17TH FEBRUARY 1905
The L.B. & S.C. Company will apparently fall the honour of introducing a safer method of electrification of traffic in this country. That company was evidently taken to heart the dangers of the third rail system in the North, and the difficulty of installing it at complicated junctions, and acting on the advice of Mr. Philip Dawson has decided to introduce the over-head wire system.
There is eminently satisfactory, and will be specially welcomed by the employees. Even the danger from broken wires will be guarded against by automatic devices, which will prevent the wires from falling upon the trains or to the ground.
The experiment which will be carried out between Battersea Park and Peckham Rye, will be watched with interest, and will, doubtless, if successful, strike a death blow of the murderous "live rail."
The mere fact that it is cheaper goes a long way in favour. Again, it is possible to use the electrified portion for steam traction as before, so that both steam and electrified traffic can be worked upon the same metals without danger or inconvenience.
24TH FEBRUARY 1905
NEWHAVEN
extracted from branch report
The ordinary meeting held on the 19th inst., with an excellent attendance. Bro. J. Browning, Junior, was appointed to attend Brighton No.1 Branch meeting re loco. conference; several others promised to accompany him.
Pleasure was expressed at the amount of support being to our A.G.M. candidate, and we beg to tender thanks for same. As this branch has been open for 15 years, and has never sent a delegate to an A.G.M., we appeal very strongly to members in this group for support yo enable us to do so.
10TH MARCH 1905
BRIGHTON No.1
extracted from branch report
Meeting held on Sunday evening last, with a fair attendance. The usual routine business was disposed of. We had the pleasure of a number of members of Newhaven Branch as visitors. Mr. Austin was nominated delegate to the locomotive conference.
A letter received from the Brighton Branch of A.S.L.E. & F. caused some discussion. It was suggested a joint meeting of the Brighton Branches be held to discuss the matter.
Resolution were passed on the Trades Disputes Bill, also Engineman's Certificate Bill. copies to be sent to the borough members.
17TH MARCH 1905
NEWHAVEN
extracted from branch report
Meeting held on Sunday afternoon with a good attendance several visitors being present from Lewes and one from Brighton No.1. Bro. Allision, of Croydon, gave an excellent report of the last A.G.M., entertaining the members present for about an hour and a half. Correspondence from Purley and Brighton No.1 was read. A resolution was adopted thanking Purley for permitting their A.G.M. candidate to retire in favour of ours.
The delegate to Brighton No.1 re loco. conference gave his report stating they met with a hearty reception.
Ten new members met with a hearty welcome.
This was one of the best meetings ever held at Newhaven.
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THREE BRIDGES
The quarterly meeting was held on Sunday last, with a fair attendance. Nomination paper re locomotive conference was read, and this branch decided not to nominate.
24TH MARCH 1905
BATTERSEA
extracted from branch report
The usual meeting was held on the 17th inst., with an excellent attendance.
Two resolutions were carried appealing to D.E. Marsh, loco and carriage superintendent (L.B. & S.C.), to reconsider the system of turns worked by men on the 6.45 Saturdays and 9 a.m. Sundays, which require men to be away from home 41 and 34 hours, also that the wages clauses of conditions of service were not being carried out as promised. Similar resolutions were carried at open meeting held under the auspices of the A.S.L.E. & F.
31ST MARCH 1905
PROPAGNDA MEETING
OPEN MASS MEETING AT BATTERSEA
A meeting under the auspices of the London council of the A.S.R.S., was held at the Mason's Arms, Battersea Park road, on Sunday last, when the large clubroom, which is the largest of its kind in S.W. London, was crowded principally loco. men. The report of delegates re a case of a case of injustice which had now been rectified proved very interesting, and the following resolution was carried unanimously:
"That this mass meeting of railwaymen hereby calls upon all non members to join the A.S.R.S. as it is only by united action is a strong organisation of all grades that we may hope to protect our interests and improve our conditions of employment. Also we pledge ourselves to do all in our power in support of the national movement of locomotive men."
This was very ably moved and seconded by two enginemen and supported by a traffic man, who gave a few of the local results of our organisation.
Bro. Hales, of King's Cross, the nave an elucidative and instructive address upon the present day conditions of loco. men's employment, and the questions which needed attention in discussing any basis for a national programme for loco. men, which address was well received.
