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

On July 9 th , 1915, four female conductors were employed on the same rates of pay as their male counterparts. Traffic income to August 12 th 1914 = £11,586. Traffic income to August 11 th 1915 = £10,823. A reduction of £762, and if one more day was included = £700. We are now in a position to compare traffic earnings for the two weeks following the declaration of war in 1914, with the corresponding figure for 1915. The Committee also examined the income against the costs of the Parcels Department and of car maintenance. With regard to the issue of uniforms, it was proposed to have two issues of new ones over the period of three years. The cost of energy had been increased by 2¾%, and the cost of maintaining the permanent way was estimated to increase during the year by a ‘substantial’ sum. The final payment of £50 to the former General Manager would be made on September 30 th next. The Committee concluded that these estimates as submitted by the Borough Treasurer would be accepted, with regard to the amount of information then available. RULES, REGULATIONS & INSTRUCTIONS for DRIVERS & CONDUCTORS (Having operated the electric tramways for eight years the next General Manager & Engineer, Mr Harry Pilling A.M.I.E.E., thought it necessary to issue a new set of rules, regulations and instructions to the platform staff. Printed by the firm of Ward Knowles at their Bridge Street Press during October 1915, this is a synopsis of these changes, whilst bearing in mind that during the Great War females would be for the first time employed by the Tramway Department to make up for the shortfall of manpower felt acutely in Accrington.) All men employed by Accrington Corporation Tramways Authority are subject to General Rules and Regulations of the Tramways Department, as may be issued from time to time. 1. The object of presenting these rules to drivers and conductors is to impress upon them the fact that their position will be held subject to full compliance with these and other rules, which may be laid down for their observance. 2. Any violation of any one or more of these Rules and Regulations, or of the orders which may be issued from time to time, will in the discretion of the Manager, warrant instant dismissal. 3. All new men will be employed as spare shedmen, spare time conductors and then drivers as directed by the Manager. They will be required to make themselves thoroughly efficient in all their duties on all sections of the Tramways, and subject to their being found suitable jobs will be appointed to full service as and when vacancies occur. 4. No driver or conductor must leave without giving three days’ notice, or he will forfeit all arrears of back pay then due and would render himself liable to prosecution. The Corporation shall give the same period of notice, except in a case of misconduct or neglect, when the offending party will be liable to instant dismissal. 5. Every person issued with a uniform must wear it whilst on duty, must at all times present a clean and neat appearance, be civil and obliging to all classes, attentive to aging or infirm passengers, abstain from improper language and misconduct, chewing tobacco , spitting, whistling, dancing etc., and must generally behave themselves in such a manner as to avoid bringing disrespect to the uniform. 6. Drivers and conductors must wear the uniform when on duty, attending Head Office or at Court. The tunic or greatcoat must be worn fully buttoned. Employees whilst on duty must not wear any flower, emblem or decoration of any kind unless at special occasions and then only with the permission of the General Manager. 7. When leaving the Corporation’s service uniforms and all equipment belonging to the Corporation must be handed in. No pay due will be given until all articles including this rule book have been returned, and any damage to these properties will be deducted from 1915 = £1194. 1914 = £1141. Plus £50 equal to £25 per week.

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