1903
A.S.L.E.& F. to inaugurate a Political Levy and to centralise
the funds of the Society.
lines. The L.B.S.C.R. decided to adopted what they called the “Elevated Electric” system
with overhead wires supply the power at 6,600v A.C. Whilst the London South Western
Railway had chosen the third rail D.C. system to electrify their suburban routes.
RAILWAY REVIEW
9TH JANUARY 1903
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from branch report
Question raised and discussion re. L.B. & S.C. loco. men's grievance of having to pay doctor's fees when passing as a firemen or drivers.
RAILWAY REVIEW
23RD JANUARY 1903
BATTERSEA BRANCH
former Engineman Bro. R. Langridge
We regret to announce the death of Bro. R. Langridge, a member of the Battersea Branch. The deceased joined the society on April 30th, 1896, when employed as a firman on the L.B. & S.C. He was a very prominent member, and a zealous worker on behalf of the Orphan and Benevolent Fund. after rising to the position of driver emigrated to Australia, where he became the first president and founder of the West Australian Locomotive Engine-drivers', Firemen, and Cleaners' Union. The funeral, which took place recently, was attended by numerous personal friends, employees of the Railway Department, and Masonic officers and brethren of the Duke of Albany Lodge. The reminder, which were enclosed in a massive polished oak coffin, were interred in the Church of England Cemetery, Karakatta.
It may be added that 1892, prior to his leaving England, Mr. Langridge was an active member of the Battersea social and Democratic Federation, and assisted largely in securing the returns of Mr. John Burns to the House of Commons. He had looked forward to meeting Mr. burns on the latter arrival in Western Australia in April next.
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from branch report
Bro. Tye read a letter he had received re death of Bro. R. Langridge, and gave the members other information. It has been decided to obtain a special illuminated memorial card and have the same framed to be sent to Mrs. Langridge.
26TH JUNE 1903
The framed illuminated memorial card to be presented to the widow of our late Bro. R. Langridge will be on view at our next two meetings, those members who wish to see same should attend.
RAILWAY REVIEW
30TH JANUARY 1903
NEW CROSS BRANCH
extracted from branch report
Bro. Charles Churchill was presented with the superannuation grant £20 by Bro. Wright in a few well chosen remarks.
ACCIDENTS AT WORK
26th February 1903
New Cross Engine Cleaner Thomas R. Warner was cleaning an engine's buffer in New Cross locomotive shed, when engine shed driver James Funnell moved three engines, but in doing so he moved them against the standing engine moving backwards and crushing Warner and fatally killing him. The accident was due to carelessness of driver James Funnell and his fireman George Bransden in not warning any men working on the standing engine that the movement was taking place. The Company should take immediate action to provide instructions regarding the movement of engines in the locomotive sheds as there are currently no such instructions in force.
27th February 1903
Fireman William Bloomfield (29) Engine driver W. Chadwell was moving towards the Battersea engine shed, and only then noticed was at danager. He tried to stop the engine, but it ran broadside into another engine. Fireman Bloomfield was standing on the footplate at rear of the bunker, was thrown off it by the impact. Bloomfield had seen the signal at danger, and assumed driver Chadwell would have also. Before setting engine in motion driver shouted to his mate asking if he was all right. Bloomfield replied in the affirmative. Chadwell admits blame for the mishap.
William Blomfield had a severely bruised and off duty for seven days.
RAILWAY REVIEW
29TH MAY 1903
AMALGAMATION OF
L. S. E. F. F. S. AND A. S. E. & F.
Sir, At the two conferences recently held in connection with the above societies a very strong feeling in four of amalgamation prevailed and power was given by resolution in both cases to the E.C. to open up negotiations with a view to bringing this about, provided one side made overtures to the other.
It seems to me that it is only a sense of false dignity that keeps them apart.
Seeing that the question of federation between the A.S.R.S. and the A.S.E. & F. has been agreed upon by the two E.C.'s would it not be well to add another link in the chain by getting the A.S.E. & F. and the L.S.E. & F.F. societies o join hands.
With this object in view I would suggest that Mr. Richard Bell should write both general secretaries urging them to arrange a conference of both executives, and I have reason to believe Mr. Bell would be most happy to act as mediator between the two societies.
Yours, etc.,
A BELIEVER IN UNITY
---------
THE LOCOMOTIVE ENINGEMEN'S CONFERENCE IN LEEDS
The conference in connection with the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen, which had been sitting in the Trades and Labour Hall, Upper Fountaine Street, Leeds, concluded on Saturday last. The delegates were mainly engaged in revising the rules of the society, but several new departures of importance to the members and of interest to the railway world generally were made. The scheme for the federation of the society with the A.S.R.S., which was agreed to by the representatives of the two associations at a conference in Leeds on Monday, 18th., was ratified. The delegates agreed to the principle of a direct representative in the House of Commons in the interests of the members of the society, and decided to make an annual levy of 1s. per member, to be supplemented from the protection fund, and for the payment of the salary of the representative and the expenses of his election. The salary of the general secretary was fixed at £250 a year. An organising secretary, with a salary of £150 a year, was decided upon, and the chairman of the conference, Mr. H. Parfitt (Aberdale), was elected.
