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

of Lancashire & Cheshire Tramway Authorities held for the purpose of deciding what action if any, should be taken with regard to complying with the fixing of areas or conditions. This was designed to secure greater uniformity in scales of pay and conditions of service after the War. The following resolution had been passed - “The representatives at this meeting of the Lancashire & Cheshire Tramway Authorities undertakings is of the opinion, having due regard to the decision taken on January 3 rd 1917 by the Committee for Production with regard to the fixing of areas and conditions of labour, with the object of achieving greater uniformity, that all tramway authorities in Lancashire and Cheshire, should be recommended to take ‘combined action’ with a view to considering the entire question.” It was resolved the Town Clerk was instructed to join with all the other authorities concerned, whilst the Tramway Manager was appointed as a representative to attend the meetings of this group. It was further resolved the Tramway Manager should make arrangements for the medical examinations of all female applicants for the positions as tramway drivers. Finally, a letter was received from Haslingden Corporation approving the suggested increases in the fares between Accrington and Haslingden. At a meeting of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of all Committees, it was resolved the annual salary of Mr Harry Pilling would be increased by £25 to £325 from April 1 st , 1917, and by an additional £25 on April 1 st , 1918 to £350 per year. At a Council meeting Mr Becket was asked if he could separate the tramways account from that of the electricity account. He replied that by an Act of Parliament he was obliged to do just that and it had always been done. Cllr Wilkinson asked that now the workmen’s penny return fares were to be withdrawn, if it was possible to offer tickets in books of twelve for nine pence, which would amount to an increase of only 50%. Cllr Wooler moved that the minute referring to the withdrawal of the penny fares should be referred back for further consideration, and this was seconded by Cllr Wilkinson. Cllr Lord pointed out that workmen could travel all the way from Clayton-le-Moors to Oswaldtwistle for two pence which was very economical travelling. Alderman Higham stated that the only ones that would be adversely affected would be those people who were travelling just one stage, whilst those travelling more than one stage would not! He also went to say that if this move did not go through, then they would have to increase the rates, and this would be unfair to those people who did not use the trams and who would gain not a farthings benefit from it. We are bringing ourselves into line with other corporations, and at the same time railways had taken the bull by the horns and raised their fares by 50% right across the board. Cllr Walsh asked for the figures of just how many people travelled on the trams for free, as he felt it was a considerable number. Ald. Higham said that these included the blind, disabled servicemen, nurses going about their duties and some other privileged individuals who by virtue of the war were allowed this concession. He ended by stating, “This does not include me!” April The Electrical & Tramways Committee met and resolved that the Tramway Manager and the Borough Treasurer should join with neighbouring authorities in the purchase of a quantity of tram rails and trolley wire. The Tramway Manager reported on the findings of the Committee on Production’s arbitration proceedings which were - “At the first full pay day after March 12 th last, further increases will be given to all female tramway workers on top of those already awarded, whether as permanent increases or in the form of a War Bonus. This will give women of eighteen years and over an extra 3/6d per week, and an extra 2/- per week to girls under the age of eighteen. This advance to be regarded as a War Bonus and recognised as due to, and dependent on, the existence of the abnormal conditions now prevailing as a consequence of the War.” A letter was received from the District Secretary of the Amalgamated Association of Tramway & Vehicle Workers, making an application for a further increase of 10/- per week for their entire membership, both men and women engaged in certain specified occupations. It was resolved the Tramway Manager should reply that this Committee could not see their way to comply with this request. It was then resolved the Chairman, Vice-Chair and Alderman Rawson should meet with a deputation from Haslingden Corporation, with a view to agreeing revised terms under which the tramway service in

239