Page:Engines and men- the history of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. A survey of organisation of railways and railway locomotive men (IA enginesmenhistor00rayniala).pdf/229

 demands. The new and third award added 17 per cent. to the average pre-war earnings of railway workers, but the cost of living had increased by twice that percentage, so that we had the spectacle of the workers bearing all the sacrifice, while thousands of profiteers were assembling fortunes. During the winter of 1915-1916, and the early summer of 1916, prices continued to rise steeply, until in July the cost of living was 65 per cent. above the pre-war level, and the agreement of October, 1915, became simply intolerable to men of spirit. It could count for nothing in face of such facts, and a demand for a 10s. advance in wages, not war bonus, became imperative.

The membership of the Society had grown considerably, for during 1914 it had increased by 1,123, in spite of the fact that 1,400 had joined the colours, and the year closed with 32,900 members, and funds of £184,327. There were 11,998 members of the National Insurance Department, Approved Society No. 253. This was followed by the 1915 Report, showing that 2,219 men were serving, but still membership had increased, and stood at 33,624, six new branches having been opened. The income for the year was £43,230, a record, and the increase on the year, £12,630, with the total funds of £196,958 were both records. The "Journal" had materially changed in character, relating more to members and branches than to companies and big engines, the result being an increase of over 1,000 in its regular sale. That increase rapidly grew in subsequent years, until in 1921 the "Journal" enjoys a net sale of 28,000 copies per issue. The close of 1916 saw a membership of 34,039, with an addition to capital funds of £18,020 (over 10s. per member), The total funds reaching the remarkable figure of £214,987. There were then 2,678 members with the Army and Navy, all free from contributions, and it should be remembered, too, that the cost of everything required had vastly increased.

The Society was therefore in a formidable position when, in July and August of 1916, it again came to grips with truculent companies on behalf of members. On July 17th Mr. Bromley sent the following telegram to Mr. C. W. Bowerman, M.P.:—