The Wimbledon to South Merton was opened as far as South Merton opened on the 7th July 1929. The line from South Merton to Sutton was opened on the 5th January 1930. The line was opened as a electrified line.
On the 6th July 1930, the Wimbledon to West Croydon line saw its first electric trains, which included service running to Holburn Viaduct via Wimbledon.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JANUARY 1930
BRIGHTON BRANCH
I am pleased to report we are still making progress, although we have had a set back through a mistake made in 1927, and which we were hoping would be right after our General Secretary’s recent visit. However, I hope that all members will look into this matter from a Trade Unionist point of view, and help our Secretary and all to get on with the job. I am hoping to see this depot in 1930 being 100 per cent. Trade Unionist.
For the L.D.C. Election for 1930, three of our members and one N.U.R. being nominated, it is pleasing to see Bro. J. Galyer (late of Coulsdon) nominated as one of ours. He is also a worker in Brighton for the Labour Party, although he has not been here long.
The sympathy of our branch is with Bro. C. Scutt (Ribser), who was to retire in November, but who has misfortune to fall back and break his thigh while off duty a week or so before he took his pension, and we wish him a speedy recovery. I believe him to be the oldest A.S.L.E. & F. member here at the time of his accident. We are now looking forward to our Annual Xmas Children’s Treat, which takes place on January 7th, the joint branches again assisting. We look for a great success again this year. A Happy New Year to all who help themselves.
CHAIRMAN
PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN
A scene at the nearby Lancing Carriage & Wagon Work shops, where rolling stock for the world's largest electrified suburban system was manufactured. With the steady increase of the frequent electric services, carriages and motor vehicles have constantly to be supplemented.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
FEBRUARY 1930
BRIGHTON BRANCH
I am pleased to report that progress is still being made here. We had 12 new members at our last meeting on January 4th, and it is very pleasing to see what fine attendances we are getting at our branch meetings. This being the Jubilee Year of our organisation we should all do our best by strengthening our membership and roping in all the “nons” to make this a record year of our branch. I think if we had a system, one member after one “non,” we should be very successful, and so build up the branch.
This branch agrees with the E. C. decision re Fireman Evans, of Saltley, case. We were very interested in this case as, just recently, we have had a passed Fireman returned from abroad. He was a man who did not find favour with the men when he was here, and he has been to and fro to the office of late. We are of the opinion that the Sectional Councils are not carrying out the work in the way they should or as we expect them to. In dealing with the work of Sectional Council we at Brighton have complaints to make regarding the way transferring of passed cleaners is carried out. We have suffered in this respect as much as any depot on the Southern (we have had at least 80 of such transfers). Just recently we have had a dozen passed cleaners transferred, even though the depot is over-staffed and we have redundancy staring in the face through the development of electrification. Yet these transfers still come.
Since the last transfers arrived our youngest six cleaners have been notified of depots to which they can transfer, with the only option if they do not accept they can go on the streets. What can they do? They get 7/- a day, are married, and some have families; they must go to one of the depots named or go on the streets as our other cleaners have had to do. We have protested time after time, to no purpose. We are, however, anticipating a visit from Bro, J. Long, secretary of Sectional Council No.2.
I am pleased to report our three candidates were returned for L.D.C., 1930, Bros. J. Galyer, A. Greene and A Clack.
We held our annual Christmas treat on January 7th. 150 children and members of the Women’s Branch sat down to tea, and I am sure a most enjoyable time was spent. Bro. H. Beale was Father Christmas, and he gave every child toy. We had the assistance of a local dancing troupe, which was appreciated by all, the troupe consisting of 15 children dancers. They left a fine impression on all who watched their performance, and I am sure the children enjoyed it. The treat was arranged by the Joint Social Committees, and the ladies and their secretary Mrs. J. Andrews, deserve the highest praise for the part they carried out.
The next function on the programme is our Annual Dinner; this was attended by 168 last year.
I cannot say at present where it will be held this year, but it will be on Good Friday, April 18th, and we have the promise of our General Secretary attending with Mrs. Bromley. This being our Jubilee Year, we are fortunate in having Mr. Bromley with us. I should advise all out stations who wish to attend annual function to get in touch with Social Secretary A. Clack for any information they might require.
