THE LOCOMOTIVE STEAM ENGINEMEN


 AND FIREMEN FRIENDLY SOCIETY


Established in 1839


The Pension Fund in connection with it was established in 1841




https://mrc-catalogue.warwick.ac.uk/records/TSS/P/1/1










THE RAILWAY HERALD

12TH JANUARY 1901

THE LOCOMOTIVE STEAM ENGINEMEN AND FIREMEN'S  FRIENDLY SOCIETY


HASLAND BRANCH



The annual meeting was well attended on Sunday, December 30th, in spite of the inclement weather. Two important minutes were passed by the members, one for the general committee, and another for the branches, which will be forwarded to the branches within a few weeks, (Members please note.) The members here appear determined to push the question of opening out the society to all grades as early as possible, Owing to the narrow limits we have to work in, the obstacles in the way, and the opposing forces we have to contend with the Locomotive Departments, makes it difficult to obtain a great membership.


It was the opinion of the members that great credit was due to the Bristol Branch for issuing voting papers on the question of opening it out to all grades, and we are highly gratified with the result.


Although 105 new members joined up to the end of September,1900, the members do not look on that as anything to boast of; yet it is an improvement on 1899, when only nineteen new members admitted. Three new members were now admitted, and six more proposed. We are looking forward for a considerable increase in our membership later on.


The session of old branches, such as Leeds and York, has taken many old members, and the final purchase of old pensioned members has considerably lessened their numbers and left the remaining society comparatively young again.





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OLD STEAM ENGINEMEN AND FIREMEN'S  FRIENDLY SOCIETY


Sir, In a recent issue of your admirable Herald the above was making an attempt to gain favour among young loco-men. It would only be fait to the latter to remind Tham that the old society have left behind them, in the past century, a corpse unburied. When but a little self denial among so many members would have saved the wreck of their pension fund, they stopped it, causing distress among hundreds of their worn out members. The society would readily forget this. Their spread banquet had, to outward appearance, every enjoyment; but, like Banko's ghost, their past history made their music but a broken melody, like strings from broken lyres. 


DEVONIAN


(I want to ask all enginemen to refrain from these attacks, one society against another. The old society may right. or the new society may be right. Why should not both societies make use of our columns without indulging in mutual recriminations ? ED "R.H. )






THE RAILWAY HERALD

26TH JANUARY 1901

OLD STEAM ENGINEMEN AND FIREMEN'S  FRIENDLY SOCIETY




Sir, - Re your remarks on my letter in your recent issue there is one thing your readers have to be thankful for -- that we have in your enlightened Herald an open window in which we can ventilate our views, presided over by an Editor whose courtesy is only exceeded by his great impartiality. My letter on the old society was written by one who for nearly forty years has contributed to its funds, and had faith on its leaders to believe that the pension fund would have been honourably met, as in the case of the new society. My sole aim in writing was to caution my young footplate workers not to be entrapped into joining a society which has been weighed in the balance and found wanting. Thus, I think, I have only done a public duty.


DEVONIAN


(I desire to thank Devonian for his courteous references to myself. I am quite sure that this one desire is to benefit the grade to which he belongs. I cannot but add that, personally, it is a source of great grief to think that any pension scheme should fall through at such a time as this, ED R.H.) 






THE RAILWAY HERALD

9TH FEBRUARY 1901

TWO DRIVERS ON ONE ENGINE




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


MIDLAND ENGINEMAN





THE RAILWAY HERALD

9TH MARCH 1901

LOCOMOTIVE STEAM ENGINEMEN AND FIREMEN'S FRIENDLY SOCIETY

The following letter has been received.

