A. S. R. S.
3RD JANUARY 1908
BATTERSEA BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual meeting held on 20th and 27th ult.
Correspondence from Mr. Marsh and Mr. W. Forbes re spare firemen's conditions of employment, and unjust punishment were considered and Mr, Forbes's letter will be again before our next meeting.
RAILWAY REVIEW
10TH JANUARY 1908
The usual meeting was held on 3rd inst.
The secretary again instructed re L.B.&S.C. loco. men's grievances and unjust punishment, after hearing correspondence read and a good discussion upon these matters.
A. S. R. S.
28TH FEBRUARY 1908
L.B. & S.C. CONCILATION BOARDS
NORTH DISTRICT
Two conferences of A.S.R.S. branches in the Northern District were held on the 5th and 19th inst., at which from a number of names submitted the following were finally selected as candidates to be nominated for election as representatives on the Conciliation Boards for the Northern District:-
No. 1 Board, Loco. Department
J. Plant, engine driver, Battersea;
C. Allison, engine driver Croydon;
H.E. Hornby, engine driver, New Cross;
P. Luff, engine driver, Purley/Coulsdon
* SOUTHERN DISTRICT
No.3 Board, Loco. Department
Alfred Gill, engine driver Brighton
Henry Austen engine driver Brighton
James Browning engine driver Newhaven
* Railway Review 27th March 1908
A. S. R. S.
13TH MARCH 1908
The new express tank engine No.21, of the London, Brighton, and South Coast, is now at work, and has been given some remarkable work to do, including the hauling of the Sunday "Pullman Limited" from Victoria to Brighton in the hour, which may be termed the "blue riband" of express working. The engine is a 4-4-2 tank engine generally similar to the than engines of G.N. type already introduced by Mr. Marsh, but is much larger. The boiler, cylinders coupled wheels (6ft. 9in.) etc., are practically the same as those used for the last express design introduced by the late Mr. Billinton (4-4-0) type, so that No.21 is really an adaptation of the express design as a tank engine with a rear pair of wheels for supporting the bunker and side water tanks. A great deal of the Brighton traffic can be, and much of it is, conducted by tank engines, as the non stop runs are hardly long enough, unless the complete joint is made without stop, to really require a tender engine. It is, however, doubtful whether the complete journey without stop is really within the water carrying limits of a tank engine, even so late as No.21 though it might be done occasionally as on the occasion mentioned. It is worthy of note that all the passenger and tank engines built by Mr. Stroudley had six wheels only, all those built by Mr. Billinton have eight wheels. and all those so far built by Mr. Marsh have ten wheels, although all goods tender engines of all three superintendents have the usual six wheels only. It is stated that a new Pullman train is under construction for use in the principal daily up and down business express trains between Brighton and London, and that it is to be run regularly in the hour.
A. S. R. S.
27TH MARCH 1908
BRIGHTON No.1 BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The ordinary monthly meeting was held at the club house on Sunday, with a record attendance.
Several were granted suspension allowance, and one member was granted out of work allowance, a fireman, who had been dismissed for asking that another fireman should be booked with a driver whom he did not give satisfaction to when working express train, he being strange to the engine (Atlantic class). He was dismissed without notice or pay. The superintendent refused to entertain the appeal for his reinstatement. Mr. Bell offered to obtain the week's pay, but the member decided the branch should take no further steps in the matter, the members expressing the hope they would have no more similar cases.
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NEW CROSS
Extracted from branch report
An open meeting was held at the New Cross Branch room on 18th inst. Bro. A. Harber, E.C., presided over a fair attendance.
Bro. Moor moved, and Bro. Taylor seconded, the following resolution:
"That this meeting of all grades of railwaymen heartily welcomes the Conciliation and Arbitration Boards as a n improved method of dealing with the hours and wages of our employment; further, recognising that the boards have been obtained by the A.S.R.S., this meeting pledges united support and assistance in securing united support and assistance in securing the election to the Conciliation Boards of those candidates selected by their fellow members on behalf of this society, and urges all railwaymen to support and become members on support and become members of the society, thereby strengthening the movement now in progress for uplifting of all grades of railwaymen."
This was ably supported by Bro. Councillor G. Layton, E.C., of Leeds, and Bro. N. Rimmer, E.C., of Wigan, both of whom gave stirring addresses.
A. S. R. S.
3RD APRIL 1908
L.B. & S.C. CONCILATION BOARDS
SOUTHERN DISTRICT
The ordinary monthly meeting was held at St. James's Hall, Portsmouth, on 29ult., Bro. J. Green presiding.