Triennial Conference of May 1903
It was agreed that Engine Cleaners and Electric Motormen were all allowed to join
A.S.L.E.F. and the establishing of a Political Fund.
RAILWAY REVIEW
12TH JUNE 1903
L. S. E. & F. F. AND A. S. E. & F.
At a special meeting of the members of the Aberdare Branch of the L.S.E. & F.F.S the question of amalgamation of the societies was discussed when the enclosed resolution was passed:-
"Seeing that the principle of amalgamation has been agreed to at the delegates meetings of the L.S.E. & F.F.S. and A.S.E. & F.S., and having regard to the future prosperity of both societies and the wellbeing of railwaymen generally, we, the members of the Aberdare Branch of the L.S.E. & F.F.S, would respectfully ask Mr. Richard Bell, M.P., to use his influence with general secretaries f both societies with a view of bringing about the amalgamation of the two, as suggested by one of the correspondents in the Review of the 29th ult."
--------
RAILWAYMEN'S COMBINATION AT
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
SPEECH BY MR. RICHARD BELL, M.P.
Mr. Richard Bell, M.P., addressed a large and enthusiastic meeting of local and district railwaymen and their wives at the Sussex Assembly Rooms, Tunbridge Wells, on the 7th inst. Mr. Councellor W. Bourne, the well known local Labour leader, presided, and supporting him were Councillor Mr. G. Abbott, Messrs. D. Hall, Brotherhood, and J.W. Hyder, local secretary.
The Chairman, in the course of a few brief observations, remarked on the possibility of some not being present on account of religion scruples, but so far as he was concerned in presiding in presiding over that meeting he no religious scruples whatever. he considered that they had met that afternoon in a righteous cause, nd if it was a righteous cause it must be a religious cause, And they had met in perhaps a greater cause them that the cause of humanity. When they considered the great sacrifice of lives of the railwaymen of the United Kingdom, he thought the if they could do anything through their organisation to alleviate the state of affairs that they were, in the trust sense of the word, taking in a religious cause. He quoted Blue Book statistics of accidents, and laid stress on the heavy death roll of railway employer, remarking that the number of deaths of shunters was a single year greater than that of the officers during the whole of the South Africa War. He impressed upon them that they could gain nothing for the cause of Labour except by combination. When they saw the attack which had been made upon their unions and upon their unions' funds, and when they knew what could be brought about simply by judge made laws, he considered it was time that they should look matters in the face, and consider the best method of meeting such attacks. He was glad to see that the decision in the Taff Vale case had had such a wonderful; effect on the Trade Unions of the country. They were going to work in the right direction, and the railway workers were were to be congratulated on having made up their hands in their pockets to subscribe to sending members to Parliament.
Mr. D. Hall then moved the following resolution:- "That this meeting of railway and other workers is of opinion that the improvement and maintenance of their employment can be accomplished only by complete organisation. We also believe that such organisation should be augmented by having a greater numbered direct Labour representatives in Parliament and on public bodies. We therefore, call upon all non union railwaymen to join the A.S.R.S. and others their respective unions, thereby assisting the movements for our advancement, and we further pledge ourselves to do all in our power to strengthen our hands and to return to Parliament and local bodies direct Labour representatives or those whose sympathise are with the cause of the workers."
He appealed to the non unionist present to make up their minds to join the A.S.R.S., for he could honestly say that there was no society in which they would get better value for their money. It was of very little use for them to grumble at meetings of the sort, but, in the words of the resolution, they must pledge themselves to obtain more direct representatives in Parliament. If they made up their minds to subscribe 1s. annually he believed they would have ample representatives to look after their interest in the House.
Mr. Brotherhood seconded the resolution, remarking that the A.S.R.S. did more for railwaymen than the non unionist imagine.
Dr. G. Abbott supported the resolution, pointing out that without some necessary organisation such as that must suffer. they must push forward their schemes for better wages and shorter hours. He hoped that the Taff Vale case would rouse them to work for a common cause.
