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

(Temporary Increase in Charges) Act of 1918, along with the similar Act of 1920, as continued in the Expiring Laws Act of 1922, which modified the statutory maximum charges on the tramway undertaking, on and after the 16 th instant up until March 31 st , 1924. As instructed at the last meeting, the Tramway Manager had submitted further information and data to assist the Committee in coming to a decision with regard to a revision of fares on the tramway. Consideration of this matter was again postponed to a ‘special’ meeting, as was the matter raised by Church UDC on the introduction of 1 penny stages. March The Electricity & Tramways Committee met to receive a letter from the General Secretary of the Municipal Tramways Association (Incorporated), as to the desirability of all tramway authorities joining the International Union of Tramways and Light Railways, and setting out the advantages of membership. It was resolved that in the event of sufficient British tramway undertakings electing to join this international organisation to warrant publication of their publications in the English language, the Committee were in favour of taking up membership. They were also prepared to be represented at their conference which was due to be held in this country during 1924. A letter was received from the T&GWU putting forwards a claim on behalf of the Inspectors’ District Committee for improvements to the status, wages and general working condition for Inspectors working for the Accrington authority. Also read out was a communication from the General Secretary of the Municipal Tramways Association, intimating that the question raised was one for the National Council and not one which an individual authority should deal. It was resolved to reply accordingly. The Tramway Manager then submitted tenders for the supply of one dozen gear wheels, and it was resolved to accept the one from Sheffield Steel Products Ltd. Next it was resolved to have a suitable plate fixed to the new tramway shelter on Peel Street, acknowledging that Mr Gordon JP was the donor. Yet again the question of the proposed introduction of 1 penny fare stages was deferred. The Committee met to discuss at length a proposed revision of tramway fares, following which it was resolved the Council would be recommended not to make any alterations to the existing fares structure under the provision of the Accrington Corporation Tramways (Temporary Increase of Charges) Order 1923 during the ensuing financial year. Haslingden Corporation Tramways announced they were increasing their 1 penny stages to 1½p, but this would only affect internal fares between Lock Gate and the Great Tree Inn at Rising Bridge and not through passengers from Accrington. April At a meeting of the Town Council, on receiving the minutes of the Electricity & Tramways Committee an amendment was tabled to the one referring to a revision of fares back to them. This was put to a vote and was defeated, so the minutes were approved and adopted. The Electricity & Tramways Committee met and the Tramway Manager submitted an application from Messrs Littlewood Bros, dealers in poultry foods on Whalley Road in Accrington, for an illuminated sign to be fixed to a tramway standard close to Lloyd’s Bank. A letter was read out from solicitors Messrs Holden & Rawlinson of Blackburn, which was signed by several traders from Union Road in Oswaldtwistle. It requested an alteration to be made in the position of a passing loop on this road. It was resolved that a reply be sent expressing this Committee’s regret that this would not be possible. It was then resolved that the Tramway Manager should obtain a point controller from the Equipment & Engineering Company of London, to be installed at the Church terminus. He also submitted samples and tenders for the printing of a quantity of window transfers to further the ‘Safety First Campaign’. It was resolved to pass this matter on to the Watch Committee. May At a meeting of the Watch Committee the Chief Constable submitted a sample sign which he proposed to have attached to tramway standards, for the purpose of directing motorised traffic off the footpaths and onto the main roadways. He was authorised to obtain 40 such signs to be fixed to a number of ‘selected’ standards. At a meeting of the Electricity & Tramways Committee, it was resolved the Tramway Manager could obtain tenders for the supply of uniforms for the undertaking’s employees for the ensuing year. He was also authorised to take measures to facilitate the purchase of a supply of ‘discount’ tickets, and to publicise their availability as widely as possible. It was then resolved the Tramway Manager should have a timetable for the Church & Oswaldtwistle Section fixed to tramway standards on each side of the road at the junction of Market Street and Blackburn Road in Church. The Borough Treasurer reported that the lease on the property at Church terminus occupied by Doctor Craig was about to expire, and he wanted to know on what terms this lease could be renewed. It was resolved that another lease of five years in duration be granted to Dr Craig at a rental of £52 per annum. It was

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