Bro. G. Loader addressed the meeting, dealing with the movement from the start up to the settlement.
Bro. J. Pile being one of the candidates for the traffic board, dealt with the formation and the good that could be obtained out of these boards if they would only see to it that only members of the A.S.R.S. were returned.
The Chairman read the names of the whole of the society's nominees for the Southern Division, and a resolution was moved in support of all the candidates, and pledging those present to endeavour to secure their return, which was carried unanimously, although the majority present were non unionists.
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NORTHERN DISTRICT
A open mass meeting of L.B. & S.C. men was held was held at the Mason's Arms, Battersea, on the 30th ult. in support of the A.S.R.S. candidates for the Conciliation Boards in the Northern District. Several of the candidates were present and addresses the meeting.
The following is the final selection of the A.S.R.S. candidates:
Board No. 3 (enginemen) J. Plant, C. Allison, H.E. Hornby, P. Luff.
A. S. R. S.
1ST MAY 1908
L.B. & S.C. CONCILIATION BOARDS
MEETINGS AT FORD AND NEWHAVEN
Meetings were held at Ford and Newhaven on Saturday and Sunday evenings last in support of the A.S.R.S. candidates for the Conciliation Boards, when the following resolution was adopted:
"That this mass meeting of the L.B.&S.C. employees of all grades heartily welcomes the scheme of Conciliation Boards and arbitrators agreed to by the company and the A.S.R.S., and hereby pledges itself to give it a fair trial in dealing with the questions of hours and wages of railwaymen; and further, undertakes to support for the Conciliation boards those candidates who have been selected by their fellow members of the A.S.R.S., and urges all railwaymen to become members of that society, and thereby to strengthen the position of those who are elected to represent them in their efforts to improve the conditions of employment."
Many excellent speeches were delivered, including one from Mr. A. Harber, the E.C. representative, for the district.
A. S. R. S.
15TH MAY 1908
L.B. & S.C.
PORTSMOUTH BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
At the St. James's Hall, Charlotte street, Landport, on Sunday evening, aw ell attended meeting chiefly composed of local railway workers, convened under the auspices of the Portsmouth Branch of the A.S.R.S., was held in connection with the election of representatives on the Southern District Conciliation Board of the L.B.&S.C.
The chair was taken by Mr. A.F. Heditch, president of the Portsmouth Trades nd Labour Council, and the chief speaker was Mr. J.E. Williams, of London, the assistant secretary of the society, who explained the working of the Conciliation Boards, and states that of the elections that had already taken place 81 per cent. of the members elected were society men. (Applause)
On the motion of Mr. G. Loader, seconded by Mr. J. Pile, the resolution was unanimously adopted.
A. S. R. S.
22ND MAY 1908
THE CONCILIATION BOARDS
LONDON BRIGHTON & SOUTH COAST
A.S.R.S OFFICIAL CANDIATES
LOCOMOTIVE DEPARTMENT SECTIONAL BOARD
NORTHERN DISTRICT
C. Allison, Engine Driver, West Croydon.
H.E. Hornby, Engine Driver, New Cross.
P. Luff, Engine Driver, Stoat's Nest
J. Plant, Engine Driver, Battersea Loco.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT
H.T. Austen, Engine Driver, Brighton
J. Browning, Engine Driver, Newhaven
A. Gill, Engine Driver, Brighton
T.W. Taylor, Shedman, Eastbourne
A. S. R. S.
5TH JUNE 1908
THE BRIGHTON ELECTIONS
The result of the Brighton elections is very satisfactory. Out of 32 elected representatives 28 are members of the A.S.R.S., three of the Associated Society, and one only is a non unionist. The Loco Sectional Board will consist of five A.S.R.S. men and three A.S.L.E.&F. Organisation is again shown to be triumphant.
LOCOMOTIVE DEPARTMENT SECTIONAL BOARD
NORTHERN DISTRICT
Walter William Cooper Engine Driver
SOUTHERN DISTRICT
A. S. R. S.
19TH JUNE 1908
BATTERSEA BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The half yearly meeting was held on the 12th inst.
Vote of condolence and sympathy expressed with the widow and relatives of Bro. T. McKew, who died in Westminster Hospital on the 9th inst.