I should be pleased if all members of this branch would look at page 33 of last issue of Journal, and look at the photograph. I am sure it is a credit to the Grantham Branch. It is time something was done in this respect at Brighton, having in mind those who have gone in the past and how they treat their veterans in the traffic dept. it is time we gave our veterans a send off. One just gone, a trade unionist all his life, another is just about to take his pension. Don’t let them go as they gone in the past.
CHAIRMAN
ASLEF COLLECTION
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MARCH 1930
BRIGHTON BRANCH
I have to report progress still being made, and a few new members last branch meeting. In my last report I referred to our retiring veterans not being sent off as they deserve. I stand by my remarks, but it fell like a bombshell in the depot, and personally I am pleased with the results with the results. I know Bro. W. Clark felt it very much, but what I want Bro. Clark to understand is that my remarks in the journal, regarding our veterans, us to assist him and his retiring and death fund (of which I am a member). What I want to see is all other enginemen at the depot members, so the fund will be able to give them all a parting they deserve. I understand 113 men subscribe to the fund, so that means 370 don’t. Now perhaps the meaning of my article will be understood as it should be. We want all men to assist by joining the fund.
We have had a visit from Bro. J. T. Long (Secretary, Sectional Council No.2). I am pleased to say he cleared the air regarding the transferring of spare cleaners to this depot, he also dealt with the Sectional Council’s circular, appendix “A". We are asking the company to arrange a series of educational classes at Brighton, dealing with the new rulebook, which will, no doubt be beneficial to all; no reply has yet been received, but I understand such classes are being arranged in other depot over the system. I trust that, if we are successful in getting these classes, all will take the opportunity and attend.
Our Annual Dinner will take place on Good Friday, April 18th, at the Old Ship Hotel; all wishing to attend please send their names in before April 5th.
CHAIRMAN
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MARCH 1930
BRIGHTON BRANCH
Recently I have been doing my best to contribute a few notes on what was going on at
Brighton, and I am sure they have created a little interest in the Journal at the depot. One of
the first matters I touched on was the local Death and Retiring fund, and my notes on that
upset quite a few. Regarding the proposed Educational Class on the new Rule Book that we
were asking the company to arrange, as they have done so at other depots, the members of
the Improvement classes do not agree with the idea, therefore we shall not go any farther with this matter. (It’s a funny place is Brighton).
At the recent branch meeting a protest was made against Appendix A. (Sectional Council
Minutes, May 15th and 16th) being put into operation, as it is a direct violation of the existing agreements, and this protest was sent to Sectional Council no.2, and to Head Office, and we are waiting to hear the result. We have also got news of a meeting held on March 6th, where it was decided that all appointed fireman shall take preference for firing duties over senior cleaners, thus the position in this case is reversed. In my opinion this is going to cause great dissatisfaction, seeing that here, for example, we have redundant firemen with seniority of Nov. 19th, and cleaners with seniority of Sept. 18th, all working on spare work, senior cleaners taking first job, now vice versa. These appointed firemen came here 18 months ago from Eastbourne (and not through the list of vacancies) – they came here to take their turn with spare work. I am given to understand a movement is on foot to all cleaners up to the last appointed firemen. I do trust the position will be cleared up soon, because here we live on Seniority and Juniority.
I should like to impress on all the home depot men here that they should attend all branch
meetings, we are getting some good attendances, but mostly transferred men. The home depot men would do better if they attend and I am sure there would be less grumbling.
CHAIRMAN
PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
APRIL 1930
BRIGHTON BRANCH
Our Area conference was held at Brighton on March 11th, our two E.C. Members, Mrs.
Hurn and Mrs. Mays, being present.
Our president, Mrs. Lewery, who occupied the chair, gave a hearty welcome to all present.
Mrs. Mays then read the minutes of the conference held at Dover. There were 17 delegates
present, and many interesting reports were received from various branches, and several
lively discussions took place.
We were very pleased to have our E.C. Member with us, as both helped to make it a very
interesting afternoon. Conference finished, delegates and visitors sat down to a very
enjoyable tea, which was followed by a social dance. Several games were indulged in,
much to the pleasure of those present. Driver Mr. S. Fellingham kindly obliged with two
songs, both being greatly appreciated.
