The deceased gentleman was born in a mining village a few miles from Leeds. In the year 1846, and was therefore only 55 years of age. He received an ordinary village education, but was fortunate enough to possess a father in whom the belief in Trade  Unionism was strong and vigorous. He early imbibed these beliefs, and was throughout his life marked by a strong desire to assist in the welfare of the workers. he entered the Midland service in 1864, and gradually but surely worked his way yo yje highest position on the footplate that of the best main line work. He was always diligent and conscientious in his performance of his duties, and he so devoted himself to those that he was recommended for, and was offered, promotion, This he declined on the grounds that there were others more entitled to it for services rendered to the company. When the Associated Society was formed he was one of the first to join the body, and was early elected a member of the Executive Council. When a vacancy occurred for the position of general secretary 16 years ago he was a candidate for the position, and was elected by a large majority, and he has discharged the duties with ability and thoroughness, and to the satisfaction of the whole of the members. He generous disposition and unfailing courtesy of all made him a general favourite and secured him many warm friends. He has often ben approached to allow himself to be nominated for a seat on the Leeds City Council, but he was too modest and retiring to accept the invitation. He did good work, however, in many ways unknown to the general public, and always took a deep interest in social and municipal problems. A large representative body of his co-workers paid their last tribute of respect by following his remains to their last resting place in Beeston Hill Cemetery on Tuesday last.The widow and his two children are assured of the sympathy of his many friends and admirers. The world has lost a man.

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L. B. & S. C. LOCO MEN AT SEA

On the 17th inst, a party of drivers and firemen from the above railway took their first annual excursion to Clacton on Sea on board the steamer London Belle, and a most enjoyable day was spent, dinner being served up on down journey and tea on the return, both repeats were ably catered for by Mr. G.S. Elliott, 14, Upper Street Islington. After tea songs were rendered on the upper deck by Messrs. E. Chapman, B. Manning, E. Hocken, C. Lovell, G. Westlake, W. Gray, G. Stevens, C. young, and others. The return to Greenwich Pier was accomplished at 9.15 p.m., everyone being satisfied with the arrangements.

28TH SEPTEMBER 1901

There was a happy gathering of railwaymen from the Brighton line at the White Bear hotel on Monday night, when Mr. E. Maynard, who is retiring from the company's service after an honourable record extending of nearly 35 years, and going into business, was the recipient of a handsome gold mounted walking stick and an umbrella as parting gift from his fellow employees. During his long connection with the line Mr. Maynard has won the confidence of his superiors, and it is safe to say there is no more popular man on the footplate, all branches of the service up and down the line regarding him with utmost respect and esteem. his intention to relinquish driving was hears with regret, but the best wishes of all go with him in his new career as a tradesman. Proof of Mr. Maynard's great popularity was abundant when over 60 drivers, firemen, guards, etc., gathered do him honour. 

Mr. Wilks, foreman of the locomotive department, occupied the chair, and at an interval in the musical programme made the presentation on behalf of the assembly. On the gold mounting of the umbrella were inscribed the words:

"Presented to E. Maynard as a mark of respect and esteem by his fellow workmen."

The walking stick was also suitably inscribed.

Mr. Maynard received the gift to the accompaniment f rounds of cheering and singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow." He returned thanks in a neat little speech. He said he valued their gifts to him greatly, but would always treasure it because of the spirit that had prompted them to present it to them. He thanked them for their good wishes for his success in business. He believed in "nothing venture, nothing win." (Cheers.)

After further cheers had been given for Mr. & Mrs Maynard, the music was resumed for the remainder of the evening.

26TH OCTOBER 1901

The parade arranged on Sunday, October 27th, by the trustee of the staff  for the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway proved in everything a decided success, the weather being all that could be desired, and the results of the boxes the same. The parade formed up, and started from St. Andrew's Street, Wandsworth Road, precisely at 2.30 p.m., under the Chief Marshall, Inspector H.A. Broome, and Assistant Marshalls, Inspectors G. Standing and A Monk. 