DEATH IN SERVICE
19th June 1908
Battersea engine driver Thomas McKew died in service on the 9th June 1908, aged 57. Joined the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants on the 13th December 1872
3RD JULY 1908
BATTERSEA BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual monthly meeting held 26th ult.
A vote of sympathy passed with the relatives and family of our late Bro. T. McKew, whose widow only survived eleven days.
A. S. R. S.
31ST JULY 1908
BATTERSEA BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual meeting on 24th inst.
The L.B.&S.C. loco. department are continuing their unjust treatment of the men, and inflicting suspensions and reduction in pay for the most trifling offence. They will not accept reasonable explanations, of defence in any form, which is evidently causing many of the best and promising young men to leave the service disgusted with the treatment men receive.
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TUNBRIDGE WELLS BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The ordinary meeting held on the 27th inst.
Brother's dismissal was again discussed, and as Mr. Marsh has not yet acknowledged receipt of letter from the secretary, the case is still in abeyance, and we are still hoping he will reconsider his decision.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The ordinary meeting held on the 27th inst.
Brother's dismissal was again discussed, and as Mr. Marsh has not yet acknowledged receipt of letter from the secretary, the case is still in abeyance, and we are still hoping he will reconsider his decision.
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HORSHAM BRANCH
An open meeting was held on 18th inst., when the chair was taken by Mr. A.J. Smith, W.C. The following resolution was proposed by Bro. Hutton and seconded by Bro. Boxall:
"That this meeting, represented by all grades of railwaymen, members of the A.S.R.S. and non members alike, do congratulate those of our fellow workmen, members of the A.S.R.S., who are elected members of the Conciliation Boards and pledge ourselves to heartily support them in any steps they may consider necessary to take to improve our conditions of employment, and we cordially invite all non members to join the A.S.R.S. to enable us to secure the desired reforms."
Councillor Dobson supported the resolution, and spoke for an hour on the movement and Conciliation Boards, showing the non members the advantages there were in joining the society, and hoping there would be many join and help on with work which we have in hand.
Bros. Howard, Jones, Brown, Harding, and Whiting, members of the Conciliation Boards, supported the resolution, and thanked all present for the support they had given them in electing them to the boards, promising to do all in their power for all.
Bro. Bowers, of Purely, gave a few words on the movement.
The On the resolution being put it was carried unanimously.
A good number of entrance forms were taken which we hope will be filled up and returned.
About 100 present.
A. S. R. S.
7TH AUGUST 1908
L.B. & S.C. LOCO SCANDAL
We should like to draw the attention of the general manager and directors of the company to the way men are treated at Battersea loco. depot, which really has become a scandal. Men are treated to outbursts of language which would do credit to a professional from Billingsgate. Men are told they are lazy; not fit to have charge of an engine; if they were on other roads they would be paid up, etc. Cleaners are treated with scant consideration, and should they protest or appeal the position is made such that the last time the cleaners protested, of the six elected to make the protest three have already gone from the service of the company. Many of the self respecting young men have been leaving rather than put up with the treatment. The punishments inflicted on the drivers and firemen by suspensions from duty are 6d. or 1s. per day off their money, and reductions in grade in some cases have become so numerous that no man can go out of the shed without fear of his turn being next for another punishment. In many cases the firemen are punished when they are in no way responsible, and if they were to dictate to the driver his duties they would be wrong. The bad condition of the engines (which are anybody's engines), the bad coal supplied, with which it is impossible to avoid making a smoke, are all part of the case. The men are naturally wondering how far this concerted action of the officials will go, as, if continued, a day will certainly come when the men will say enough. It is possible for the directors now to inquire, and we hope they will do so. We have the assurance that the whole of the men are thoroughly anxious for an inquiry into the working of the department during the past two years, and they are waiting hopefully for it to take place.
A. S. R. S.
14TH AUGUST 1908
BATTERSEA BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual meeting held 7th inst.
It was decided to have a special meeting for loco. men to protest against the unjust punishment inflicted on the L.B.&S.C. men.
A. S. R. S.
28TH AUGUST 1908
BATTERSEA BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual monthly meeting held 21st inst.
The arrangements completed for open meeting for loco. men's protest against unjust and severity of punishments on L.B.&S.C.; another case stated, the man's appeal against reduction answered by dismissal.
When will the vindictive actions of officials cease?
The men only can answer.
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NEW CROSS BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The meeting held on the 22nd.