Mr. Richard Bell, M.P., who was received with cheers on rising to address the meeting, expressed his pleasure at meeting so many railway workers in Tunbridge Wells, and said he was grateful to the ladies for attending in such large numbers. It was true that the organisation of the worker was as much to the interest of the women as it was to the men, perhaps more so, considering the women had to provide the daily necessaries with money earned by the men. The husband took home all he could get to his wife, and she had to limit her spending to what he gave her. Consequently they should support an organisation which had done a great deal, and which was aiming to do more, increase the amount for the wage earners to take home (Applause). He was going to try that afternoon to convince those hard hearted man who had been unable to realise the absolute necessity for organisation, and who had believed that they, standing upon their individual position, could anancipate them. (Cheers) There was nobody living in a greater "fool's paradise" than the man who thought that. He (the speaker) would ask him why he worked so many hours a day, and on Sunday for nothing, and why he worked for such small wages. The answer, he expected, would be that he could not het anything better. Then if they could not do it individually they must combine. Some people like he had referred to were so numerous in some parts of the country that the unions were so weak they would have thought that they had been born only aa few weeks, but the history of combination went back many years. In 1887 the cord walkers struck against the overseers, and the latter went to Parliament for protection. Thus they saw that even in that early century there was combination amongst the workers, and even that strikes took place in those days. In 1415 tailors went to Parliament for protection because their workmen had struck. People evidently did not now carry their grievances to Parliament o much as they did at one time. (Laughter). The Church cared little or nothing for the tolling masses. In 1834 seven labourers were sent to prison because they joined Trade Unions. The whole history of industry in this country seemed nothing more nor less than the prosecution of labour organisation by the rich. But in spite of this, notwithstanding the tyranny of the rich and employers, workmen would combine to protect themselves. The Trade Unionism of this country had done an immense amount of work, and he should not like to consider the state of the workers of this country had the Trade Unions not existed. He dealt with the legislation adopted through the energetic work of the Trade Unions, as showing the practical good that had done to the workers. Through the Trade Union Congress they were enabled to bring pressure upon Parliament to protect the interest of workers and their families.
In 1868 the first Trade Union Congress was held, and
In 1871 the Trade Union Act was passed. Them they had the charter of the worker. (Applause)
In 1875 picketing was legalised, and
In 1900 he might say it was illegalised. (Laugher)
In 1880 they had the Employers's Liability Act. They had workingmen magistrates, and he was sorry that then had not more of them. (Hear, hear) He claimed that they had a right to have those to try them who knew something of their environment. If a pro hot into difficulties he was tried by his peers, o why should not a workingman be tried by his fellow workingmen? Workingmen were quite as capable and equally able to administer justice as the peers.
In 1887 the Truck Act was passed, and some of them knew what they had to endure before that.
In 1880 the fair contract resolution went through the House of Commons, and it had spread very largely to several of their municipal bodies, and was administered in some with effect, just in proportion as the workers in the district were organised. (Hear. hear)
In 1891they had the Royal Commission to inquire into the hours of labour. The hours that railwaymen worked were so appalling that the House of Commons felt it almost impossible to believe that the hours really were worked. The Commission reported in 1893, and in consequence they had the Railway Hours Act. The Act was administered, but he was bound to say candidly that since the present part had been in power the hours worked on railways had increased a great deal, and the Government had winked at the hours worked, The must bring the hours of railwaymen down to something on equality with those of other workers. The hours worked were a source of danger not only to the men themselves, but to the public, and they must make the latter realise the risk they ran.
In 1900 they had the Railway Accident Act; an Act ostensibly for the purpose of reducing accidents. But the Government having so many railway directors in the Cabinet found ant excuse rather than put the Act into operation. The railway companies, in the other hand, were bringing all the pressure they could to bear on the Government from within in order to induce them to let the Act be dormant. They could understand the amount of pressure when he told them that there were six railway directors in the present Government. (Shame) The President of the Board of Trade having half a dozen colleagues calling for tenderness and mercy at his hands was likely to pay more attention to them than to a humble man like himself. (Laughter) Although the hours worked were less now (a voice, "not here") and they were paid for Sunday labour to some parts, there were still matters which were in need of immediate remedy. Hours as shunting yards and signal boxes who were not members of their organisation. It was to prove to them that it was the organised efforts of loyal workers that had obtained those reforms that he was there that day, and to tell them that it was their duty to join the association to maintain and support what they had.
Mr. Charles Wolfe, who had seconded Sir, John Renshaw's motion, said he knew of the good work which had been done by the unions, and although he had many fights with them he should not like them to cease to exist, That left him (Mr. Bell) to say very little good of them. Whilst the workman had been for the past few years "mafficking" the employer had been keen, and had managed to nip some of his rights away. He stood with a Union Jack in one hand and a pruning knife in the other. (Laughter) He put a lot of the indifference amongst workers to Trade Unions down to the militant spirit which had been exhibited during the past few years, another very great evil was gambling. They found that Penrhynisum was the great the thing in the country, but if the workman was alive to interests that would not be allowed to exist. The speaker referred to Mr. Chamberlain's tariff scheme, and said that Mr. Chamberlain was promising them that if they would allow the Government to increase the price of bread they would give them some crumbs when they were 65. (Laughter) They must return men of their own rank and file to the Town Council. Ir was almost impossible for them to return one to Parliament, but they could at least return the one who was most in sympathy with them. He concluded by expressing his support of the resolution, and sat down amidst loud applause.
