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

CHAPTER 9

ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS 1920 TO 1923 1920 (There were more demands for increases in pay from sections of the staff and also for improved amenities for workers in all sections of the Tramway Department. Having received the donation from Mr Gordon JP facilities for passengers in the town centre were taking a turn for the better. The workers now formed a committee to represent them in any talks with the management on matters of mutual interest.) During the period reviewed in this Chapter the following cars were delivered. No . Type Seats In Out Disposal 31 Saloon 40 192 0 193 2 Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Electric Tramway 32 Saloon 40 192 0 193 2 Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Electric Tramway 40 Double deck 44 up 32 down 192 0 193 4 Southend on Sea Corporation 41 Double deck 44 up 32 down 192 0 193 4 Southend on Sea Corporation Notes When cars number 31 and 32 were delivered they were also in a ‘slightly’ darker shade of red. January The Electricity & Tramways Committee met and following an inspection of the vestibule fitted to car number 13, it was resolved that the Tramway Manager could have similar vestibules fitted to the remainder of the older types of double-deck cars, as and when circumstances permitted. It was also resolved the Borough Surveyor should proceed with providing lavatory accommodation in the Tramway Offices located within the Market Hall. February The Electricity & Tramways Committee met and the Tramway Manager reported on an application he had received from the Tramway Department’s coachbuilders and coachpainters for an increase in their rates of pay. He stated that these categories of workmen were already being paid at a rate in accordance with the one prevailing in the area. It was resolved that the Tramway Manager could adjust these rates as he thought appropriate. The Town Clerk referred to a communication he had received from Haslingden Corporation, on the proposed increase in fares for the through journey. It was resolved that the Tramway Manager should compile a report at the earliest opportunity not just on this but on the fares structure on the system as a whole. A letter was received from the Ministry of Transport enclosing a copy of a letter from the District Supervisor of the United Vehicle Workers (Tramways Section), stating that their Rawtenstall members had agreed to resume running trams through to Accrington again. The Electricity & Tramways Committee met on the 19 th and the Tramway Manager reported on his efforts to deal with the rates of pay for the coach-builders and coach-painters. It was resolved the Chairman, Vice Chair and Councillor Lambert would be allowed to deal with this matter. A letter was received from the General Secretary of the National Union of Transport Workers’ Federation, making an application on behalf of all tramway employees, for an additional War Bonus of 10 shillings for over eighteens and 5

261