The women’s committee gave a short sketch entitled, “The Glory Hole,” which introduced
the work of the Women’s branch.
This won much applause. Several dances also afforded much enjoyment. Mrs. Carter,
women’s committee.
Any some verses, composed by herself, entitled “Well done, the Women’s Branch.”
This brought to a close a very enjoyable evening.
So here’s success to the A.S.L.E. & F., May it still grow stronger and stronger; Our
Women’s branch, as well as the Men’s.
Let’s all stand together, right to the end.
E.M. CARTER.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MAY 1930
BOGNOR AND LITTLEHAMPTON BRANCH
I feel I must take an opportunity of expressing my thanks and appreciation to the members of the above for their assistance and help during the year 1929, and for apparent confidence felt, by again electing me as you secretary and shed committee representative, with Bro. H. Roger. I think we can look back upon the last 12 months with a fair amount of satisfaction, both from a membership point and an amicably working depot. Bro. Rogers will bear me out when I say that some of our committee meetings, during 1929, were rather trying ordeals, from the point of view of gaining a point (which was very rare) I must admit, and in some cases fighting to hold what we were just entitled to. When the foreman (that was then) greeted me with the remark, “Well, Lawrence, what is it this time, as much as I like you, I begin to hate the sight of you,” I think you’ll agree that it wasn’t exactly encouraging, but I will also admit that I was rather flattered, for o think I must have been a sort of a nightmare to him, I honestly believe he meant it, too. Anyway, I think we parted fairly friendly when he left us, so all’s well that ends rough. Well, now that we have entered upon another year with a new foreman and naturally new ideas, which, providentially for us, have proved beneficial to all, it’s up to us to look after them. Although I know there is no emphasize that point, I would like to lay stress upon the importance attaching to the branch meetings. For that is the place for the discussing of your workings, that your committee may go into conference with the knowledge that everybody approves of what is going to be done. Always remember, that to look after your interests and maintain efficiency, you must be conversant with present happenings, and to do that just spare that 2 hours one evening a month, and see and hear what’s doing. The attendances, of late, have been fairly satisfactory, but there is still room for improvement, so we commence our meetings again I would like those to this applies to bear it in mind.
Another point well worth mentioning applies to the “Arrears Link.” It is rather deplorable habit, makes more work for me and a bit more for Head Office and will, one of these days, cause yourselves perhaps years of regret. You will find occasion when assistance and representation would be a wonderful asset, but owing to your being “out of benefit” you couldn’t get it, and don’t come to me with any expectation of sympathy, because you won’t get it, and I’ll tell you why. If two and more share are preferred in the sweepstake, then let the sweepstake look after your future. I wouldn’t mind so much if you parted up with a portion of it when you won, but you don’t, or won’t. I’m not by any means condemning football sweeps, for I’ve got one share myself, but as soon as it interferes with my contributions, then I’m quitting, before the sweepstake condemns me. Get that, do you? Just you think about it, and the explanation won’t be hard to find.
Well, I won’t utilise anymore of our journal’s valuable space, and if all this is published I only hope and trust that some good comes of it. I’ll write again when my contribution return book shows “no arrears.”
W. LAWRENCE,
Branch L.D.C. Secretary.
Railway accidents on the
Southern Railway
Brighton Section
Eastbourne 21st May 1930
Involving Driver Suckling & Fireman Atkins Depot Unknown
SEE SUB PAGE
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JUNE 1930
BRIGHTON BRANCH
I am pleased to report progress is still being made, and I trust the “nons” who read this
Journal will send their thanks to the leaders of the trade unions for the return of the 2 ½ per
cent., and ask themselves if they can still allow their mates around them to keep their end up, while they enjoy the conditions that the railway companies made with trade unionists, and which they are pleased to enjoy.