The Chairman then put the resolution, which was carried without dissentient.
The usual votes of thanks concluded the meeting.
Many subsequently ave in their names as within to join the A.S.R.S.
RAILWAY REVIEW
19TH JUNE 1903
A.S.R.S. AND A.S. OF L.E. & F.
In accordance with resolution No.43 is special General Meeting, and also your resolution No.14 of March. I opened communications with Mr. Fox; the general secretary of A.S. of L.E. & F., with a view of arranging a conference between this Committee and the Committee of that society. A conference was held at the Trades' Hall, Leeds, on May 18th; at which the whole of this Committee, including the president and general secretary, were present, and a like number from the Associated Society. The deliberations continued all day, and were of a meet friendly and amicable character. On behalf of this society we put forward proposal for amalgamation, which, after a short retirement, the Associated representatives were unable to consider. It was, therefore, decided that a basis for federation only be considered, and this was agreed to. The same has been submitted to the Triennial Congress of the Associated Society, which was hedged at Leeds on the days following our conference, and agreed to.
RAILWAY REVIEW
3RD JULY 1903
L. S. E. & F. F. AND A. S. E. & F.
Sir. A delegate meeting of the above society was held in May last.
At that meeting a statement was made by the president that certain branches had retained part of their quarter's dues to the General Office.
Since that time I have taken the trouble to look the matter up through the general statement of accounts for the past three years.
It appears that when the tendon fund was abolished in 1899 the pensioners were allowed the privilege of remaining as ordinary members of the society, or could claim the sum of £20 as final purchase, at the same time it was agreed that it should be paid from the general fund.
There was not sufficient money at that time standing to the credit of the general or death funds to pay the whole of the claims, therefore many of the branches that had money to spare paid off those who belonged to their branch, and which, undoubtedly, received them of a great sick liability by so doing.
Referring to the book of rules I cannot find there that those claims will be paid from the general fund. Now, this general fund is for the purpose of paying the sums due on the death of members or member's wives, and I should suppose it is the remaining balance of dues to this fund after the branches have paid death calms that has been retained.
Then the management fund is for the purpose of paying all necessary expenses in connection with the branches first, the remainder goes the General Office to pay general secretary, treasurer, committee, and all other necessary expensed in connection with the General Office. I don't suppose that any of the branches have had the audacity to retain any balance due to the Head Office from this account, or I should say any probably some of the officials may have had to wait for their salaries. He's this ever occurred?
Sometimes levies have been made on the wealthy branches' funds for the relief of branches in distress, and I would like to know if any part of it this account has been restrained. if so why don't the general committee demand the return of this money? I would like to know if branches in distress have been properly relieved. Will anyone make this matter clear to me?
Yours, etc.,
INQUISITIVE
--------
3RD JULY 1903
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from branch report
Two cases of reduction of 6d. per day of loco. men in the S.E. & C. and L.B. & S.C. respectively were discussed and adjourned till next meeting.
10TH JULY 1903
A vote of condolence to be conveyed to the widow and relatives of our late Bro. F. Taylor (L.B.& S.C. driver) was carried. The secretary reported he had paid over to Mrs. Taylor £25 10s. on the 2nd inst., being the benefits from the society
A postcard from Bro. A. Gill re E.C. election. It wad decided to appeal to the E.C. to sanction another election in our group No.14, and to write to the other branches is the group asking their support. A reply also to be sent to Bro. Gill. His action in misleading the members of the group by not informing them of the position he was in owing to his branch disregarding the rules of the society came in for some wrong comments.
The adjourned discussion of two cases of reduction in pay on the L.B. & S.C. and S.E.&C. was again resumed. The L.B. & S.C. case caused a very lively debate, which would have been certainly more beneficial to the L.B. & S.C. loco. men if more of them had been present. It was decided to allow the case to stand over.
NEW CROSS
extracted branch report
A long discussion ensued re the disqualification of Bro. A. Gill (Brighton No. 1) as our E.C. representative after being returned with a large majority of which this branch claims credit for nearly 200 of his votes. We understand he is going to appeal against the decision of the E.C., and in consequence we have decided to take no further action in the matter for the present, though we entirely disagree with their decision in declaring Bro. G. Burgneay elected without a fresh vote, for had we known how things were going to turn out this branch would have gone almost solid for Bro. James Moul, which would have given him a decisive victory.
PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN
Royal Train conveying King Edward Vll arriving at Eastbourne on July 11 1903.