Sir, For all past favours in the interest of the above society I return you thanks. In your issue of January 26th I noticed a writer ("Devonian") cautioning young footplate workers. He makes use of the words "old steam enginemen." Does he mean locomotive steam enginemen? If so, then I feel disgusted with him, and in the case of new society I should think they have not started to pay old age pensions yet, unless it is at Leeds or York Branches. No doubt they have some very old men there. I understand the new society has not been in existence twenty five years, and so should not have any very old men yet, unless some have got in the society late in life. All being well, I will have a look at your new society in another twenty years time; I shall know how you are getting on then. The above society has been in existence over sixty years, and from the year 1855 to 1899 £148,337 was paid to pensions alone; and we contributed during that period £93,356 as ordinary contributions to the funds to pay the above amount. Levies from the branch funds amounted to £25,545; management fund supplied £15,781, and amounts from various other sources supplied the remainders. As evidence that the society is better thought of under the new or amended rules, I mention that only nineteen new members joined that society in 1899, but up to September, 1900, 108 had joined us. Still there is plenty of room for improvement; I have before me a proposal from the Harland Branch respecting the opening out of the society to all grades. A copy of this proposal, no doubt, according to the reading, is already in the hands of all branch Secretaries. Any member wishing to know the contents should ask for it. Evidently it is one of our own class who is trying to do us all the injury they can; we have ranked in the past as one of the best friendly societies in existence, and there is no reason why we should not again, and without the aid of a trade union. Perhaps "Devonian" thinks the old society's (as he calls it) downfall would be the means of lifting the new one. it is a very funny way to rise by the downfall of another. Perhaps he thinks it may weaken another trade union; and my advice to all young men (and this is to counteract "Devonian's" remarks) is to join a registered friendly society for sickness, and not a trade union, or they may want to use your money some day for some other purpose. You never know till after. I think now I have tried to do my duty

QUANTOX







THE RAILWAY HERALD

13TH JULY 1901

LOCOMOTIVE STEAM ENGINEMEN AND FIREMEN'S FRIENDLY SOCIETY

STRATFORD BRANCH

A very pleasant evening was spent on July 1st, at Host Saunders', the company numbering upwards of fifty, who met to acknowledge the services of Bros. H.H. Brown and R. Baker for their untiring efforts on behalf of the Stratford Branch. The toast, 'Success to the Locomotive Steam Enginemen and Firemen's Friendly Society," was responded to by the energetic branch secretary, who pointed out the existence of the society since 1839, how it had honourably executed the claims of its members, including those of 600 pensioners, extending over along series of years, paying away on this latter item alone something like £470,000. This was exclusive of the £20 final Purchase Grant, which, although a voluntary offer, was accepted by the majority of the pensioners, when it was found to be absolutely necessary to alter the pension benefit. As to the Stratford Branch, he was glad to say it was more than holding its own, although it was paying 14s. per week sick pay, and the past half year had been very heavy in this respect. There were some good workers in the Stratford Branch, and last year something like twenty seven new members were made, and this year more had joined. The branch had in funds about £6 16s. per head, and aa membership of about 230, and he knew no reason why their position should to be still further improve.

The presentation consisted of specially designed gold medallions, bearing the suitable inscription, "For services rendered to the Stratford Branch," which each recipient's name engraved, and were presented to Messrs. Brown and Baker by the senior trustee of the branch, who said: "I am much pleased in having the privilege of asking you to kindly accept this small tribute of our respect as a slight acknowledgement of your hard work. Many an hour when others have been steadily working for the good of the cause you have at heart. The Locomotive Steam Enginemen and Firemen's Society is founded on Christian principles; it has done a vast amount of good, but never harm. Its objects are, and have been, to provide for the sick and aged, and to assist the families at the death of its members. While friend Baker has been proposing new members, Brown has bending his level best generally -- something of a Jack-of-all-trades. May we call this medallion the Victoria Cross of this society? There would certainly be a slight differences I understand it is generally given for taking life , while you have gained it for giving lifer, or , rather for infusing new life into this society. We cannot expect you to value these medallions for their intrinsic worth, but feel sure you will be proud of and value them for the good wishes accompanying hem -- those good wishes are that you may long be spared to continue the good work you have at heart. When you look upon these tokens of respect, I feel sure it will remind you to be up and doing something for the further benefit of the Enginemen's Sick Friendly society. I have just one word more with reference to our worthy secretary's remarks as to the strain during the 1st half year, ended June 30th, on the sick fund. Allow ,e to say that in the face of this, we have placed to our credit in the bank during the said half year no less than £112." (Applause.)

Bros. Brown and Baker suitably responded, and after enjoying the harmony of some well rendered songs, the meeting was concluded with the sining of "Auld Lang Syne." Mr. Harbott junior, officiated at the piano.