We had our annual dinner on Good Friday and, being the Jubilee Year of the Society, it was
quite fitting that our General Secretary and Mrs. Bromley were present. Mr. Bromley
responded to the toast of the trade unions which was proposed by Mr. J. Enves. Our General Secretary was warmly greeted by all. He said, humorously, that he had brought his wife along because Brighton was one of those “backward areas” where a Labour M.P. dare not show himself alone. He reminded us that we belonged to a body of industrial workmen who were the highest paid in the country. From John o’ Groats to Land’s End, enginemen were the only craft getting uniformed conditions.
During the dinner, which was presided over by Driver H. Beall, presentations of smoking
outfits and wallets of treasury notes were made by Mr. Bromley to four of our old veterans;
Bros. H. Hollist, 53 years, service; T. Boulin, 44 years; C. Scutt (Risber), 46 years; and J.
Tapner, 43 years. I am sure these presentations were a credit to the Brighton Loco. Staff, and I do trust that all our younger generation will support the local “Retiring Fund.” “The
Southern Railway” was proposed by Driver F. Larkin, Mr. H. Lelew responding.A dance and social followed until midnight. This social event was no doubt the greatest success of recent years, but I hope to see more there next year, having in mind electrification, when some of old L.B.S.C.R. men will probably be parting company after many happy days together, so make up your minds in in good time.
At our last branch meeting our old friend, Bro. C. Scutt, made an interesting presentation to
Bro. F. Constable, although only young, is a real worker for the branch.
We are awaiting the minutes of the last Sectional Council Meeting, and then the L.D.C. can
get on with the new seniority list, this matter having been abeyance for a long time. A most
interesting item will be the appointing of all firemen down to the appointed man; should this
come about it will be most interesting at Brighton. The L.D.C. have got a big job on to satisfy all the transferred men and the old L.B.S.C.R. men too. I understand that the new seniority list now posted is quite in order, but if the National Agreement must be carried out with men rostered in the links.
At the branch meeting, held on May 11th, the A.A.D. agenda was discussed, and it was
decided to give Bro. Tullet of Horsham, a free hand on most items on the agenda. This
meeting was not well attended as was expect. I do appeal to all members to attend and assist
the old stalwarts who are always present.
Members will be pleased be pleased to know that Bro. J. Galyer (late of Coulsdon), is
progressing, and has gone to Herne Bay Convalescent Home. Bro. Galyer was knocked down by a motor car while proceeding to duty on March 15th Bro. G. Teague is also progressing, and we all wish them a speedy recovery. I am sorry to say that Bro. E Rann has now been taken off the company’s books (he has been off from duty since September, 1928), be we trust some light job will be found for him in due course.
CHAIRMAN
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JUNE 1930
TUNBRIDGE WELLS BRANCH
Under the auspices of the above branch an open meeting was held on March 30th, when Bro. J. Cordrey, chairman of the S.R. sectional Council no.2, gave a very interesting address on “The Machinery” which was brought about by the 1921 Railways act; the work of Sectional Council, and incidentally the difficulties with which they were confronted at times. The question of seniority he also dealt with very ably, and the manner in which these items affect the younger men of this depot. It was surprising to find there was not more of them present at the meeting. We were very pleased to have a few brothers from Tonbridge Branch and we thank them for their interest; also the N.U.R. members who availed themselves of the opportunity to ask questions, which were satisfactorily answered. With the address, questions and answers, Bro. Cordrey gave us a very interesting 2 half hours. Bro. J. French moved, and Bro. A. Wheatley seconded, that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Bro. Jim and expressed a hope for a future visit. Bro. Cordrey suitably replied.
I take this opportunity of expressing a very deep regret in the loss we sustained a short time before Christmas, owing to the death of our late Bro. W. Hillman at the early age of 47 years. A true brother in every sense of the word, and always cheery. We have lost a good member and a good friend, and his late employers a good workman.
BRANCH SECRETARY
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
AUGUST 1930
BRIGHTON BRANCH
At our last branch meeting, Bro. J. Galyer was nominated as candidate for this area for the forthcoming Sectional Council election. Bro. Galyer is on the L.D.C. at this depot and is a good worker for the branch, and interested in the work of the Council. We appeal to all in the area to give Bro. Galyer a vote.