Several application forms were asked for.
7TH APRIL 1905
NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT
NEW CROSS
A joint meeting under the auspices of the branches of the A.S.L.E. & F. and A.S.R.S. was held at the New Cross Hotel, New Cross, on Sunday last, when there was a large attendance. Among the visitors present were Mr. E. McKew (Battersea) and Mr. C.G. West. The chair was occupied by Bro. H. Nicholas, A.S.R.S. (New Cross) who was unanimously elected along with Bro. E. McKew for the vice chair. The delegates to the forthcoming conference, Messrs. F. Ladd and H. Hornby, received instructions as to how they should vote on a programme which will be drawn up at this meeting. The discussion was of a very amicable character, and it is to be hoped that if loco. men will at once join either of the two societies.
26TH MAY 1905
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from branch report
L.B. & S.C. loco. men reported that some Battersea depot drivers and fireman had received a rise in wages, and as these had been due for years it is hoped that others will follow early.
PAINTING BY STAN HIDER
23RD JUNE 1905
THREE BRIDGES BRANCH
A special meeting of this branch was held on Sunday last; with a fair attendance. Bro. Allision, of Croydon Branch, and delegate to locomotive conference attend, and gave his report in a most able manner, which was greatly appreciated by the locomotive members. bro. Allison spoke for an hour and a half, and was listened to with great attention.
21ST JULY 1905
BATTERSEA BRANCH
extracted from branch report
The usual meeting was held on the 14th inst. Secretary's report read and accepted with thanks. The member were placed to hear that Bro. J.E. Baigent had been reinstated in the service of the L.B. & S.C., and in his former position after having been off six months.
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BRIGHTON NO.1 BRANCH
Our usual monthly meeting was held on Sunday evening last, with a fair attendance. The usual business disposed of. A discussion ensued re the nomination at E.C. delegates. It was resolved to support Mr. C. Allison, of Croydon Branch
18TH AUGUST 1905
BRIGHTON LIMITED EXPRESS
A notable run of the Brighton Limited Express, which runs during the winter on Sundays, was reported to run recently. With about 250 tons -- a heavy load for this train -- the engine "Emperor (No. 55) covered the first 19 miles, practically all rising, in just over 25 minutes, and average over 61 miles per hour by the remaining distance, the 20 miles from Three Bridges to Preston Park occupying only 27 minutes. The last few miles were run very was easily, and even then the train arrived in Brighton before time. The maximum speed attained was a little over 80 miles per hour. It will be remembered that some while back the engine "Holyrood" (No. 70), of the same class, provided one of the authenticated instances of a speed of 90 miles per hour being attained in this country.
25TH AUGUST 1905
NEWHAVEN BRANCH
A mass meeting of railwaymen was held in the Newhaven Drill Hall on18th inst., under the auspices of the local branch of the A.S.R.S. Mr. Hubert Beaumont presided, and a large number of people attended to hear an address by Mr. R. Bell, M.P. In the course of a brief introductory speech, the Chairman took the opportunity to emphasise that the meeting had been convened on purely non pol lines, and, in view of criticism as to the day selected, he explained that it was practically the only time during the week when so many members of the branch could congregate. He was, he said, pleased to preside, because in his opinion the A.S.R.S. had legitimate objects in view, the attainment of which was not only desirable in the interests of the railwaymen themselves but of the community at large. Mr. T. Pargeter then moved a resolution of adherence to the society's conviction that, by sound organisation, the conditions under which railway employees laboured might be improved, and an urgent appeal for increased membership. This was seconded by Mr. G. Blaun, and carried unanimously.
