Accrington on Rails - The Tramways: A Complete History - Robert Kenyon

3 pence, and 5 inches in depth @ 8 shillings 9 pence per hundred respectively. The Borough Engineer reported that he had placed an order with the Horrocksford Limestone Company of Clitheroe for a supply of limestone chippings including delivery ‘as and when required’ at the price of 4 shillings 10 pence per ton for ¾̋ grade and 4 shillings 6 pence per ton for ½̋ grade. His actions were given the Sub-Committee’s approval. Also discussed were the list of tenders for the supply of plant and tools, which would be required during the tramways construction. The Borough Engineer was authorised to tabulate them and present them in due course. The General Works Committee having referred to the minutes of the Sub-Committee, in relation to the supply of stone ballast in connection with the laying of the new tramway, it was suggested, this should be broken down to the correct size in the quarries by the quarry owners themselves, before distribution on the grounds of economy. It was further resolved that the footpath on Manchester Road between the Oak Hill park gates should be made as wide as possible. Then the Borough Surveyor pointed out that in order to obtain sufficient width between the outer rails of the new tramway and the kerbs and footpaths, it would be necessary to alter the footpaths in several places. These he identified as on Blackburn Road, Whalley Road, and Abbey Street as well as on Manchester Road. He requested the Committee’s instructions on these matters. It was resolved to give him authority to make the alterations to the extent indicated in the locations he had identified. At a meeting of the Finance Committee held on January 28 th , the question of taking on extra staff in the Borough Treasurer’s office for the period when the tramway reconstruction was underway was discussed. ( Having come to a decision on the company to be employed to weld the tramway rails, the following contract was drawn up .) THERMIT LIMITED. Dr. H. Goldsmith’s Patent ALUMINO - THERMIC PROCESS. CONTRACTORS TO 27, Martins Lane, H. M. Government Cannon Street, LONDON A Contract made and entered into this January 22 nd day, 1907. Between Thermit Ltd, of 27, Martins Lane, in the City of London, Engineers & Contractors, (hereafter known as the Contractors), of the 1 st part, and the Mayor, Aldermen, & Burgesses of the Borough of Accrington, acting by the Council as the Tramway Authority for the said Borough, (hereafter known as the Corporation), of the 2 nd part. WHEREAS The Corporation intend by virtue of the powers concurred upon them by the Accrington Corporation Act 1905, to lay down and construct Tramways with an overhead electrical system of traction within the said Borough, and for this purpose require the joints of these rails to be welded together by Dr. Goldsmith’s patented Alumino - Thermic Process, have received from the Contractors the tender hereunto annexed, to carry out and execute, and maintain such welding in accordance with the general conditions, letters. Pamphlet descriptions as annexed at, or for the price of 22/6d less 2 % per joint, as therein appearing to abide by, observe and fulfil to perform the several conditions, stipulations, provisions and agreements as set forth in the general conditions, letters and tender in which this tender was duly accepted. (NOW THESE PRESENT WITNESS) (1) The Contractor shall in all respects comply with the terms set down in this tender, and complete this work as agreed. (2) The Contractor shall not deviate from the specifications set down. (3) The Corporation shall pay the Contractors accept for and in respect of the said works, labour, materials and matters the sum or price as mentioned in the said tender. (4) The said general conditions, letters and tender respectively annexed hereunto and all the drawings and other matters contained therein, shall be deemed to be part and parcel of

132