DISQUALIFICATION OF
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATE
BRIGHTON No.1 ALFRED GILL (Driver)
RAILWAY REVIEW
extracted from branch reports
17TH JULY 1903
BATTERSEA BRANCH
The usual meeting was held on 10th inst. It was decided to ask a few London branches to support our appeal for another election for E.C. representation in Group 13. A lengthy letter read from Brighton No.1 re Bro. A. Gill being disqualified as E.C. representative and it was decided to adjourn further discussion until next meeting, and secretary to lay the whole of correspondence, etc., bearing on the subject before the meeting.
24TH JULY 1903
BATTERSEA BRANCH
The usual meeting held 17th inst. The adjourned discussion upon the letter received from Brighton No.1 Branch and correspondence re Bro. Gill being disqualified as E.C. representative occupied a good time, and the secretary was instruct to reply.
CROYDON BRANCH
Meeting held on Friday last, with a fair attendance. The question of our E.c. representative was again under consideration, and a long discussion took place thereon, the general opinion of our members being not to appeal to the E.C. for a re-vote as we understand that Bro. Gill of Brighton No.1is appealing against the action of the E.C. re his disqualification.
BRIGHTON No.1
The action of the E.C. in disfranchising the district by disqualifying the representative who received the highest number of votes was again before the meeting. It was resolved that the secretary prepare a full statement of the case, with correspondence up to and including the E.C. meeting, the same to be forwarded to the branches in the group, asking them to appeal to the E.C. to reconsider the case, believing they arrived at their decision hastily and without due consideration of the facts, failing which an appeal will be made to the A.G.M. against their decision.
NEW CROSS
The usual meeting was held on the 16th instead of., with a fair attendance. The circular from our Battersea friends re a fresh poll for E.C. representative was not entertained, as Bro. Gill is appealing against the last E.C. decision, and we are going to give hem every chance.
14 TH AUGUST 1903
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Owing to Bank Holiday our ordinary meeting as held on 6th inst., with a splendid attendance. Battersea circular re the disqualification of Bro. A. Gill; decided to take no action
4TH SEPTEMBER 1903
BATTERSEA
The circular from Brighton No.1 re the disqualification of Bro. A. Gill for E.C. was again read and discussed. It was considered likely to mislead many members, but, as this matter would most likely have to be brought before the A.G.M., no action was taken.
NEW CROSS
It was also agreed to support our friends of Brighton No.1 in their appeal to the E.C. to re-consider their decision re Bro. Alfred Gill, who has been disqualified for the E.C. for 1904
ACCIDENT AT WORK
22nd July 1903
Fireman Henry Green, during shunting in Horsted Keynes goods yard, Green climbed on to the bunker of the engine to free the coal. Whilst on the bunker, his head hit a loading gauge causing considerable head injuries. Fireman Green breach of ruled. He realised he was in a dangerous position while the engine moving and contrary to instruction. Engine driver Mitchell, also to blame also to blame for allowing his fireman to be in this position during the shunting.
RAILWAY REVIEW
24TH JULY 1903
ENGINEMEN'S EIGHT HOURS
MR. FOX AT DERBY
An open meeting, under the auspices of the A.S. of L.E. of F. and A.S.R.S., on the above question was held at the Derby Trades' Hall on the 12th inst. Mr. A. Fox, general secretary, and Mr T. T. Millman, executive member of the A.S. of L.E. & F., attended. Mr. Dobson, of the A.S.R.S., was unable to be present owing to his having an engagement elsewhere. Mr. T. Bell occupied the chair, it being the best attended meeting held at Derby. Mr. Bell, in addressing the meeting, stated that we had been put in a difficulty in getting spellers. It was generally the case this time of the year, but he was pleased to have Mr. Fox and Mr. T.T. Millman present.
It then devoted upon Mr. fox to give us one of his inimitable speeches., He complimented the men on meeting them in the new Trade Hall instead of a public house. He dealt with nearly every phase of the locomotive men's service, and his remarks were to the point. He believed that if an organised movement was pushed forward we should get an eight hour day. There was no class of men in the country that would have a key to the situation the same as loco. men if they were organised, The overtime is at the root of our position today. He contended that Unser the present condition eight hours are quite plenty to work. The workout on the driver and fireman the last ten to 15 years has been increased by 50 to 75 per cent. The men did not expect the same increase in wages, but would be satisfied with a fair return and a right to live. Touchingoon politics, Mr. Fox gave a very vivid exposition of how capitalist elected by the workers to look after their interests in Parliament shows to what extremed the capitalist can go. Touching on federation, Mr. Fox was in his element. After speaking for an hour, the chairman asked if anyone present had any questions to put, but Mr. Fox had so clearly gone ver every post that none were asked. Mr. T.T. Millman, like Mr. Fox, gave a capital organising speech, and there is no wonder that his district is in such a condition.
