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

sufficient to meet the present needs. The Tramway Manager then submitted samples and tenders for the supply of uniforms for Tramway employees. (On March 16 th , 1925 the Tramways Sub-Committee discussed the question of obtaining powers to operate Motor Omnibuses and came unanimously to the conclusion that powers should be sought in the next Bill to be promoted by Accrington Corporation in Parliament.) The Tramway Manager reported that he and the Mayor had attended the ‘special’ meeting of the Municipal Tramways Association in London on March 26 th , where the following resolution was passed - “That in the opinion of this meeting local authorities should have conferred upon them the freedom of action to operate Motor Omnibus Services, upon the same terms as those afforded to individual owners, and those appeals to the High Court against refusals of licensing authorities to Motor Omnibuses should be restored. That the Council of this Association be instructed to arrange a meeting with MPs and the Prime Minister to call their attention to the position of the Tramway undertakings in relation to competing Motor Omnibus services, and for this purpose to have the power to co-opt any member, or members of the Association who are not already on the Council. The members of this Council along with Mr R. Waddington MP, and Alderman H. Palin MP, as well as representatives from the following authorities – Bolton, Bradford, Halifax, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton, met in the House of Commons in conference with 95 Members.” Mr Waddington was appointed Chair as he had a leading role in bringing the House of Commons attention to this question. He stated the question before them was not whether passenger transport services should be operated by local authorities or by private companies or individuals, but to resolve what remedy for the existing state of affairs could be adopted to end ‘wasteful competition’ and prevent it happening. He assured the meeting that the Minister of Transport was well aware of the gravity of the situation and concerned to find an amicable solution. Alderman Jenkins JP then addressed this meeting, calling the attention of the Ministry of Transport in dealing with licensing appeals asking what steps should be taken to restore the ‘right of appeals’ to the High Court. Alderman Jenkins was followed by Mr Arthur Fearnley of Sheffield and Alderman Hey of Halifax. A number of questions were asked by MPs and duly answered. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Joseph Nall (DSO) MP then submitted the following motion - “That Sir Charles Wilson MP or Mr R. Waddington MP and Alderman J. H. Palin are appointed from this conference to co-operate with representatives from the Municipal Tramways Association, in making representations to the Minister of Transport on the subjects that have been under discussion.” Your Sub-Committee again considered the advisability of the Corporation securing powers to operate Motor Omnibus Services, and reiterated that it was “in the best interests of the Corporation to obtain these powers”. April At a meeting of the Tramways Sub-Committee as instructed the Tramway Manager submitted his report on the number of passengers carried on each tramcar between 17:30 and 18:00. After careful consideration he was instructed to make further observations during the ensuing ten days, with particular attention being paid as to how many passengers are left on board at each point along the route, and submit this report back to the next meeting. The ‘special’ Sub-Committee appointed to examine the tenders for the supply of uniforms for the Tramway department’s employees, recommended that the tender of Briggs, Jones & Gibson of Brook Mill, Lostock Street, Oldham Road, Manchester should be accepted – 1. 8 Inspectors’ tunics @ £2 – 6s – 9d each and trousers @ £1 – 2s – 6d per pair. 2. 92 Motormen’s and Conductors’ tunics @ £1 – 15s – 3d each and trousers @ 19/11d per pair. 3. 18 Parcel Youths’ tunics @ £1 – 5s – 9d each, trousers @ 13/8d per pair and overcoats @ £1 – 4s – 6d each. These overcoats to be of Grade A cloth, tunics & trousers of Grade B cloth. Uniform caps from Mr A. Perry of 7 Grange Avenue, Southport, as follows - 8 Inspectors’ @ 6/11d each, 92 Motormen’s & Conductors’ @ 5/4d each and 18 Parcel Youths’ @ 5/4d each. All to be supplied without any cap badges.

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