Mr. R. Bell, M.P., delivered a spirited address relative to the work of the society, dealing at the outset with prejudice against Trade Unionism. He argued that only by unity and consequent strength and influence could employees obtain reform and improved conditions. he then illustrated the increased advantages enjoyed by railwaymen of today compared with 20 or 30 years ago. When he was employed upon the railway (which was for a term of 16 1/2 years) the men thought nothing of working 18 hours a day with regularity, and on occasion, for as long as 36 hours at a stretch. Engine drivers and firemen then considered a working day of 16 hours no cause for complaint. In that respect there had been a great improvements in recent years, and although even now the wages paid were by no means exorbitant, yet there had also been an improvement in regard to the financial side of the work. He alluded at length the other advantages, and mentioned in this connection the passage of the Accidents Act in 1900. On an average, he said, three railwaymen in the United Kingdom were killed every two days, while during the course of a year no fewer than 14,000 were injured, 4,000 seriously. The necessity for legislation was, therefore, patent to everyone, and advocacy for the same must surely be more forcible if it proceeded from a recognised and well established society of employees. The speaker then referred to the policy of economy recently adopted by railway companies. He mentioned instances where such policy had been pursued to the distinct advantage of the employee, who he said, was rarely taken into consideration when changes were instituted. In his opinion, and it was shared by many others, the economy of many companies and altogether one sided.
Thanks were expressed to Mr. Beaumont for presiding and to Mr. Bell for his address, after which the meeting terminated.
1ST SEPTEMBER 1905
NEWHAVEN BRANCH
The was a good meeting at the meeting on Sunday, when Bro. Pattinson was presented with £17 17s., which was the result of the recent draw. The secretary made the presentation, tendering to our brother the heartfelt sympathy of the whole of the members in his sad affection. Bro. Pattison, in reply, assured them that words failed him to express adequately all he felt of the kindness of the members to him during the time of his misfortune. Not only that night but during the whole time of the negotiations with the company, had he received the benefit of their practical sympathy and advice. He urged all those present to do what they could to get those who were not members to join and to remain good working members themselves; he should remain a member; he felt that his opportunity for assisting them was gone, but what little chance remained to him they might be assured he would make the best use of. In conclusion, he said he must thank the committee, the neighbouring branches, and those ticket sellers who had worked so hard and also Mr. Johnson, who, although not a member, had so heartily assisted, and to the whole of the members he tendered his sincerest thanks. The ordinary business was then dealt with, when the secretary reported he had written to Mr. D. Greenwood, superintendent of the line (L.B. & S.C.), re rods and wire unprotected at Seaford, but had not received a reply. He was instructed to press for a reply. He also reported that local matter had been satisfactorily dealt with. A letter was read from our honorary member, Mr. H. Beaumont, enclosing two guineas towards our funds. A special vote of thanks was heartily accorded him for his kindness. Correspondence from G.O., St. Helens, and Swindon was read.
MOTOR TRAINS ON THE EAST COAST
In September 1905, a motor train service was introduced between Eastbourne and St Leonards, with a number of new motor halts established between the existing stations. These included Stone Cross, Pevensey Bay, Normans Bay, Cooden (Beach), Collington and Glyne Gap. The new timetable provided six journeys in each direction every day.
The motor train service remained in operation for almost 30 years, continuing until 1935. On 7 July 1935, the entire East Coast line between Ore, Brighton, Eastbourne and Keymer Junction was electrified. The inauguration of the electric service was marked by a special twelve-coach train, comprising a Pullman car and eleven other coaches.
29TH SEPTEMBER 1905
BATTERSEA BRANCH
Our society has to mourn the loss of its old members. Bro. James Dobin, a driver on the C.&S.L., and a member of the Battersea Branch. He died on the 15th inst., and had only been absent from duty a few days. The deceased was very highly respected by his fellow workers and a large circle of friends, as was evidenced at the funeral, which took place on the 20th inst. All drivers and assistants off duty and many of traffic department attended. The body was conveyed by hearse from his residence, 43, Temperley Road, Balham, and behind the mounting coaches his fellow workers walked in procession to the Roman Catholic Church, of which he was a member, and into which he was borne by six of the senior drivers. The coffin was covered with beautiful wreaths, and the sacred building was nearly filled by the staff, friends, and sympathisers. He was buried in the family grave at Leytonstone. The staff's contributions were two handsome wreaths (loco. and traffic), which will form a lasting memento. The railway company were represented by the loco. foremen.