The following resolution was carried without a single dissentient:
That this meeting of drivers, firemen, and padded cleaners think the time has arrived when we should have an eight hour day owing to the increased loading and the introduction of new larger engines and greater facilities for working traffic, along with greater despatch, all of which are operating detrimentally to the men concerned, seeing that these recent introduction have resulted in a great; benefit to the companies in the shape of increased revenue for less train miles run. We pledge ourselves to support both the societies (the A.S.L.E. and A.S.R.S.) with a view of obliterating the same, and call upon all our fellow workers to organise themselves, which is the only way to obtain fir conditions of labour and thus give us the opportunity of becoming good citizens."
It was passed unanimously that a letter be sent to both the Review and Associated Journal to impress on all locomotive men throughout the country to at once push this movement forward at their various railway centres,
ASLEF COLLECTION
LONDON - BRIGHTON
SPEED RECORD OF 26th JULY 1903
BY BRIGHTON DRIVER JOHN THOMPSETT
extracted and adapted from RTCS book on locomotives of the LBSCR
POSTCARD
On 2nd October, 1898, the Sunday ‘Pullman Limited’ commenced operating and by the turn of the century name of the train was called ‘Brighton Limited’. At this period the L.B. & S.C.R. was anxious to clear itself of its long-standing reputation for dilatoriness, caused partly by traffic congestion on the main line north of Redhill, and some very fast runs were made with the lightly loaded Pullman Limited on Sundays, when the track was relatively clear. This train was timed to cover the 50 ¾ miles between Victoria and Brighton in each direction in exactly sixty minutes, and in the coming years the new engines could cut several minutes of the schedule.
On the 21st December 1901, a speed ran with the down express to Brighton, with a Billinton B4 Class No. 70 'Holyrood,' in 53 minutes and 49 seconds at an average speed of 57 ¼ m.p.h. while on Christmas Day of that year, another B4 Class, No. 68 'Malborough,' completed the same journey in 51 minutes 11 seconds with a maximum speed of 88 m.p.h. near Horley.
This, however, was but a foretaste of what these engines could really do when given their head. About this time there were proposals in the air for a rival electrified line to Brighton, coupled with the specious promise of fifty miles in fifty minutes, and the L.B. & S.C.R. decided to show that whatever electricity could do, steam could do better.
On 26th July,1903, Brighton Driver John Thompsett, with his engine, B4 Class, No. 70 ‘Holyrood,’ a specially light version of the Pullman Limited was prepared, consisting of three eight-wheeled cars and a brake van, making up a total weight of about 130 tons, run the fastest ever return journey between London and Brighton. This engine had established a reputation for fast running and was chosen for the task, the train being ‘Limited,’ which for the occasion had accommodation curtailed to only three Pullmans and a van. The road was specially cleared from Victoria to Brighton, and Driver Thompsett given a free hand to make the best time possible, provided all the Company’s speed restrictions were adhered to, and no unnecessary risks taken. Brighton was reached in 48 minutes 41 seconds at an average speed of 62 ½ m.p.h a time, and a maximum speed of 90 miles an hour near Horley, and was never equaled in the subsequent history of the L.B. & S.C.R.
In the evening the same engine and crew raced the train back to Victoria in 50 minutes 21 seconds, with an average of 60.8 miles an hour and a maximum of 85 miles an hour, and again a record for the Brighton line. Although worthy of the highest praise and forming first-rate advertising could not be indulged in daily without seriously disrupting all other services. There the L.B. & S.C.R. Directors and Robert Billinton, having shown the world what the Brighton could do, very wisely made no attempt to introduce 60 m.ph. services, although a blind eye was turned on those drivers who wish to reduce the schedules by three or four minutes. As in all other runs the second up journey, Driver John Thompsett did not know that he was being timed.
Having shown their paces with these specially prepared runs, the L.B. & S.C.R. felt that such times were not beyond the scope of ordinary traffic conditions. On Sunday, June 30th, 1907, the new Marsh Atlantic No. 37 ran the Pullman Limited from Victoria to Brighton in 51 minutes 48 seconds. The train consisted of five eight-wheeled cars, two twelve-wheelers, and two six-wheeled vans. This was in comparison an even better performance than Holyrood's record run of 26th July, 1903, since it was made under ordinary traffic conditions, with several checks near Earlswood owing to road widening, and a train of nearly double the weight. By this time, however, the rival electric schemes had faded away and the L.B. & S.C.R. settled down to its normal sixty minute schedule.
