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

tackling the climb up Manchester Road out of the town in complete safety with a full load. A trail was held substituting sand bags as ballast for passengers, and when this proved successful on the 23 rd , through running to Bacup began. The Chairman then reported that Motorman Instructor, Inspector Wilkinson had tendered his resignation, which would come into force after a fortnight. It was reported that Inspector Eva had been approached to take up the vacant position, but had declined. In the light of this, it was resolved that Car Shed Foreman, Mr Harry Pilling, would undertake these duties and would not receive an increase in salary for twelve months to give time to see how the new arrangements had worked. At a meeting of the General Works Committee, they considered a matter which had been deferred from the previous meeting, concerning the land purchase at the top end of Ellison Street, subject to a cost of £2 per square yard and alterations to the Vicarage’s access, plus the £50 claimed by the Vicar in compensation. It was resolved to accept these terms, but with a reduction in the compensation from £50 to £25. The Electrical Sub-Committee met to examine a number of samples and tenders for the supply of uniforms for the employees of the Tramway’s Department for the coming year. The ones submitted by Messrs James Smith & Company Ltd, of Derby was selected at the following prices - 37 Drivers’ suits @ £1 – 11s – 4d each. 34 Conductors’ suits @ £1 – 11s – 4d each. 13 Parcels youths’ suits @ £1 – 10s – 10d each. It was also resolved to ask Messrs Smiths to submit a quotation for 8 Inspector’s uniforms to be made from similar cloth to that of the tram crews, as their original tender was higher due to them using a better quality material. Their amended quotation was then accepted. This Sub-Committee then examined tenders for the supply of materials and stores for the Tramway Department for the upcoming year, and settled on the following - Gear wheels – (Messrs Watlington & Co., Manchester) @ £2 – 12s – 6d each. Pinions - (Messrs Watlington & Co, Manchester) @ 6/6d each.

Brake blocks - (Messrs Lupton & Sons) @ 7/9d per cwt less 2½% discount. Polishing paste - (Messrs J.E. Sharp & Sons, London) @ 10/6 per 28lb tin. Rack Shoes - (British Westinghouse Co.) @ 10/6d per pair. Suspension springs - (British Westinghouse Co.) @ 1/4d per pair. Waste cloths - (W.C. Jones, Manchester) @ 16/- per cwt less 2½% discount. Rags - (W.C. Jones, Manchester) @ 31/- per cwt less 2½% discount. Sponges - (W.C. Jones, Manchester) @ 7/6d per gross less 2½% discount. Paraffin oil - (J.T. Lonsdale, Oswaldtwistle) @ 6½d per gallon. Gear grease - (Robert Young & Co., Manchester) @ 16/8d per cwt. Vaseline - (Robert Young & Co., Manchester) @ £1 – 1s – 0d per cwt. Sand - (Mr Wright-Marshall, Oswaldtwistle) @ 4/- per ton delivered. Insulating material - (Messrs L. Andrew & Co., Manchester) as per list. Paints - (Messrs Berger, Homerton) at prices per schedule. Varnish - (Docker Bros Ltd, Birmingham) @ 16/- per gallon.

a) The Tramway Manager was authorised to order coke on the best terms available from the Gas & Water Board, and to obtain coal as and when required at not more than 19/3d per ton. b) Also to obtain samples of trolley wheels from ‘Tramway Supplies’ of Leeds, whilst continuing to take supply from H. E. Lupton & Sons od Accrington. c) He could then obtain 100 volt metal C.P. Lamps from the Electricity Department of the Corporation. d) He was authorised to obtain a 12 gallon drum of best bearing oil from Mr J. T. Lonsdale, plus one from Messrs Belsey & Co. to be tried on one car for the purpose of evaluation. e) Finally, he was asked to obtain a sample of body varnish from Messrs Kersley of Ripon, and report to the Chairman thereon.

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