THE RAILWAY HERALD

7TH DECEMER 1901

LOCOMOTIVE STEAM ENGINEMEN AND FIREMEN'S FRIENDLY SOCIETY

The London Branch's second annual dinner has been held at "The Athenaeum," Camden Road, N., under the presidency of Mr. R. Weatherburn, Locomotive Superintendent, Kentish Town, Midland Railway, supported by Mr. J. Parker, locomotive Superintendent, Neasden, Great Central Railway. Letters of apology were read from the Locomotive Superintendents of the Great Western, London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, South Eastern and Chatham and Dover, Great Eastern Railway, Metropolitan Railway, London and South Western Railway, north London Railway, expressing their inability to attend, owing to prior arrangements. One hundred and sixty sat down to the excellent repast, ably served by Nessrs. Beale, of Holloway Road, N.

The following gentlemen contributed towards the success of the evening: Painst, Mr. J. Willis. After the toast of "The King and Royal Family," by the Chairman, Mr. R. Humphrey sang with good effect "The King," and by request, later in the evening, "The Holy City"; Mr. J.M. Heath, Mr. Goodwin, and Mr. Perry were also well received, the latter singing by request "The Star of Bethlehem"; Mr. T. Rose, the Chairman of the London Committee, and Mr. H. Banyard, in their loyal and patriotic songs, were listened to with rapt attention; Mr. Stuckey gave a cornet solo and mandolin march. The comic element were represented by Mr. Dole, in "A Nice Quiet Day"; Mr. Lawday, "The Drunkard"; and Mr. B. Simkins, n character, "The Sour Apple Tree," and "A Dear, King Doctor"; Mr. L. Simkins, also in character, "You Stop Where You Are." In fact, where all were so good, it seems invidious to make distinction.

The Chairman in proposing the toast of the evening, "The locomotive Steam Enginemen and Firemen's Friendly Society," took occasion to refer to the claims that were made some time ago to the superiority of engines of other companies abroad, and stated that when in the North of England he had the honour of  discussing the merits of the various engines then in existence; and also when in Potsdam, hearing of the clams put forward the engines running there, on looking round, he found there was nothing original about them everything borrowed, and found their first engine was built by R. Stephenson, of Newcastle on Tyne, in 1839, and claimed that English built engines could challenge comparison with any other country in the world. He had during the whole of his experience -- and he travelled a good deal -- never found any men equal in calibre to Englishmen, and, referring to Russian Cossack and German enginemen, said if he wanted an engine taken care of, he would only trust it to our men, and not foreigners. Their society was the first society of enginemen in this country, and today it included a greater number of qualified drivers than any other. He urged the members to look after it do its duty by them. It had proved itself the friend of drivers  and firemen by the very large amount paid in benefits to its members since its inception.

Mr. J. Clements, President of the Society, in responding for the Society, said he was pleased to be there that evening. He had never thought it too far to come to their gatherings. He had always considered, since he was a lad, there was something more required than paying your money to a friendly society. There was the social side to them in visiting those who had fallen in adversity by sickness or death, when a friendly visit does much to remove the clouds away. He had been an official of the society a very long time, having been a branch secretary for over thirty years. He saw there were a good young men there, and he advised them not to think they were always  going to be young. They would all get older some day, and he urged them to do their portion for the society to make it better for them in their old age, and at the same time lighten the burden of others. He urges them to take the Chairman's advice to do ll the good they could, and endeavour to bring about such a feeling, from the cleaner to the superintendent, that one and all would benefit thereby.

Mr. Wray (London representative) also responded, and said, after the very able speech of Mr. Clements, he hardly knew what to say, and that it reminded him of something he had read at one tie, "Oh, wretched man that I am, who will deliver me?" That somewhat represented his feelings that evening. All their large friendly societies seemed to him more like competitive genies, each straining every nerve to get hold of young blood. They also must endeavour to get their young men to join to take placer of those we lost by death. Being confirmed strictly to locomotive men, should make it one of the best friendly societies in the country. It was not only the interest, but the duty of all to work for the society of which they were members.

Mr. Rose proposed the toast of "The Chairman." He has the pleasure, he said, of knowing Mr. Weatherburn's father who bore in the North of England a spotless character. The Weatherburns were as well known as Dicken's household words. If Midland men stuck to him, he would stick to them. They had the right man in the right place. The toast was received with musical honours.  

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