6TH OCTOBER 1905
THE RAILWAYMEN'S PARLIAMENT
PRESIDENT ADDRESS
extracted from the report by Mr. Thomas
ELECTRIFICATION
There can be no doubt, judging from the present tendency, that the motive power of the future will be electricity, and when we realise that, notwithstanding the efforts of our organisation, the many and various representations to the Board of Trade by our general secretary, approval has been given by that body to the running of passenger trains with one man in the cab, and which again not only reduces the number of men employed, but completely changes the whole system, whereas years of experience as cleaners and firemen, which was considered imperative before being placed in charge of a train, are not now considered necessary, the policy adopted in some cases being to draw men from almost any grade with a view of training them for motormen. These fats been abundant evidence of the seriousness of the position, I would therefore ask, do the enginemen and firemen realise the danger? The most regrettable feature of the position is the utter indifference with which loco. men view the change -- that is, far as attempting to find a remedy, and which, in my opinion, is one society for railwaymen. There are in round figures 50,000 enginemen and firemen employed on the railways in the United Kingdom; there are approximately 16,000 members of our society; there are also, I believe about 12,000 members of another society, which means that 50 per cent. of the loco. men are organised, and although this percentage is higher than many other grades, the efforts of this body during the past ten years have been a miserable failure, so far improving our position is concerned; and if further proof were needed, it is to be found in the improvement made by practically every grade in the service during recent years, whereas no one can deny that loco. men have gone back, having to work heavier trains at a higher speed with an increased mileage in less hours than formerly (Hear, hear.) All naturally increases the great responsibility of enginemen and firemen, and which, unfortunately, is having its effect in the increased number of death grants paid to the locomotive men during the past few years, and which can only be remedied by an eight hour day, which must be necessity benefit every section of the representatives of locomotive fraternity -- not a reduction of hours with a view of benefiting by overtime, but that we may have more recreation, more time for study, and so enable us to better appreciate our responsibilities as husband, fathers, and citizens. This desirable and necessary alteration can only be brought about by consolidation of our forces, and I am prepared to offer this suggestion of amalgamation, although it is not the first time the A.S.R.S. has suggested it. From the growing feeling that exists among the rank and file, that no benefit can accrue until there is one strong organisation embracing every grade in the service, I am conscious of the fact that there are many matters, such as the question of. officials and benefits to which members are entitled, that must of necessity receive careful consideration; but I am most emphatically of the opinion that whilst no individual shall suffer, personal feelings must not interfere with what to us is our future existence. (Hear, hear.) I am satis that once the principle of amalgamation was settled there are many earnest and capable men to settle details. Will the locomotive men rise to the occasion? with all the solemnity of my nature I would urge them to put aside all petty jealously -- (Cheers) -- rise above the level of self interest, and make one determined effort to make the coming year the last of sectionalism and its attendants curses. (Cheers.)
15TH DECEMBER 1905
NEWHAVEN BRANCH
The ordinary meeting was held on Sunday last, with a capital attendance, over 40 members being present to welcome our honorary member, H. Beaumont, Esq., who paying us a visit, and as he is Liberal candidate for this division opportunity as taken of the occasion to question him on subjects of interest to railwaymen. The secretary, in welcoming him, briefly put the members' claims for his support before him, to which he replied in a very satisfaction manner, and in conclusion assured the members he should always be pleased, if elected, to assist our general secretary in urging the claims of railwaymen upon the Government. four new members. The next meeting, 31st inst., will be the annual one, and will start 6.30 p.m. sharp.
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THE CHARACTERISTIC COLOUR
AND NAMING OF ENGINES ON THE L.B. & S.C.R.
Apparently the characteristic colour and naming of the engines on the L.B. & S.C. are to disappear, for under the new locomotive regime the passenger engines are to be painted a dark umber, something like the North British colour, and will not be named, while the goods engines will be black. The discontinuance of names will disappoint the next generation of schoolboys, for it has been quite a common occupation of South London boys to compile lists of Brighton engines, and there has been considerable rivalry as to whose list of engines seen is the most extensive. In fact, for many years there has been a belief that every boy who can furnish a compile list of engines, compiled by himself, will receive a present from the company, or the company will endow a hospital bed, and the number of boys who have endeavoured to do this amounts to hundreds. however, names are to be discontinued and numbers used instead, and several passenger tank engines are already at work without names.
The writer recently saw several of the express engines now running painted dark green and one of the black goods engines, and must confess that the effect is very pleasing. And such a colour possesses the advantage that the engine look presentable although dirty, whereas the canary colour makes the engine appear most disreputable as soon as they get dirty and paint flakes off.