Loco. members are require to attend next meeting on the 29th inst., at 7 p.m.; important business
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L.B. & S.C. LOCO. MEN
An open meeting for locomotivemen was held at the Masons' Arms, Battersea, on 23rd inst. for the purpose of protesting against the unjust punishment of loco. men on the L.B.&S.C.
During the discussion upon the resolution which was moved by two L.B.&S.C. engine drivers of many years's service, the men spoke very strongly, and quoted case after case of punish-ment. The resolution was carried unanimously, the A.S.R.S., A.S.L.E.&F., and non society men all supporting it:
"That this meeting of locomotivemen emphatically protest against the injustice and severity of the punishment inflicted by the officials of the L.B.&S.C. upon us, and owing to the spirit with which individual appeals are met we hereby appeal direct and collectively to the honour-able board of directors to at once institute into the punishments inflicted and treatment of appeals made to officials, with a view to the redress of our grievance."
A. S. R. S.
4TH SEPTEMBER 1908
BATTERSEA BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual meeting was held on 28th ult.
The L.B.&S.C. loco. men's punishments, and the resolution and correspondence re same were before us. It was agreed that an open meeting should be held when reply was received from the directors. It is expected that important correspondence will be before our next meeting.
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CROYDON BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual weekly meeting was held on Friday.
Correspondence from Battersea Branch, Good discussion thereon. It was decided to refer this matter to a joint meeting of loco. men of both societies.
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NEW CROSS BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
monthly meeting was held on the 29th ult., with a splendid attendance.
Agreed to support Battersea, and arrangements made for open meeting at branch too on 6th inst., at 7 p.m. for loco. men.
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PURLEY BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
Meeting held on 27th ult.; good number of loco. men present, including visitors from A.S.L.E.&F. and New Cross Branch A.S.R.S. Standing orders suspended for discussion of loco. men's grievances, which resulted in a decisive resolution being adopted unanimously.
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NOT A WORKMAN'S TRAIN
A new Pullman train de luxe, which, it is claimed, will be the most luxuriously fitted train in the world, will shortly commence to make a daily journeys between London and Brighton.
The new train, which will be run by the London, Brighton, and South Coast, will consist of seven cars with vestibules throughout. There will be four drawing rooms, one buffet, and two composite cars for smokers.
Every recent device for the increase of comfort in travelling is to be applied to the new train, which, it is stated, will cost £40,000.
A. S. R. S.
11TH SEPTEMBER 1908
L. B. & S. C. LOCO. MEN
An opening meeting of loco. men was held at the club house Brighton, on Sunday last, to hear the report of the delegates presenting the programme to Mr. Marsh, the loco. Superintendent.
Bros. Allison and Austen dealt with the matter in a very able manner, and on reporting that they were met by Mr. Marsh producing a letter accompanied by 900 signatures asking that no further action should be taken until 1909, and that the signatories sympathised with the directors financial position, etc. Some strong opinions were expressed regarding the management, increase of official salaries, etc., and general dissent was expressed regarding the signatures, and on a resolution being moved asking how many of those present at the meeting had signed not one present knew anything about it, although one member admitted being asked to sign something, but he refused.
A resolution was moved and unanimously carried that the Conciliation Board be ordered to take the matter up.
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BRIGHTON No.1 BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
Meeting was held last evening, with a fair attendance. Two new members (loco. men) accepted.
Reports given re conference on superannuation fund, visit of loco. men to present programme to Mr. Marsh and the results of the interview, reports re Sectional Conciliation Boards, more complaints re treatment of men in loco. department, and resolution read and dealt with.
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BATTERSEA BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual meeting held on 4th inst.
Three new members (firemen).
Correspondence re L.B.&S.C. loco. men's punishments brought on a good discussion. it was decided to grant a member out of work pay, and to place the case in the hands of the general secretary to recover wages due from the L.B.&S.C. It was decided to arrange an open meeting on 13th inst. to enable the delegates who attend the interview with Mr. Marsh on the behalf of the L.B.&S.C. loco. men in support of the national programme to give their report.
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NEW CROSS BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
Meeting was held on the 5th inst., with another good attendance.
Report given of conference held at Brighton. An interesting discussion followed, and we decided to endorse our delegate's suggestion.
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RAILWAY PENSION FUNDS
A conference was held at Brighton on Sunday last re the Royal commission and pension funds. Delegates were present from most of the branches on the system, who thought another opportunity had arrived when attention could be called to the injustice to the old members of the superannuation fund and the management of the present pension fund on the L.B.&S.C. Two resolutions were carried:-
1 "That the movements be constituted a society one, and that all general statements, matters of principle, formation and constitution of fund, and management of the same be forwarded to Mr. Bell by the branches to be tabulated and summarised."