1903 Brighton drivers designated Brighton Gladstone Class locomotives. which included
Driver Taylor was in charge of No. 193 ‘Freemantle’
Driver Parker, was in charge of No. 184 ‘Carew D. Gilbert’
Driver Sharman was in charge of No.181 ‘Eastbourne’
Driver Wright was in charge of No. 190 ‘Arthur Otway.’
Driver John Thompsett, was in charge of B4 Class, No. 70 ‘Holyrood,’
Charlie Peters was an inspector and a designated trial driver, and was responsible for preparing all the new heavily repaired engines for the road. He also had to take these engines out on trial runs, usually to West Worthing or Littlehampton, as they came out of the shops.
PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN
Bognor Regis second Loco Shed 1903 ~ 1960.
To the left of the picture shows the remains of
the first loco shed 1864 ~ 1903
ACCIDENTS AT WORK
23rd August 1903
Engine driver William Bone, after leaving Chichester working towards Lavant, he found that he left the feed pump not working. He needed to increase water in the boiler and left the footplate to examine the pump. After restarting it and rising from a stooping position, he missed told and he fell from the engine, and received slight injuries. This was an accidentical as the occurrence was exceptional.
RAILWAY REVIEW
4TH SEPTEMBER 1903
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The usual meeting was held 28th ult. A vote of sympathy passed expressing the best wishes for a speedy recovery of Bro. J. Friend, who is now staying at Brighton. The special meeting to be arranged re federation scheme discussed, and notice of motion re L.B. & S.C. loco. men's grievances for next meeting.
RAILWAY REVIEW
25TH SEPTEMBER 1903
ENGINEMEN EDWRD PETTETT
NEW CROSS
extracted from branch report
Usual meeting held 17th instead., with good attendance that our worthy treasurer (Bro. E. Pettett) was very a dangerously ill, and a vote of sympathy, coupled with an earnest desire that he would soon be restored to robust health and strength, was passed. Members and friends will learn with extreme regret that his complaint turned out to be cancer, and he passed peacefully away on the 19th inst. His remains were entered at Brockley on Wednesday, when a large number of our members and those from neighbouring branches, with a host of friends, followed him to his last resting place. Among the chief mourners were Messrs. C.G. West and C. Copperwaite (executors), George Gore, Robert Graham, and James Ship (members of the branch). A very large number of wreath were sent from relatives and sympathetic friends, including one bearing a suitable inscription from this branch and another from the locomotive staff at New Cross, which were much. Although our brother has not been active part of late with regard the internal affairs of the branch owing to failing health his heart was ever with us, and we can truly say that "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." We have lost a good member, the widow a devoted husband, and the children a loving and affectionate father.
Note.
Our quarterly meeting will be held on Sunday next, at 8 o'clock, at which we hope to have a large attendance, and owing to Bro. Pettett's death the deputation from the Deptford and Greenwich Trades Council has been postponed.
2ND OCTOBER 1903
Our quarterly meeting was held on Sunday last, with a capital attendance. Since our last meeting our worth treasurer, Bro. E. Pettett, has passed away, and this cast a gloom over the meeting. Two of his old comrades and fellow enginemen, Bors. Robert Graham and George Gore, moved and seconded a vote of condolence with the bereaved widow and family, which was passes in silence. In the report of the funeral in last week's issue it should have been mentioned that Mr. E.W. Trangmar, locomotive superintendent at New Cross, was amongst the mourners.
Note.
Mrs. Pettett and family desire to express their sincere thanks to Mr. Richard Bell, M.P., the officers, and members of the branch, and many sympathetic friends who have rendered them assistance in any way during their sad bereavement. The very many kind expressions of sympathy received will not soon be forgotten.
RAILWAY REVIEW
9TH OCTOBER 1903
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The meeting held 2nd inst. A discussion re L.B. & S.C. grievances and a movement in connection with same took place, when it was decided that the further discussion re L.B. & S.C. loco. men's grievance be adjourned until next week. Every L.B. & S.C. loco. man should attend.
16TH OCTOBER 1903
The adjourned discussion on the L.B. & S.C. loco. men's movement was resumed, and, after a lengthy discussion, the following was carried with two dissentients:
"That after having fully considered the whole question of the L.B. & S.C. locomotive movement, the branch cannot support the same as present constituted owing to its being contrary to our rule."
ACCIDENT AND DISABLEMENT
1st December 1903
Fireman William Foster (aged 25), whilst working on tank engine No.142, was running bunker in the West Croydon area. Foster had first noticed when a piece of coal threatened to block the bunker hole. Fireman Foster climbed round the back of the bunker to guide the coal down, but fell in front of the engine and the wagons, which fortunately passed over him Foster is blamed for the mishap He admits that in leaving the footplate whilst the engine was in motion, he acted contrary to the instruction.Engine Driver H. Lidbetter did not realise that Foster had left the footplate.