First came a body of London, Brighton, and South Coast police, followed by the Marshalls, the banner printed by "In Aid of Railwaymen's Convalescent Home," the fine band of the London, and South Western Railway, a large body of London, Brighton, and South Coast guards, the committee of the Home, Messrs. Dibb, Andrews, Tinsley, Bailey, and Jefferys, the banner photo of Mr. Passmore Edwards, the large banner of the Home, banner of Battersea Branch, A.S.R.S., a large body of railwaymen representing London, Brighton, and South Coast, South Eastern and Chatham Railway, East London Railway, London and South Western, "London Jack II.," banner of municipal employees, banner Willesden Branch, A.S.R.S.,body of railwaymen, banner of the United Order of Labourers, banner General Labourers' Union, two Sons, of the Phoenix banners, the fine band of the Lavender Hill Temperance Society, body of railwaymen, and lastly banners of the Gas Workers' Union.

The route was round the principal streets of Clapham, Clapham Junction, and Battersea Park Road. In all, the parade lasted about two and a half hours, and, as will be seen by the results below, and a financial success.Great credit is due to Driver G. Jasper, of the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, who, in addition to the result of his box, attended the meeting of railwaymen held at Battersea Town Hall and collected the good sum of £3 0s. 2 3/4d., having for helpers the following workers of the London, Brighton, and South Coast, who are always ready to help in a good cause: Messrs Pocock, B. Wicks, J. Beere, F. Byford, H. Storkey, W. Smith, T. Tall, J. Green, and H. Brookes. I forgot to inform my readers that on arriving at Clapham Common, Mr. Maculay, a director of the London and South Western Railway, called the Marshall and asked him what the railway gathering was about. On being unformed, he very generously gave a donation of gold to a collectors who stood by. Railway directors, who have not already subscribed, show your practical sympathy with your servants by subscribing your mite towards the Home so generously given them by a gentleman not connected with the railway world - viz., Mr. J. Passmore Edwards; and you, my brother railwaymen, don't forget what Mr. J. Burns said at the Battersea Town Hall: "All railwaymen should help to support their Convalescent Home at Herne Bay." After all expenses are paid, £14 8s. 4d. will be handed to Mr. J.E. Nicholls, the treasurer of the Home.

It is stated that the London, Brighton, and South Coast directors have secured the services of two eminent electrical engineers to advice them generally on the subject of electric traction one their line. It looks as though the Brighton management were thinking of taking the wind out of the sails of the gentleman who recently submitted his scheme to the Brighton local authorities.

Our train clocking experts will have to look to their laurels, if "Radiator's" London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway correspondent gets making a speciality of this kind of thing. But there, let him speak for himself. 

"A fine run was made on Monday, November 18, 1901, with the train leaving Brighton for London Bridge and Victoria at 8.45 a.m. So long was the train, which consisted of a load equal to thirty coaches, that I had to be loaded upon two platforms, the front part, equal to five coaches, previous to starting time, being shunted over on to the front of the main portion, equal to twenty five coaches, loading on another platform. Having a late start of one minute, Brighton Driver William Young, with his splendid engine, No.49 "Queensland," commenced his big task. He passed Keymer Junction three minutes late, having dropped two minutes (a good performance for the load). This he made up, for on passing Earlswood he was only one minute late. A bad check at South Croydon was again detrimental to the run. East Croydon was now reached, where the Victoria portion was slipped, which consisted of seven coaches. This left Young twenty three to take into London Bridge; but, unfortunately, being stopped outside the terminus, prevented him arriving before his time. As it was, the train stopped dead at 9.55 a.m., right time. The train consisted of two six wheel guard's vans, three Pullman cars, seven bogie first class carriages, one six wheel first (London Bridge portion); one Pullman car, one bogie carriage, one six wheel coach, one six wheel brake van (Victoria portion). Total weight of train, 360 tons; engine, in working order, 80 tons; or 440 tons in all. The engine is one of the fine new four wheel coupled bogie express engines, designed by Mr. R.J. Billinton, the company's Locomotive Superintendent, and built by Messrs. Sharp, Stewart, of Glasgow. Mileage, 50 miles 52 chains."