I am much concerned at the attendances at our branch meetings lately; we were having some fine meetings earlier in the year, but they have fallen off. If members are not satisfied, why not come to the branch-room and put it right. We were hoping to bring the membership up to the limit this year, but I am afraid we shall not unless we have the assistance of all members.
During the last year or two we had old regular’s join up for three or four months, drop out, join up again, and so they go on-no good to themselves or the union. The L.D.C. have this month had complaints about late issue of overalls. These complaints come from the “nons.” mostly, who have no right to them strictly speaking, the trade unions got us overalls. The same applies to our general conditions of to-day; these conditions were won by trade unionist. Hasten the day when they have to work to the Company’s conditions; I am sure we trade unionist would welcome it. Now, brothers, help us to build up our membership and so bring Brighton up to where we ought to be. We have been one of those backward areas for many years; see if we cannot hold our heads up with all other big depots. Remember that all members of trade unions are men of principle.
BRANCH CHAIRMAN.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
SEPTEMBER 1930
BRIGHTON BRANCH
I am pleased to report enrolling of new members at last meeting, but we are not making the progress we should. I am sure we can get many more if we adopt the system one member after one “non.” All members must realize that rouble is ahead and we must build up our forces by getting these “nons” into the union. They know what the union has done for enginemen, which they are pleased to enjoy. I am also pleased to acknowledge receiving at our last meeting the Society’s medal for proposing 25 members. Bro. H. Funnell made the presentation. I am pleased to have this medal, and I hope more of our members will have the pleasure of receiving one this year.
The Sectional Council voting was carried out as the branch required, every member receiving a voting paper. We wish Bro. J. Galyer success. I expect that the L.D.C. will have met before the next branch meeting. The L.D.C. are now to put in operation the seniority of the link working that has been abeyance since last February. There is no doubt this will upset some, but we must all understand that this matter is settled now and for all times, only this is the kind of thing that some men make their excuse for falling out of the union; so all look at it in the proper light and bring your grievances to the branch-rooms. That’s the place, and don’t fall out of the union because something displeases you, when the union is not to blame, as you must know.
CHAIRMAN
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
OCTOBER 1930
BRIGHTON BRANCH
Our last branch meeting was a most interesting on, the case of Bro. E. Rann being dealt
with. Bro. Rann, who has been laid up for two years and has been receiving the National
Health disablement allowance, was reported to head Office by someone (I hope not a trade
unionist) who informed them that he was working and receiving the National Health sickness benefit, which he was not entitled to if the report was true. He is benefit was stopped until inquiries were completed. It was found there was no foundation whatever for the suggestion, and payment of sickness was resumed. Bro. Rann’s health, I am sorry to say has got worse since this despicable action by a man who has never had to suffer as Bro. Rann has, and I hope that we shall be successful in finding the culprit is. I wish all members of the branch to assist us in our efforts to him.
I am pleased to report several new members last meeting. Now, just a word to all our
members. Cannot you attend the branch once a month? There is no excuse; come and assist
us. When we attend we have the same inconvenience to contend with as you. Many members come to the meeting held on the first Sunday in December, elect their officers for the year, and are never seen in the branch-room again. I remember being proposed as chairman three years ago, and I have never seen the proposer and the seconder of my nomination in the branch-room since. This is no encouragement, and as the business is yours and your interest at stake, I advise you to keep in touch with all correspondence, for the time is soon when we shall require to be united. I trust, therefore, all members will try to come to our meetings commencing October, when two meeting a month will be held.I am sue now able to report that the rumour of all 12/- a day firemen being passed as drivers is without foundation, but I am sure it has done the men it affected some good (they have been busy). I see by Bro. Barton Wild’s note that he is willing to come to any branch meeting for the purpose of dealing with “nons.” Well, I think he should be seen at Brighton once again, to wake our “nons” up before it is too late. I see the case of the “nons” is on the table, and I hope that the E.C. will reach some definite solution this time. I am pleased to report that at the branch meeting held on September 14th, we had a much improved attendance. Evidently, our members are waking up before it is too late.
We are pleased with the Sectional Council voting returns, Bro. J. Galyer being supported by 341, against Bro. Godfrey, 521. Although defeated, Bro. J. Galyer has done very well. Better luck next time.
CHAIRMAN
POSTCARD