10th December 1903
Battersea engine driver E. Wells accident 10th December 1903, aged 52. Joined the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, on the 5th April 1878
RAILWAY REVIEW
4TH DECEMBER 1903
THE ASSOCIATED SOCIETY OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND FIREMEN
An open meeting of enginemen, firemen, and cleaners, convened by this society, was held at the Freemasons' tavern, Hanover Street, Haverstock Hill, N.W., on the 29ult., presided over by Mr. W. Clarke (Executive Council). Mr. H. Parfitt (organising secretary) attended and gave an excellent and stirring address, In opening the meeting the chairman drew attention to the ever increasing responsibilities of enginemen, who, he contended, should have an eight hour day.
Mr. Turtle (Stratford) said they had met that evening with one common aim and object, viz., do devise means and take steps to benefit railway workers. Some could do a lot of grumbling, but objected to do much work. Strange to say, the biggest grumblers were the non unionist. He regretted to say Kentish Town and Bow were in the background. These branches seemed to have gone sleep. The alarm, however, had been sounded, which was evinced by the presence there that evening of Mr. Parfitt. Their object was a "a fair day's wage for a fair day's work." Unfortunately the companies did not always recognise that view. If at any time it unfortunately are to a battle united Labour would have a chance, and if not a victory a "compromise" would be inevitable. They had two of the finest Trade Union leaders in the world -- Mr. R. Bell and Mr, Fox.
Mr. Parfitt had also done yeoman service in the Labour world. In spite of this they were executing a retrograde movement. Their duties and responsibilities had enormously increased, and roughly speaking, two sets of men were doing the work of three, and this had all taken place within the last two or three years. Federation between the Associated and A.S.R.S. was one of the most progressive steps that had ever been taken. They used to throw stones at each other, but now things were conducted on business like lines. Thy had realised that isolated action was disastrous. The possibilities f Unionism must be brought home to all non unionists, but they did not seek a remedy by "strikes" but by the power of the franchise. Neither did they expected justice. The House of Commons, however, must be the battle ground in the future, and as servants of the public their representatives must be made do their duty. They must have a bill passed "to enable any constituency to withdraw its member at three months' notice if he didn't do his duty." They must sweep away capitalistic representation. The law was wrong, and likely to remain so under the present system, They law was wrong, and likely to remain so under the present system. They were, however, determined to do their best to alter things. Mr. Fox was nominated for Doncaster, and that was a step in the right direction, With regard to the wages of enginemen, Englishmen were undoubtedly behind other leading countries. In France they were paid 2f per hour, or 15s per day; firemen 1 1/2f. In America first class drivers 16s. 8d per day; second class 8s 4d. --
Mr. Adams (King's Cross Branch) moved the following resolution; "That, in the opinion of this meeting, the time has arrived to adopted measures for our protection, and to get benefit in accordance with our ever increasing responsibilities, and that renewed efforts must be made to obtain these." --
Mr. John Bliss (L.B. & S.C.) said the federation scheme had broken down a barrier and brought the two societies together, but finances should be kept apart. The officials had a right to obtain the best for money. The director were not themselves inclined to treat them unfairly. It was the middlemen. They studied the companies, and had a right to expect a fair remuneration. They didn't want to turn out the officials, however, nor deprive the companies of their dividends; all they wanted was some consideration and fairplay.
Mr. Frank Green (King's Cross Branch) had pleasure in supporting the resolution. Classification of enginemen was a glaring injustices. They all contributed alike to the working of the traffic and to the safety of the public. He was an ardent supporter of Labour members.
Mr. Parfitt also supported the resolution. He explained that during the last 40 years wages had increased in other trades 40 per cent, but railwaymen had remained stationary. No railway men had a greater responsibility than a driver. A signalman had mechanical appliances to prevent him making mistakes, a driver had none. no class of men were more exposed to danger than enginemen, and their onerous duties them to more consideration rom the companies. He pointed out the substantial benefits given by the society, and gave numerous instances where compensation had been obtained for the members. In one case, by the setting up of blood poising in a man's hand by the use of bad oil, a sum of £200 was obtained.
A vote of thanks to Mr. Parfitt and the visitors brought a very successful meeting to a close.
RAILWAY REVIEW
11TH DECEMBER 1903
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The usual meeting held 4th inst. Special committee re effort to be made on behalf of Bro. J. Friend reported, and their recommendations adopted. The secretary report the death Bro. A.A. Westlake. Vote of condolence was passed to be conveyed to the widow and family; also to Bro. A. Westlake, father of the deceased member. An application for assistance from Benevolent Fund referred to committee.
RAILWAY REVIEW
25TH DECEMBER 1903
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The usual meeting held 11th and 18th inst. The secretary reported that the death grant had been paid to the widow of Bro. A.A. Westlake and the two orphans placed in the the Orphan Fund.