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Among the Parliamentary announcements advertised in the papers is a projected Bill for the construction of an electric railway from London to Brighton. The company are asking for powers to acquire land at Ranelagh Road, Pimlico, and at Queen's Square, Brighton, for termini and at Worth in Sussex, for a generating station. Exemption is sought from the general law relating to the conveyance of goods and merchandise, so that the line will be intended for passengers only. We may look for a battle royal among the lawyers of the new company, on the one hand, and those in the pay of the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, on the other. whether the project will benefit anyone else for a year or two is doubtful.

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A much to be desired improvement is the removal of the sheds, dignified with the tittle of "Battersea Station," West London Extension Railway, from their present position, over the comparatively deserted High Street, to a point about 200 yards southward, over Battersea Park Road. The Battersea Borough Council and its predecessor, the Vestry of St. Mary's, Battersea, long ago made up its mind -- the progressive majority, at any rate -- that this change was necessary, while some of the more conservative members thought it an advantage that the station should be a little way off the main traffic routes, so as to avoid congestion. At a meeting of Battersea Ratepayer's club, on Tuesday evening, a discussion arose re the inconvenience that exists owing to the want of a direct thoroughfare from Battersea Park Road to the West London Extension Station in the High Street, and also to he need for greater facilities for the through booking of passengers, and hopes were expressed that in reconstructing the station the company would remedy the existing evils. A resolution embodying the above proposals was carried unanimously, and a copy directed to be sent to the company. But why ask the company to construct a thoroughfare to their station for the ratepayers to maintain, when they can just as easily bring their station to the main road? As the Editor said in his "Composite Columns" last week, "a tramway necessarily comes near more doors than a railway station," but that is no reason why so many southern suburban stations should lie at the middle of a long, unlovely, and deserted lane, for this gives the trams a double advantage. Did I hear someone exclaim, "Name! Name!"? You ask the South Western and the District Companies, my friend. 

A special open meeting of railwaymen of all grades was held at the above branch on 8th inst., under the auspices of the Brighton and Southern District council. The chair was taken at 6.30 p.m. by Bro. Cornford, the branch chairman. The meeting was well attended, considering the unfavourable weather, several "nons" being in attendance. Bro. Allison, of Croydon Branch, gave th first address, strongly urging the men to join the A.S.R.S. as a means of bettering their conditions, and explaining the objects and benefits of the society. He was ably followed by Bro. Higham of Brighton No.2 Branch, who gave one of the most spirited addresses that has ever been heard at this branch, lasting over an hour. He dealt fully with the question of capital and labour, and strongly urge on the "nons" to join their hands with their fellow workers in the A.S.R.S. and obtain a living wage. his address was very interesting and instructive. Several "nons" took entrance forms and promised to join, A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speakers and listing brothers, and a vote of thanks to the chairman wound up what we have every hope and trust was a pleasant and fruitful evening.

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NEWHAVEN

A smoking concert was held at the Bridge Hotel on the 7th inst., with the object of obtaining funds to assist C.J. Parker, loco fireman, who has been off ill since December 1900. Mr. J.A. Gray, C.C., presided, and there was a crowded attendance, many attending at considerable inconvenience to show their sympathy with this deserving cause. An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music was rendered by the various artistes, amongst whom were such well known performers as Messrs. W.N. Barnard, Horace, Eshelby, and Crossland, vocalists; Harmes, violinist; Nicholson, pianist; and the Heighton Handbell Ringers, whose efforts gave great satisfaction, everyone voting it one of the best smoking concerts ever held at Newhaven. A balance of £3 11s. was obtained after paying expenses for which Bro. Parker desires to express his heartfelt thanks to all those who have assisted him in his misfortune.

The usual meeting of the Council was held at Three Bridges on the 8th. Delegates from Croydon, Hastings, Lewes, Tunbridge Wells, Three Bridges, Chichester, and Brighton No.2. A very successful open meeting was held in the vying, when Bros. Allison and Higham address the meeting. It was decided to hold the next Council meeting at Brighton on January 10th.