2 "That all matters of detail, individual cases and minor details, cases where members and others have not been properly dealt with when superannuated, etc., to be drafted and forwarded to the secretary of the conference, A. Gill, 99, Ditchling Rise, Brighton, to be compiled for the use of those given evidence before the Commission; those persons who are members of the superannuation fund, but not members of the A.S.R.S., to forward their information to A. Gill."
A. S. R. S.
18TH SEPTEMBER 1908
L. B. & S. C. LOCO. MEN
An open meeting of the L.B.&S.C. loco. men was held at the Masons' Arms, Battersea, on 13th inst. The delegates who had an interview with Mr. Marsh re the A.S.R.S. national programme gave their report, and the men decided after hearing the report that as the programme for improved conditions of employment was not entertained that is shall go to the Conciliation Board.
A. S. R. S.
25TH SEPTEMBER 1908
TUNBRIDGE WELLS BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
Quarterly meeting held on 21st inst.; moderate attendance.
Correspondence from Battersea re conditions of service of our locomotive brethren caused an animated discussion, and we unanimously decided to support same.
A. S. R. S.
9TH OCTOBER 1908
BRIGHTON No.1 BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual monthly meeting was held, with a good attendance.
Another old member claimed his superannuation allowance, and the secretary was instructed to hand over to late Driver A. White the sum of £2 11s. 9d. collected from him.
The secretary reported that owing to some of the branches not redrafting the resolution forwarded by Battersea Branch, with instructions to send to directors, general manager, etc., respecting the treatment received by the men at that station, and the refusal to grant any appeals or reconsider their cases, a wrong impression had been created in the minds of the directors viz., that general dissatisfaction existed throughout the system, and not what was intended, that the other branches sympathised with Battersea in their difficulty and wished to support them in their endeavour to obtain better treatment from officials and investigation into the past treatment of the men.
A. S. R. S.
16TH OCTOBER 1908
A BRUTALLY FRANK ADMISSION
We blushed whilst reading the Earl of Bessborough's speech as chairman of the L.B.&S.C. Railway at their half yearly meeting. Here it is in all its nakedness:-
The question of wages was constantly receiving attention, as was all other expenses, but he might point out that the Brighton Company was working at a lower rate than any other company.
Our blushes are on behalf of the staff who allow such a state of things to exist. We never remember such a tribute publicity paid to the docility of the staff by any railway company's chairman.
A. S. R. S.
23RD OCTOBER 1908
BATTERSEA BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual monthly meeting, with good attendance, held on 16th inst.
A letter was read from a L.B.&S.C. loco man expressing pleasure at finding the L.B.&S.C. officials had reinstated wages of men who had been punished by reductions, and that a member discharged had been reinstated. (The members: "Hear, Hear.") But the members ar convinced that it would be most beneficial to both the company and employees if more reasonable and human consideration can be given cases of alleged irregularities before judgement is passed by those in authority, and also that the actions of certain officials are not conducive to good feelings among their staff. The members are still waiting the result of their appeal to the directors on the question of punishments.
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TUNBRIDGE WELLLS BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
Meeting on Sunday with a splendid attendance, when we had the pleasure of enrolling one new member (loco). The secretary also read the replies received from the directors, acknowledging receipt of resolutions, etc., re the conditions of service and the punishments inflicted for trial offences upon the men in the loco. department.
A. S. R. S.
20TH NOVEMBER 1908
BATTERSEA BRANCH
Extracted from branch report
The usual monthly meeting held on 13th inst.
A letter from D.E. Marsh re L.B.&S.C. loco men's grievance stating that the matter will receive his consideration. It was decided to accept the offer of the local co-operators for an address to be given at our meeting upon "Co-operation," chiefly from its local aspect. A member reported the result of his appeal against his dismissal from the L.B.&S.C. service, he having appeal to the superintendent, then the general manager, and afterwards forwarded an appeal to the secretary of the company for the directors, which had not been placed before the directors, but replied to by the superintendent. he had then applied to the general manager for his week's money in lieu of notice, which was granted, with the intimation that the general manager did not think there was any necessity to place his case before the directors. The members decided to send an appeal to the Earl of Bessborough, chairman of the L.B.&S.C., feeling that an injustice is being done by dismissal.
PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN
SELSEY ENGINEMEN